‘So many stories to tell’: First Nations poet wins prestigious literary prize

Sydney Morning Herald

by Kylie Northover

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

‘So many stories to tell’: First Nations poet wins prestigious literary prize

First Nations poet Evelyn Araluen has made history by winning the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Literary Prize for her poetry collection *The Rot*. The award, which includes a $100,000 prize, recognizes her second collection as “vulnerable, taut and uncompromising.” Araluen also took home the Indigenous Writing Prize, earning an additional $25,000. Her victory follows her 2022 Stella Prize win for *Dropbear*, marking a significant milestone in her career. *The Rot* is described as a dark and introspective work that explores themes of gender, global capitalism, and settler-colonialism. Araluen herself noted the book’s focus on these complex issues, comparing it to her earlier work, which interrogated colonial myths. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in addressing such pressing topics, stating, “we have so many stories to tell.” Araluen’s success highlights the growing recognition of Indigenous voices in Australian literature. Though she doesn’t see *The Rot* as distinctly Indigenous, her win underscores the value of diverse perspectives in contemporary poetry. The awards also celebrated other notable works, including Randa Abdel-Fattah’s *Discipline*, which won the People’s Choice Award, and Omar Musa’s novel *Fierceland*. These achievements reflect a broader shift toward valuing stories that challenge and critique societal norms. Araluen’s accomplishments are not just personal milestones but also a testament to the power of literature in addressing global issues. Her work invites readers to engage deeply with complex themes, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary challenges. As she noted, literary prizes, despite their limitations, play a role in amplifying these voices and acknowledging the richness of storytelling traditions. This recognition of Araluen and other authors at the awards underscores the importance of diverse narratives in shaping our understanding of the world. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for writers and readers alike, showing how literature can bridge cultural divides and spark meaningful conversations.

Verticals

worldaustralia

Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026