A huge congratulations to Magabala authors Luke Patterson and Marjorie 'Nunga' Williams whose works, A Savage Turn and Old Days Imanka nurna laakinha nitjaarta have been highly commended at the 2026 Victorian Premier Literary Awards

A Savage Turn is a searing debut from a Gamilaroi author. Using his biting wit and refreshing insight into modern and traditional life, Luke Patterson takes readers to forest billabongs, to prisons, and into nightmares of the not so distant past. Along the way, he sends up the Australian dream and subverts expectations to create a seductive poetry collection sampling from a kaleidoscope of critical theory, modernist poetry, postcolonial irony, eco-romanticism and western folklore.

Old Days Imanka nurna laakinha nitjaarta depicts the author's childhood memories while spending her time between Iwupataka (Jay Creek) and Ntaria (Hermannsburg), as well as frequently visiting Tempe Downs, her mother's Country.

Her vibrant artwork brings her memories to life and include animals and birds soaring eagles, goannas, echidnas and horses as well as Elders on Country, Hermansburg mission days, play and of course fishing and picnicking. They are all brought to the forefront of her expansive landscapes.

Congratulations again to Luke Patterson and Majorie 'Nunga' Williams