The 2019 competition dates are being set.
The 2019 competition dates have not been announced yet. If you would like to receive an email when the competition opens, please email brucedaweprize@usq.edu.au.
Thank you to everyone who entered the 2018 Prize. We had over 1000 poems submitted demonstrating the continued enthusiasm for poetry in Australia. Congratulations to our 2018 winner, Natalie D-Napoleon.
As an Australian poet, your contribution shapes our culture. None believed this more so than Emeritus Professor Bruce Dawe AO, one of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary poets. Professor Dawe believed that universities should support the study of literature and promote the Arts in Australian society. His decision to sponsor this prominent Literary Prize is ongoing, living proof of his conviction. This annual $2500 prize has been generously endowed by Emeritus Professor Dawe to celebrate Australian poetry.
Further information
For further information, please email brucedaweprize@usq.edu.au.
Do I have to submit all of the poems I want at once?/I have already submitted one poem, but would now like to submit more, is that possible?
Yes. To ensure the registration system and payment function works, you are not able to edit your entries after submission. The terms and conditions do not allow the editing of entries.
I have published my poem on my blog, social media or in print, does that make it ineligible for entry?
Our definition of publication excludes self-publishing. You are welcome to enter any poem you have written if it has not been published by a third party at the time of submission.
Is there any theme or structure required?
No, let your creativity flow. There is no theme, nor is there a preferred structure. Everything from free verse to formal styles such as bush poetry, sonnets and haikus are welcome.
I would like to edit the poem I have submitted. Can that be done?
No, the terms and conditions do not allow the editing of submitted poems.
I cannot enter the competition as the registration system is telling me that my email address is already used.
If you are a past entrant or have attended other USQ events in the past, you may already have an account with us. When you select enter now on the homepage and it redirects you, enter your email address on the right under ‘Have you registered with us before?’ then click on the ‘I forgot my password’ link in the lower right hand corner. This should automatically send you an email to reset your password.
Once you have reset your password, you should be able to login under the ‘Have you registered with us before?’ and proceed with your submission. If this doesn’t work, please email brucedaweprize@usq.edu.au with an image of the error message you are receiving and we will help you find another way.
I don’t have access to a computer, is there another way to enter the competition?
We encourage all entrants to register online, and if they do not have computer access to seek assistance from family and friends. If this is not possible, please contact brucedaweprize@usq.edu.au to arrange an alternative.
View our current and previous winners.