2027 Tim Thorne Prize for Poetry

For a published book of poetry by a Tasmanian writer.

This award is named in honour of renowned Tasmanian poet Tim Thorne (1944–2021).

Books published between 2 August 2024 and 2 August 2026 are eligible for this prize.

Entries are now closed.

About Tim Thorne

Tim Thorne (1944–2021) was one of Australia's leading contemporary poets, whose work and advocacy made a lasting contribution to Tasmania's and Australia's literary culture.

Over a career spanning more than 50 years, Tim published 16 collections of poetry, edited several anthologies, and received numerous awards, fellowships, and prizes, including the Christopher Brennan Award, Gwen Harwood Prize and Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship. His poetry appeared widely in anthologies, journals and literary publications, and he performed nationally and internationally.

Beyond his literary achievements, Tim worked as a language teacher, regional community arts officer, and newspaper columnist. He was a generous mentor and advocate for the arts, sharing his expertise in schools, universities, trade unions, museums, galleries, and correctional facilities.

In 1985, Tim founded the Tasmanian Poetry Festival, serving as its director until 2001. The festival continues today and incorporates the Launceston Poetry Cup – a performance poetry competition he created that has influenced similar events across Australia. In 1989, he established Cornford Press, an independent publishing venture that operated for 16 years.

Born in Launceston, Tasmania, Tim lived there for most of his life with his wife, Stephanie Thorne (1946–2021). His extraordinary body of work and enduring contribution to literature, community arts and cultural life continue to inspire readers, writers, and artists across Australia.

Photo used with permission from the family of Tim Thorne