A debut writer has created history by claiming the $100,000 Victorian Literature Prize with a picture book—the first instance where a children’s book has secured this esteemed accolade.
Author and artist Wanda Gibson’s book "Nukgal Wurra" Three Dresses Published by the University of Queensland, this work also claimed the $25,000 children’s prize for literature at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, which were presented in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
Gibson, who is 79 years old, resides in the Hope Vale Aboriginal community located in Far North Queensland and could not attend the event. However, her son Bruce collected the accolade on her behalf. During a telephone conversation from Queensland, Gibson expressed astonishment at the recognition her book has garnered.
She mentioned, 'I wasn’t aware they include books in contests,'
The great-grandmother, who boasts five children, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, never intended to become an author. However, around "12 or 13 years back" when she started engaging in weaving and painting, everything changed. She earned a diploma in visual arts in 2014 and soon after showcased her artwork. Following a partnership with a nearby Indigenous social business, representatives from the University of Queensland Press reached out to her about writing a picture book.
Gibson never thought her work would result in securing one of Australia’s most prestigious literary awards. She expressed her astonishment, stating that upon discovering she had won the $25,000 category prize, she was left speechless.
I called my son and told him, 'I'm trembling here.' He asked, 'What's wrong, Mom? Are you unwell?' I replied, 'I'm stunned because I received this award.' He exclaimed, 'That's not possible—it's your debut novel!'
Leveraging her upbringing at the Hope Vale mission, Three Dresses depicts the tale of Wanda and her clan as they prepare for their annual vacation. Each household was permitted just one getaway per year, so her kin chose to pitch tents beside the sea. The mother instructed them to pack "three frocks...one for washing, one for wearing, and an extra." Through Gibson’s clean yet captivating artwork, we follow this family during their seaside adventure—setting up camp, taking dips in the ocean, roasting fish over a bonfire, and reveling in liberties typically out of reach.
The awards judges described Three Dresses As "a truth revealed through language" that "provides the reader with the feeling that 'family' functions as a verb, signifying an act of experiencing liberation with joy."
Other acknowledged authors at the awards were Jeanine Leane, who took home the poetry prize for her book. Gawimarra, while the award for Indigenous writing was won by Amy McQuire Black Witness Other recipients included Fiona McFarlane for Highway 13 Susan Hampton (non-fiction), Emma Lord (young adult), and Robert Skinner were awarded the inaugural John Clarke prize for humor writing, with fiction also being recognized.
Regarding the stunned victor, Gibson is uncertain about how she plans to use her winnings. "I have no idea since I've never had so much money before," she stated.
I'll likely just put it towards the children and... improve our quality of living.
The Booklist is a weekly publication designed for avid readers, curated by Jason Steger. Have it delivered each Friday .