August News and Updates
It’s time to show your Dad some appreciation. Treat him to some unforgettable reading this Father’s Day. From celebrating 50 years of creative legacy in 50 Years, 50 Works to discovering powerful triumphs in Against the Odds to deep-diving into national history with Asbestos Nation, we have something to spark every Dad’s curiosity.
New Releases
Asbestos Nation tells, for the first time, the full story of asbestos use and tragic misuse in our country. The legacy of Australia’s high level of asbestos consumption is one of the highest rates of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related disease in the world: 80 per cent of Australians today are estimated to have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives. Deeply researched and written with clarity and force, Asbestos Nation is a timely and necessary reckoning with the immense industrial tragedy that’s all around us.
Following MUMA’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025, 50 Years/50 Works brings together 50 significant works from the Museum’s Collection and 50 newly commissioned responses from contributors spanning MUMA’s history and wider communities of knowledge and practice. Through personal, poetic and critical reflections, artists, curators, poets, academics, museum staff and members of the Monash community offer a multifaceted account of the Collection’s evolution and the many ways it has been encountered over time.
Against the Odds tells the story of how Monash University turned an improbable idea into one of Victoria’s premier rowing institutions. Written by former captain of the boats William P. Gurry, the book charts the club’s journey from its origins through decades of competitive victories, personal setbacks, and institutional milestones. This richly illustrated volume highlights how the discipline, camaraderie, and grit of collegiate rowing propelled its members to extraordinary success beyond the water – as Olympians, industry leaders, and pioneers in their fields.
Awards News
We are so thrilled that Richard King’s Brave New Wild has been shortlisted for a Queensland Literary Award.
The judges’ said of the book: ‘A critique that is both far-reaching and thoughtful, Richard King’s Brave New Wild offers a pioneering take on the climate crisis: how it’s analysed, conceived and represented – and why we should be profoundly sceptical of those who propose to solve it via the tools of new technology.’
The Queensland Literary Awards showcase outstanding authors from across Australia, celebrating emerging and established authors across a range of genres. The Queensland Literary Awards are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, sponsors, grants, and philanthropic donations. Congratulations Richard!
Upcoming Events
Sydney: On Monday 10 August Lelia Green will be talking about The Digital Child with Lisa Kervin AM, Professor of Early Childhood at Monash University at Gleebooks. Book here.
Canberra: On Wednesday 19 August Diana Thorp will be speaking about Code of Silence at the Australian War Memorial. Book here.
Daylesford: On Sunday 30 August Lucy Ridge will be in conversation with Tammi Jonas and Rushani Epa at the Words in Winter Festival. Book here.
Melbourne: On Tuesday 15 September Sonia Orchard will be in conversation with Louise Milligan about her new book, Before the Harm, at Readings State Library. Book here.
Sydney: On Tuesday 22 September Sonia Orchard will be in conversation with Grace Tame and Jess Hill at Gleebooks. Book here.
Brisbane: On Monday 28 September Sonia Orchard will be in conversation with Jessica Rudd at Avid Reader. Book here.
In the Media
Three of our books have been reviewed in this month’s issue of the Australian Book Review. Sign up to ABR to read the full reviews of Strange New World by Nadia Wheatley, Peaking by Saskia Beudel and Fiery Tales, edited by Ann-Marie Priest.
‘Strange New World continues one of the central functions of Holocaust literature: it reminds readers that bearing witness did not end with those who were there … In a post-witness era, Strange New World renews the imperative to witness the aftermath of atrocity.’
‘A thoughtfully compiled and edited volume that provides key insights into an important creative partnership and illuminates Harwood’s close and lifelong relationship to music and musicians.’
‘A thoughtful and engaging memoir which challenges gender and age stereotypes and asks us to celebrate rather than mourn our ageing bodies and their capacities … Beudel reminds us that we can challenge ourselves for decades, taking on fresh challenges to find new limits and test our edges.’
Coming Soon
Somewhere Here the Future’s Hid by Jeff Sparrow is the first full-length biography of Lesbia Harford, a daring Australian woman of letters.
The Remarkable Greig Sisters tells the story of three Australian sisters who broke gender barriers to become pioneering female doctors and the nation’s first female lawyer.
News for Writers
The Copyright Agency offers Fellowships for Australian writers to create significant new works. The Fellowship for Non-Fiction Writing is closing on the 17th August 2026. This year-long $80,000 Fellowship is available for an Australian writer who have achieved some success and critical acclaim with their writing and who have a publisher interested in publishing the intended work. The Fellowship for Non-Fiction Writing will support a mid-career or established Australian author to create a new work of creative non-fiction for publication. Apply now.
