Nola Gregory wins Queensland Poetry Award

A beloved Geraldton creative has been recognised for her way with words in the 2021 Queensland Poetry Awards.

Gija/Bardi woman Nola Gregory has won the emerging older poet’s mentorship category, which was created in 2018 to fill the gap in awards opportunities for writers older than 55.

Judges described Gregory’s poem I Will Never be Silent as a “deeply-felt commitment” to passing on the “knowledge and lore” of First Nations people.

Gregory said she was in disbelief over the award win.

“I am so very honoured to win this and still can’t believe it,” she said.

“Makes me feel like my messages through my poems are getting through.”

She will receive professional mentorship from award-winning poet Pam Brown, publication in the Overland Literary Journal, and a paid performance opportunity with Queensland Poetry as part of her prize.

Gregory’s poem Australia’s Silenced History has also been put to music by Perth’s Artemis Orchestra, which featured the piece on its debut album.