The estate of Vivian Robert de Vaux Voss and the Australian University Heads of English are proud to announce the winner of the 2019 Voss Literary Prize:

Tim Winton, The Shepherd’s Hut

The Judges report can be found here (Judges’ Report)

Tim Winton’s acceptance speech follows:

“It’s a delightful surprise to learn my book has been honoured with this award. I know it’s a bit rude not to show up, and a bit of a shame as well, because the prospect of an evening in Wollongong sounds rather appealing just now, but once again I find myself stuck on the wrong side of the wrong country in the wrong hemisphere keeping what will no doubt prove to be the wrong company. A certain member of my family suggested THE SHEPHERD’S HUT would never win favour because of its rather coarse language. I’m so happy to learn that social standards in this country are low enough to prove even my closest supporters wrong. Thank you, judges. Thank you, Jaxie.” (Tim Winton)

Kate Hoy of Penguin Random House accepts the Voss Literary Prize on behalf of Tim Winton at the AUHE AGM and AULLA conference, University of Wollongong, 9/12/19