Congratulations to Elfie Shiosaki who has been shortlisted for the 2022 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for Homecoming – a collection of poetry, prose and historical colonial archives that explores how four generations of Noongar women navigated the challenging landscapes of colonisation, protectionism, and assimilation.  

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers, illustrators, poets and historians. 

Each year the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards calls for entries for books of high literary merit, and in the case of the Prize for Australian History, scholarly accomplishment. Awards are presented in six categories: fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s literature, poetry and Australian History. Up to $100,000 is awarded in each category: $80,000 for each winner and $5,000 each for shortlisted entries.  

Elfie Shiosaki is a Noongar and Yawuru writer. She is an Associate Professor at the College of Arts and Social Sciences at the Australian National University. Passionate about human rights and self-determination, Elfie highlights within Homecoming the tenacity of family as well as First Nation’s agency to resist, survive and renew. Encapsulating the intergenerational dialogue about Country, kin and culture through the voices of Aboriginal women. 

"I want to honour the precious and profound voices of Noongar people that are held in this book. My grandmother Helen, her mother Olive Harris, Olive’s father Edward, and his brother and sister William and Mary Alice. Even though some of their stories are more than a century old now I think they reveal beautiful truths of unending love in Noongar families for our children and the heartbreak when they're taken from us.” 
- Elfie Shiosaki 

It is important these truth-telling stories of Australian history are shared through the lens of Aboriginal people. These 30 shortlisted titles represent some of Australia’s highest level of literary excellence, and each promote a unique message or take us on a fascinating journey. 

“Being recognised through these prestigious awards helps build the international reputation of Australian creatives and puts Australia and its stories on the global map”
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Winners of the 2022 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards will be announced on Tuesday 13 December in Launceston, Tasmania.