We are absolutely delighted to discover that JdM youth literature creators have been recognised in the 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards!

The Victorian Premier’s were inaugurated by the State government in 1985 to honour Australian writing. The Wheeler Centre proudly administers the Awards on behalf of the Premier of Victoria.

In the Children’s Literature category, Spirit of the Crocodile by Aaron Fa’aoso, Lyn White and Michelle Scott Tucker (Allen & Unwin) has been Highly Commended.

And thrillingly, in the John Marsden Prize for Writing for Young Adults (honouring The Life And Legacy Of John Marsden), This Stays Between Us by Margot McGovern (Penguin Random House Australia) has been shortlisted!

Judges said of McGovern’s YA novel; ‘This Stays Between Us is a taut, gripping horror novel, flawless in its execution. Incredibly original in both narrative and voice, McGovern expertly wields and manipulates the conventions and tropes of the genre. Running beneath this terrifying, delicious horror is a timely critique of the way that women and girls become victims of violence, even when they survive it. Perfectly pitched for a YA audience, we were impressed by every element of this novel, from its realistic and authentic representations of teenage relationships, the demonstration of craft across the novel’s multiple points of view and the way it delivered something new and exciting within such a familiar genre.’

The winners of each Prize receive $25,000, and will go on to contest the major prize, the $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature. This is the single most valuable literary award in the country. Voting for the People’s Choice Award – where readers are encouraged to pick their favourite of the shortlist! – is also now open.

Winners in all categories will be announced in February 2026.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted and highly-commended!