In partnership with the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards, Magabala Books has announced the 2026 Daisy Utemorrah Award shortlist. Congratulations to the talented finalists: Amanda Lott, Junaidah Mamid and Elise Thornthwaite.
The Daisy Utemorrah Award honours the late Daisy Utemorrah, a beloved Elder from the Wunambal people of the far north Kimberley, Mitchell Platteau area. Daisy was a founding Elder of Magabala Books, as well as an award-winning poet, author, community leader and passionate educator.
In line with acknowledging Ms Utemorrah's life's work - the award is for unpublished Junior and Young Adult writing, which supports and seeks to grow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the young adult literary landscape.
The three shortlisted manuscripts were selected from an impressive pool of entries from First Nations authors at varying stages of their writing careers. Ranging from emerging writers to established storytellers.
Previous winners of the Daisy Utemorrah Awards include Kirli Saunders with Bindi, Mariah Sweetman with Robert Runs, Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler with Dirrarn, Jared Thomas with Getting Dusty, Marly Wells and Linda Wells with Desert Tracks and more.
Amanda Lott is a writer of Bigambul and European heritage who explores identity and culture in her works of fiction and poetry. She was a recipient of a Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowship in 2025 at Varuna, and her work has appeared in Griffith Review Online.
Of Amanda's shortlisted work 'Barefoot Running' the panel said:
A literary First Nations mystery and coming of age novel. Told through an exceptional and unforgettable voice. This compelling read uncovers the quiet resilience of a family navigating love, loss, racism and belonging. We get to know 16-year-old Lizzie and examine how place, racism, poverty and family mould identity. This extraordinary narrative reflects ordinary lives lived under remarkable pressure.
On being shortlisted Amanda said:
"I am beyond honoured to be on the Daisy Utemorrah shortlist for 2026 and incredibly proud that I can pay deep respects to my family and mob through storytelling"
Junaidah Mamid is of proud Yawuru and Bardi descent, born in Broome, WA. She discovered her passion for writing while completing a Bachelor’s in Creative Arts. Junaidah continues to grow as a writer as shown through her acceptance of an Arts NT Fellowship along with her work’s inclusion in an upcoming anthology.
Of Junaidah's shortlisted work 'Off by a Mark' the panel said:
Off by a Mark is a contemporary, warm, witty and relatable coming-of-age romance about first love, first heartbreak and the unexpected people who change our lives. With sparkling dialogue, a memorable heroine and an authentic teenage voice, this story celebrates friendship, the awkward reality of being a teenager, family and the courage to stand for what you believe in. Junaidah writes with warmth, accessibility and humour.
On being shortlisted Junaidah said:
"Surreal. I second guessed myself after submission, but I’m proud to be shortlisted. It’s such a big honour."
Elise Thornthwaite is a Gamilaraay writer and mum. Her work explores family, identity, belonging, and the complexities of growing up between places. Drawing on her experiences living and working in remote Aboriginal communities, she writes stories that celebrate connection, resilience, and the quiet power of everyday love.
On Elise's shortlisted work 'Saltwater, City Lights' the panel said:
A deeply moving story about the ties that bind and the unspoken that disconnects. Two teenage sisters, reunited after years of separation at their Nan’s funeral, explore grief, memory, misunderstanding and place in family. This sensitively and exquisitely told story reveals a nuanced portrait of love and reconciliation that is culturally particular and overwhelmingly universal. A YA work of literary fiction that reflects on the stories we inherit, the lies we tell ourselves and the journey to healing when truths are shared.
On being shortlisted for the award Elise said:
"It means so much to have a story so close to my heart recognised by Magabala Books. It's an incredible honour to stand alongside such talented First Nations writers on this year's Daisy Utemorrah Award shortlist."
Congratulations to Amanda, Junaidah and Elise!
The winner of the Daisy Utemorrah Award will be announced in September at the Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards at the State Library of Western Australia and online. The winner will receive $15,000 of prize money and a publishing contract with Magabala Books.
See the entire Western Australian Premier's Book Award shortlist.
The Daisy Utemorrah Award is generously supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund and the State Government of Western of Australia.
