The New England Writers' Centre Illustration Prize

The New England Writers' Centre is excited to announce the winners for this year's Illustration Prize, with three wonderful awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize awards, and a high commendation. 

This prestigious award celebrates children's picture book illustration, attracting artists and illustrators from all over Australia.

​The calibre of the entries this year was outstanding. It was no easy task for our judges!  All submissions were anonymous and the judges were asked to score on each entry for artistic merit, how well the artwork fitted the theme and suitability for children's book publishing.

SCBWI is the proud sponsor of the 1st prize won by Jennifer Goldsmith.

2nd prize was won by Belinda Elliott. Belinda wins a portfolio assessment with Margrete Lamond from Dirt Lane Press, plus one follow up. Sponsored by the New England Writers' Centre.

3rd prize was won by Ramon Davey $150 cash prize! Sponsored by Little Pink Dog Books

Further details, including the winning submissions and illustrator bios, together with an introduction to our wonderful judges this year, can be found on our website: http://www.newc.org.au/illustration-prize-2020-winners.html

SCBWI Queensland - A Farewell & A Welcome

Ann Harth

It’s always sad to farewell a good friend, and this time is no different. Coordinator Ann Harth, is bowing out after 4.5 years of wonderful leadership of SCBWI QLD Far North regional branch.

Under Ann’s generous guidance, the Far North branch has grown, and many lovely friendships have blossomed. Everyone who knows Ann appreciates her warmth, energy, and kindness.

When asked for her fondest SCBWI memory, Ann said, “I have so many fond memories! Very generally the way the meetings at the library would officially end, but the discussion continued as everyone shuffled out the door, into the restaurant and through lunch.”

We are so grateful to Ann for the time and energy she has invested into the SCBWI organisation and into the lives and careers of its members.

Ann is planning ahead, making time for the arrival of her first grandchild early next year. She also has two books in the works, and she’s expanding her editing business. Check out Ann’s website for more information about her beautiful books and her editorial work.

New Leadership

Diane Finlay

Stepping into Ann’s shoes is Diane Finlay, author, illustrator and publisher of The Duck with no Quack.  The School Magazine has published a number of her children’s short stories and poems. She is currently working on her first young adult novel.

Diane has been a member of the Far North branch of SCBWI QLD since the very beginning.

She’s been involved in literary festivals in her region since 2008, and she’s served as Regional Writers representative and chair of the local RADF committee from early 2012 to late 2016 

We are thrilled to welcome Diane to the role of Far North coordinator. To find out more, check out Diane’s website.

SCBWI SA Professional Day Wrap Up

On 12th October, SCBWI South Australia hosted their 2020 Professional Day online and were joined by members throughout Australia as well as internationally.

We were delighted to welcome Rosanna Arciuli and Nicola Evans of the Copyright Agency. Rosanna and Nicola shared a wealth of information about copyright, how the agency works and the significant benefits of membership (which is free). They introduced the many grants and fellowships available for Australian creators through the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and provided tips on how to secure these wonderful opportunities.

Sarah Davis treated us to an insight into her process as an illustrator. We followed her remarkable journey from storyboarding a film for a friend in 2005 to becoming a multi-award winning illustrator of 40 picture books, educational books as well as Art Director at Walker Books. Sarah even gave us a sneak peek at the beautiful illustrations for her next picture book.

Young adult fiction author Poppy Nwosu shared her inspiring journey from a child who struggled with reading to a successful YA writer (and her many rejections along the way). Poppy’s story was a perfect example of how persistence, determination and passion can lead to success.

S.J. Morgan, Allayne Webster and Vikki Wakefield joined together with Poppy for a panel which discussed every question posed to them about writing YA.

Four fantastic Q and A sessions followed, featuring Susanne Gervay and Australian Children’s Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky in conversation. Full of energy and wit, these two champions of the children’s book industry shared their wisdom.

Jo Case of Wakefield Press and Zoe Walton from Penguin Random House were available for questions on all aspects of publishing. Kate Foster from Storm Literary Agency and Justine Barker from Mayfair Literary Agency provided an insight into publishing through an agent and the books they are looking to represent. And Sarah Davis, Art Director at Walker Books, fascinating insights into her role.

We finished the day with speed launches from four of our talented South Australian creators. We wish Robin Tatlow-Lord, Leah Russack, Mike Lucas and Mandy Foot all the best with their wonderful picture books.

It was an insightful and information-packed day. SCBWI SA would like to thank all the presenters and panel members who joined us.

For anyone who missed this fantastic event or would like to re-watch the highlights, a recording will be available soon.

Beverley McWilliams