The Greek-Australian Cultural League has opened submissions for its 2026 Book Awards and annual Literary Competition, inviting writers and publishers across Australia to submit works in Greek and English.
The initiative is a key cultural program for the organisation, aimed at encouraging literary creation within the Greek-Australian community while strengthening engagement with language, history and identity.
The 2026 Book Awards will recognise titles published in 2024–2025 across poetry, prose, theatre, history or study, and children’s literature. Up to ten awards will be presented, with entries required to meet a set standard for consideration in language-based categories.
Authors and translators must submit three copies of their work by July 10. Judges may withhold awards where submissions do not meet criteria. Certificates and gifts will be awarded, with organisers also seeking sponsorship for cash prizes.
For Book Awards enquiries, contact coordinator Paraskevi Dentsas at infogaclm@gmail.com. Hard copies should be sent to Cathy Alexopoulos, 11 Valleyview Rd, Glen Iris, VIC 3146.
The 2026 Literary Competition is also now open to Australian residents aged 18 and over, accepting poetry or short fiction in Greek or English. Entrants may respond to set themes or choose their own topic, including reflections on the Greek language and the legacy of the Exodus of Messolonghi.
Submissions close July 17 and must be original, unpublished works. Poetry is limited to 100 lines and short stories to 2,000 words, submitted as Word documents to gaclitcomp@gmail.com.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category, with winning entries expected to be published in Antipodes, the league’s literary journal.
Winners will be announced later in the year at dedicated events, with the programs designed to support ongoing literary and cultural expression within Australia’s Greek diaspora.
