Garlett Group has the privilege to celebrate the art of storytelling, with the unique voices of First Nations authors, who bring unparalleled depth, creativity, and cultural richness to the literary world. As First Nations business, we have the immense honour of working with The West Australian to bring Indigenous perspectives into mainstream media and to foster the next generation of storytellers.
We have the best job in the world, bringing First Nations stories to life. Nurturing the future of Australian literature is deeply rewarding.
The First Nations Storytelling Prize: A Platform for Emerging Voices
This year marks the second edition of the First Nations Storytelling Prize, held as part of The Best Australian Yarn. It is Australia’s premier prize for First Nations writing, and its impact has been extraordinary. The opportunities flowing from this prize have been life-changing for our winners.
Last year’s winner, Sharleigh Crittenden, is a shining example. Her short story, River Fish, is now being developed into a manuscript for publication, supported by a creative writing grant from Magabala Books. I am inspired by her journey and hope this year’s winner, Odette Brown, continues to write, share her stories, and perhaps even publish a novel in the future.
An Incredible Year of Submissions
Selecting this year’s winner was no easy task. Director, Emma Garlett spent countless hours immersed in the words of Indigenous authors from across the country, reading stories that spanned genres from fantasy to romance to crime. The sheer talent and diversity of perspectives were astounding.
This year saw a record number of submissions, with more First Nations authors entering than ever before. Narrowing these entries to a top ten shortlist was challenging, but Garlett Group Director Emma Garlett was fortunate to have an incredible external judging panel: Professor Kim Scott, Associate Professor Elfie Shiosaki, and Sharleigh Crittenden. Together, we selected this year’s winner, Odette Brown, for her emotive and powerful short story, Wattle.
Announcing the 2024 Winner: Odette Brown
Odette’s story, Wattle, captures the profound emotions she experienced following her grandmother’s passing. She described the act of writing it as “cathartic” and a way to process her grief. Odette, a Wiradjuri woman from New South Wales, is an accomplished individual with a degree in Aboriginal Studies and Law. While she has chosen not to pursue law as a profession, she is now working towards her dream of studying medicine to serve her community, inspired by her mother’s own journey in the medical field.
Writing has been a lifelong passion for Odette, a creative outlet that helps her make sense of the world. Her story resonates powerfully, and we hope her journey inspires other First Nations writers to share their voices.
Looking to the Future
The First Nations Storytelling Prize is a vital platform that encourages Indigenous writers to put pen to paper and share their truths, perspectives, and imaginations. Through fostering talent and nurturing emerging writers, we are securing the future of Australia’s creative industries and ensuring that First Nations voices remain at the heart of our national narrative.
Garlett Group is committed to keeping this prize alive every year and are deeply grateful to our sponsors, Navitas and The West Australian for making it possible. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our other supporters: Writing WA, the Department of Education, the State Library, Seven, The Nightly, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, and the Perth Comics Arts Festival.
Your support allows these stories to flourish. We are creating space for First Nations voices to thrive and ensure that their stories will inspire generations to come.