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Member only guide to the Australian book industry.
The ASA Medal is awarded biennially to an Australian author or illustrator who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian culture as both a creator and an advocate. The recipient will have a significant body of work, and, in addition, will have strived to encourage and support their peers, having mentored and fostered emerging writers and/or illustrators.
Past esteemed recipients include Bruce Pascoe (2021), Thomas Keneally (2019), Edel Wignell (2017), Valerie Parv AM (2014), Nadia Wheatley (2014), Robert Pullan (2012), Hazel Edwards OAM (2009), Glenda Adams (2007), Inga Clendinnen AO (2005), Tim Winton (2003) and Anita Heiss (2003).
Each medal is handcrafted in sterling silver by Yuwaalaraay-Gamilaraay artist Melissa Stannard. The design was inspired by the estuarine mangrove river systems, where fresh and saltwater meet, merge and blend. These mangrove systems provide a haven of safety, serenity as well as a healing nurturing habitat for fingerlings and the next generation of other new life. The design references the supportive and uplifting work and inspirational contributions of medal recipients. We thank Melissa Stannard for her beautiful design.
Nominations open
19 April 2023
Nominations close
2 June 2023, 5pm AEST
Recipient announcement
The recipient will be publicly announced at the Colin Simpson Memorial Keynote on 14 November 2023
ASA members are welcome to nominate any Australian author or illustrator they wish to be considered for the 2023 ASA Medal. Self-nomination is not permitted. The nominee does not have to be an ASA member.
Nominations must be received via the online nomination form with a 500-word max. reason for nomination.
Nominations must conform to the ASA Medal’s Terms and Conditions. Any nominations that do not meet the terms and conditions will not be considered.
Nominations for the 2023 ASA Medal have closed. The recipient will be announced at the Colin Simpson Memorial Keynote in Melbourne on 14 November 2023.
Queries should be directed to [email protected] or call on 02 9211 1004.
The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is proud to announce that the 2021 ASA Medal has been awarded to Bruce Pascoe!
Established in 2003, the ASA Medal is awarded biennially to an Australian author or illustrator who has made an outstanding contribution to Australian culture, both as a creator and an advocate.
Bruce Pascoe is an award-winning author of over 30 books, an editor, publisher, anthologist, researcher and educator. Bruce’s literary output ranges from short stories to essays, reviews, textbooks, children’s fiction, adult fiction, anthropology, indigenous language and history. Much of his work has shone a spotlight on the history of our First Nations people, sparked dialogue, widely engaged Australians on a re-consideration of Aboriginal agriculture, and challenged colonial assumptions.
The ASA regards Pascoe’s contribution as vital in this age of truth-telling. The Society deeply admires his literary works, as well as his commitment to mentoring and fostering emerging writers throughout his career.
