The Sidney Prize recognizes long-form journalism and thought pieces that advance our world. Each year, New York Times columnist David Brooks bestows these awards upon writers whose works have had an effect in public life; past winners have included Hilton Als on Haitian debt, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Ed Yong based solely on merit and how their pieces spark conversation.
This award honors Professor Sidney Edelstein of Australian descent. A widely renowned expert on dyes and founder of an innovative specialty chemical manufacturing firm, Edelstein earned recognition by the Society for the History of Technology with this prize consisting of $5,000 cash and a commemorative plaque.
Overland magazine and the Neilma Sydney Foundation have unveiled this year’s winner of their short story contest. Annie Zhang’s “Who Rattles the Night?” from among a shortlist of eight stories was chosen as winner; it will be published in Overland magazine’s autumn 2024 issue alongside two runners-up pieces.
Sidney Perkowitz won the Andrew Gemant Prize in 2023. This prestigious award honors those who bridge science with art, the media, and literature, with Perkowitz being chosen by a selection committee for his sustained commitment to linking these fields with physics.
As our world becomes ever more digital, the Sydney Prize provides us with an opportunity to slow down and reflect on issues important to us. It serves as a balance to the rapid consumption of news and information, serving as a reminder that there are still things worth holding onto in this world.
Each year, the Sydney Peace Prize honors a nominee who has advocated for peace through justice and respect for diversity. In 2016, it went to Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi of Black Lives Matter who received it due to their efforts following George Zimmerman’s acquittal for killing Trayvon Martin.
The Sydney Prize for Philosophy of Time was created with a donation from Alan W. Mills as an incentive for metaphysics and epistemology research at the University of Sydney. Each year it is awarded upon recommendation of a panel composed of the chair of Department of Philosophy as well as undergraduate and postgraduate coordinators at their November Examiners’ Meeting of Philosophy Department.
The Neilma Sydney Prize is open to residents of both NSW and ACT. The competition offers the winner of this contest a cash prize of $3,000 with their work published in Overland magazine; two runners-up each receive $500 cash prizes. Writers interested in entering can purchase an Overland subscription at a discounted rate or purchase single issues of Overland; more information can be found online; alternatively contest runs through various venues such as NSW Writers’ Centre or ACT Writers’ Centre with submission dates/deadlines as the competition also runs through these venues, with deadline being set by 30 September each year.