Australia's First Nations Writers Festival 2024 concluded in Townsville this week, awarding prizes of up to $5000 to six book manuscripts and up to $500 to six short story manuscripts.

Festival Founder Anna Borzi said the anonymous FNWF Judges were captivated by the culturally rich storytelling from across the Pacific.

"The Judges said the stories are magnificent, vibrant with culture, and speak to all hearts," she said.

"These timeless stories will warm both children and grandchildren.

"It is notable that several are from senior literary figures in their own countries, which is a testament to the work of the First Nations Writers Festival."

Eight winners are from Papua New Guinea, with others from New Zealand, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and the Solomon Islands.

The winners of the book awards include Julie Kondi for "Ani's Portrait: My String Bag Back Home" (Papua New Guinea), Baka Bina for "Farmer Brings a Wife (Book 1)" (Papua New Guinea), Richard Napam for "Stunned By Light" (Papua New Guinea), Arnold Mundua for "A Bride's Price" (Papua New Guinea), Marlene Dee Gray Potoura for "Remembering" (Autonomous Region of Bougainville), and Helen Margaret Waaka for "I Am the River" (New Zealand).

The short story award winners are Julie Kondi for "The Awakening" (Papua New Guinea), Kogara Hale for "Measurements and Patterns" (Papua New Guinea), Romney Tabara for "A Tale of Two Crocodiles" (Papua New Guinea), Geena Iga Kusen for "Ravo Mo, Sail On" (Papua New Guinea), Marlene Dee Gray Potoura for "Maul" (Autonomous Region of Bougainville), Willy Jnr Fafoi for "Lamawa, a Girl from Kawi and Ngongosila" (Solomon Islands), and Maraea Rakuraku for "Pukuriri" (New Zealand).

Four recently published books from FNWF will be showcased at the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawai'i from 6-16 June 2024.

Plans for the 2025 First Nations Writers Festival in Townsville next May are underway.