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Did you know that Bibles were brought to Australia for the first time by Richard Johnson, the first chaplain of New South Wales? A gift from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Australia’s first library arrived at Port Jackson in 1788 aboard the HMS Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet.

In the port of London, in late 1786, a small group of Christians stowed books aboard a ship bound for an unknown continent. The books competed for space with tools, provisions and livestock, and were accompanied by soldiers, sailors and 700 convicts.

The initiative that sent 4000 Christian books and tracts (including 100 Bibles, 400 New Testaments and 500 Psalters) to the other side of the world as a foundation for the new colony was as audacious as it was optimistic. It is a vision we cherish.

Wherever the Gospel is preached, books are needed. Today, as in 1786, this need is only met with the support of generous and imaginative people.

In Australia, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge is known as SparkLit. SparkLit advances God’s kingdom by empowering Christian writers, publishers and book distributors around the world. SparkLit makes Christian books available, accessible and affordable where commitment is strong but support and resources are scarce. SparkLit stimulates and enables life-changing Christian writing that helps people know and follow Jesus. SparkLit directs funds, expertise and energy to publishers where indigenous Christian writing is needed most. As a result, lives, communities, and cultures are transformed as people discover Jesus in a way that’s authentic and culturally meaningful.

To celebrate the courage and enterprise of Australian Christian writers, SparkLit confers the Australian Christian Literature Awards. This includes the Australian Christian Book of the Year Award and awards for unpublished manuscripts by young writers.

Do you know any writers or budding writers who might be encouraged by participating in the following awards?

Australian Christian Teen Writer Award

A $1,000 prize is given for the best unpublished manuscript by an Australian citizen under 18 years of age. Supplementary awards may be made. The winning work will explore a Christian perspective or theme and incorporate, explain, or encourage Christian life and values. Entries are judged with an eye to the (1) original nature and content of the work, (2) literary, including suitability for the target audience, and (3) contribution that the work makes in meeting a need for Christian writing in Australia. This award encourages and nurtures young Christians as they explore and share their faith through writing.

First Prize: $1,000

Entries Close: 31 May 2025

Visit: sparklit.org/actwa

Young Australian Christian Writer Award

A $2,500 prize is given for the best unpublished manuscript by an Australian citizen under 30 years of age. Supplementary awards may be made. The winning work will explore a Christian perspective or theme and incorporate, explain, or encourage Christian life and values. Entries are judged with an eye to the (1) original nature and content of the work, (2) literary style, including suitability for the target audience, and (3) contribution that the work makes in meeting a need for Christian writing in Australia. This award encourages and nurtures young Christians as they explore and share their faith through writing.

First Prize: $2,500

Entries Close: 31 May 2025

Visit: sparklit.org/yacwa

Australian Christian Book of the Year Award

The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award is given annually for an original book written by an Australian citizen. The award recognises and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing. The award carries a prize of $3,000 for the author and a framed certificate for the author and publisher. Entries are judged with an eye to the (1) original nature of the work, (2) literary style, including suitability for the target audience, (3) design, layout, cover, typography, and illustrations, and (4) contribution that the book makes in meeting a need for Christian writing in the Australian situation and in the Australian market.

First Prize: $3,000

Entries Close: 31 March 2025

Visit: sparklit.org/acboy

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Image courtesy of Adobe.