The Sidney Prize celebrates journalism that illuminates the great issues of our times. Named for the immigrant who founded the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, it honors writers who expose social and economic injustices and fight for civil liberties. The prize honors the best in long-form writing, with a special emphasis on writing that stands athwart technology, yelling stop.
Winners of the prize will receive $5000 and two runners-up will have their work published in Overland and online. Overland’s editors will consider any piece of journalism written in the past month, as well as essays, memoirs and novels. The winning entry will be published in our autumn 2024 issue. Runners-up will have their stories published in Overland, and will also be featured on the Malcolm Robertson Foundation website.
In judging entries, our editors and the judges will pay special attention to whether the entry takes up the voice or experience of a marginalised or vulnerable identity. This question is not mandatory but it helps our judges to make their decision. If you would like to respond to this question, please do so in your submission. You can choose to do so anonymously or to only share your response with the judges.
If you’re interested in applying for the prize, please see our terms and conditions for details. Submissions can be submitted until the end of the month. Applicants must have a valid subscription to Overland (online only).
In the spirit of Walter Reid, the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Prize for Leadership is awarded to an HDR student or group of students who demonstrate leadership by taking on responsibilities and representation at their School, Faculty and University committees and/or community organisations. The award does not have a monetary value.
The prize was established in memory of Associate Professor Anne Dunn, who was a much-loved journalism educator and media scholar at the University of Sydney. This scholarship reflects her passion for creative partnerships between industry and academia.