FSP 50th annual anthology Quintessence edited by Val Braendler and Ben Adams was launched at the Effective Living Centre on 29th August 2026.
Each year, two prizes are awarded to poems published in the anthology: the Satura Prize for the best poem; and the Nova Prize for the best poem by a poet published for the first time in an FSP anthology.
This year’s judge for the prizes was Shaine Melrose. These are her choices, along with her comments on the winning poems.
Satura Prize
Winner: ‘Portrait of Dora Maar—Paris 1937’ by David Bailes
Judge’s comments: “A powerful, vivid capture of Maar and how she enchanted and escaped Picasso. Her story is skilfully woven, highlighting the ongoing struggle women experience with abuse and inequality. Colour and human vitality radiate from this poem. With Paris on the edge of war, Guernica’s mention is a powerful metaphor for their and our times as is The Weeping Woman. An outstanding poem.”
Highly Commended Poems
‘Billy’ by Rory Harris
‘Taiz Market Bombing’ by Jacqui Merckenschlager
‘The Kiss’ by Virginia Hussin
Commended Poem
‘Hiroshima Peace Museum’ by Valerie Volk
Nova Prize
Winner: ‘Penguin Blood’ by Kathryn von Bergen
Judge’s comments: “From title to the final line a captivating and harrowing tale of youth and war, tragically related to the writer in a very personal way and to the literary era of the Angry Penguins. A significant historic poem.”
Highly Commended Poems
‘Mathematician’s Oath’ by Claudia Raddatz
‘Echidna’ by Robert Dawson
Commended Poem
‘Too Quiet, Too Dark, Not Enough’ by Caitlin Cantwell
Copies of the FSP 50th anthology Quintessence will be available for sale for $30 at the next FSP meeting on Friday 4th September.