Netherclift wins Local Word prize

GEELONG Regional Libraries and Deakin University have revealed the winner of the Local Word Writing Prize.

The new initiative aims to support and celebrate emerging and established writers.

Entries of up to 3,000 words in prose fiction and creative nonfiction were accepted.

Mansfield author Dani Netherclift’s short story “Telephone and Address Book” was judged the winner, ahead of fellow shortlisted finalists “Fingers” by Perth author Chelinay Gates, “City of the Drowned” by Melbourne author Maria Joseph, and “The Button Story” by Geelong author Claire Varley.

For her win, Netherclift received first place prize money of $2,000 plus a one-hour mentoring session with a Deakin University writing practitioner, while the three other shortlisted finalists received prize money of $250 each.

The shortlist was selected from a longlist of 28 entries by a judging panel comprising Geelong Regional Library Corporation chief executive officer Vanessa Schernickau, Professor David McCooey of the Faculty of Arts and Education in the School of Communication & Creative Arts at Deakin University, and Geelong Regional Libraries’ Virtual Writer in Residence Louis Glazzard. Works were judged anonymously.

“These four diverse and powerful works range from realism to lyricism and allegory,” Professor McCooey said.

“They speak of urgent issues to do with identity, climate anxiety, personal loss, and the existential threat posed by advanced technology.

“The pieces cover these themes with great flair, sophistication, imagination, and an openness to both comedy and lament. Deakin University is pleased to support such original writing, works that offer powerful visions of the world we have and the world that can be imagined.”

Mr Glazzard said he was honoured to have the opportunity to read the entries to the Local Word Writing Prize.

“From reading the entries to the Local Word Writing Prize I have learned so much about Geelong and Australia’s history.

There was such an array of unique and thought-provoking work submitted.

“I believe the shortlisted writing has captured some of the most important aspects of local Australian writing but speaking from someone afar, it has relevance and importance in the wider world too.”

To read the four shortlisted finalists in the prize, head to grlc.vic.gov.au