From Poetry and Poetics Centre

Entries are now invited for the Max Harris Poetry Award 2008.

Offering a prize of $3,000 for the winning entry, the Max Harris Poetry Award aims to recognise the work and talent of Australian poets.

Established in 1993 with the encouragement of acclaimed writer Max Harris, this national award acknowledges the significant contribution that poetry offers to Australian literary culture.

The winning entry and two unpaid commended entries will receive University of South Australia Max Harris Poetry Award Certificates, which will be presented at an award ceremony in October 2008.

The best entries will be published in the Max Harris Poetry Award poetry collection to be released in 2009.

The entry fee is $10 for one poem and an extra $5 per poem for up to two additional poems.

The closing date for entries is 15 July 2008.

Please follow the links to the Entry form and the Conditions of entry form.

Max Harris (1921 - 1995)

"Harris was possessed of stupendous energy and a wellspring of enthusiasm. He was handsome, raven-haired with velvet brown eyes and a good voice. He also was charismatic, erudite and extremely witty—a combination which was to attract envy throughout his life."

"Max Harris published several smaller books of lyric verse over the years—The Coorong and Other Poems, A Window at Night, Poetic Gems... He also wrote The Australian Way with Words, The Land That Waited, Ockers, Unknown Great Australians and The Best of Max Harris. He continued always to encourage new writers and artists, never losing his connection with the art world. And although he travelled extensively, he kept Adelaide as a base."

(Excerpts from Ern Malley - The Official Website)