Call for manuscripts as First Nations Writers Festival returns in 2025

ASPIRING First Nations writers across the region are invited to submit their manuscripts for the 2025 First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF), which celebrates Indigenous storytelling and literature.

Expressions of interest are open until Friday, February 28, with completed manuscripts due by March 31.

Winners will receive a book award package valued at between $2000 and $5000.

The festival, which brings together authors, artists and storytellers from throughout Australia and the Greater Pacific, provides a platform for emerging and established voices to share their work.

Festival founder Anna Borzi said the event was about more than just literature.

“When you raise one author, you raise a community,” she said.

This year’s festival will feature the launch of eight new books and appearances from nine award-winning authors.

The FNWF Awards, including the ‘Story Ambassador’ and ‘Living Treasure’ awards, will also be announced.

Special guests include internationally recognised Disney choreographer and award-winning performer Peter Rockford Espiritu from Hawaii, who will serve as the festival’s master of ceremonies.

The festival will also welcome returning published authors, including John W Kuri (2023 Book Award), Marlene dee Gray Potoura (2024 Book Award), and Richard Napam (2024 Book Award).

A highlight of this year’s event is a keynote address from Aunty Bea Ballangarry, a Gumbaynggirr woman known for her healing circles, poetry, and storytelling. For more information on submission criteria and judging, head to firstnationswritersfestival.org/awards-criteria .