Furphy Literary Award 2024 winner Kathryn Lomer with Adam (left) and Sam Furphy.
The annual Furphy Literary Awards were held on Saturday, July 27 — and the results are in.
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It was a bumper year for entries, with over 640 stories received and evaluated.
The judging panel included Anson Cameron, John Harms, Margaret Hickey, Stephanie Holt, John Kerr and Thornton McCamish.
“The writing was of such consistent quality across the board this year that judges took longer to settle on the final 16 stories,” Mr Harms said.
“Like all good literature, many of the stories made us feel a variety of strong emotions. We were jolted and jarred, angered, repulsed and quite often, warmed.
“It was during extended discussions that the strongest contenders emerged and, eventually, we agreed on the top three.”
Open short story
Kathryn Lomer, a poet, young adult author and novelist from Hobart, was named the winner of the 2024 Furphy Literary Award, for her story Nothing About Kissing.
Ms Lomer was presented with a cheque for $15,000.
Her story will anchor The Furphy Anthology 2024.
“The winning story unfolds as layers of assured, erudite but often plainspoken reflection,” literary award judge Ms Holt said.
“Into these, the writer drops several crucial moments with such startling aplomb you want to stand and applaud.”
Second place was taken by Jane Downing for her story Are you there, Margaret? It’s me, God.
She will receive $3000 plus publication in The Furphy Anthology 2024.
“Despite her advanced age, confusion and failing memory, Margaret is an unforgettably vibrant creation, brought vividly to life by the witty light touch and warmth of the author’s prose,” literary award judge Mr McCamish said.
“In many ways, Are you there Margaret? It’s me, God is an exemplary short story that manages to transcend an apparently uneventful setting to touch on themes of faith, loneliness and ageing, as well as the presence of the miraculous in the ordinary.”
Third prize was awarded to Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve by Paulette Gittins.
She had another entry make the shortlist, which will also make an appearance in this year’s anthology — Herbie and Gerda Bring Cake.
She won $2000 and publication in The Furphy Anthology 2024.
“A multi-layered tale set in a bustling ’burb, Should’ve, Could’ve, Would’ve is a complex story of youth, faith and violence,” judge Ms Hickey said.
“Gittins skilfully builds a creeping sense of dread which, coupled with the innocence of the chief protagonist, positions the reader as yet another bystander in a familiar world.”
Furphy Literary Award director Adam Furphy commended the stories written this year and encouraged people to check out the anthology.
“It is very pleasing to be celebrating fine Australian writing again this year,” he said.
“The Furphy Anthology 2024 will bring the top 16 entries to the page later this year, which we are really excited about, but for now — congratulations to the winners.”
The Furphy Anthology 2024 will be available in November.
Kathryn Lomer, Paulette Gittins and Jane Downing.
Junior and Youth categories
The junior and youth categories were presented on Sunday, July 28.
Furphy Literary Award director Sam Furphy reflected on the power of youth storytelling and the talent in our region.
“We have had so many young writers remind us that stories can inspire, challenge and bring us together,” Mr Furphy said.
“This year’s awards really showcased that we have some talented youth in Greater Shepparton and surrounds, and we hope these awards support them to continue their passion for writing.”
Junior Poetry winner:Energetic by Milo Rose
Junior Short Story winner: The Dragon Apprentice by Jane Pearce
Youth Poetry winner: Odyssey to the land of Wonder by Hannah Bhullar
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