Jennifer Kornberger has won the 2026 Australian Catholic University Prize for Poetry for her poem "In the Back of the Ambulance," marking a significant achievement for Western Australian literature. The national competition announced Kornberger as its first Western Australian winner since the prize's inception in 2013.
Kornberger claimed the first-place prize of $10,000 in the competition announced on November 9, 2026. Mary Wickham of Melbourne secured second prize with $5,000, while Linda McQuarrie-Bowerman of New South Wales took third prize with $3,000. The three winners represent the geographic diversity of Australia's literary talent, with poets based in Fremantle, Melbourne, and New South Wales recognized for their work.
The ACU Prize for Poetry is a national competition that has been recognizing outstanding poetic achievement since 2013. Kornberger's winning poem, "In the Back of the Ambulance," stood out among entries for its compelling imagery and emotional resonance. The selection of a Western Australian winner for the first time in the prize's 13-year history represents a notable moment for the state's literary community.
The announcement comes amid a strong period for Australian literary recognition, with multiple major prizes being awarded to writers across the country in early November 2026. Kornberger joins other recent winners in receiving national recognition for exceptional writing craft and artistic vision.
The ACU Prize for Poetry continues to serve as an important platform for emerging and established Australian poets, providing both financial recognition and increased visibility for winning works. Kornberger's victory underscores the quality and diversity of poetic talent across Australia's regions.