C. J. DENNIS PRIZE  FOR  AUSTRALIAN POETRY 1985-2002

The year 2002 is the eighteenth year of the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards which were established in 1985 to mark the centenary of the births of Vance and Nettie Palmer. The Palmers were distinguished writers and critics who made significant contributions to Victorian and Australian literary culture. The awards are designed to support contemporary Australian literature and the book industry. The awards are made for works published from May-April in the preceding year. The C. J. Dennis Prize is offered for a significant selection of new work by an Australian poet published in a book.