Melbourne author wins first John Button Prize — 30.08.2009
Photo by Monty Coles
Melbourne author Chloe Hooper has won the first John Button Prize for her book, The Tall Man.
Ms Hooper, 36, told an audience of more than 300 at the Melbourne Writers' Festival on Friday, August 28, that it was ``such an honor'' to win the Prize, which was created in memory of former Industry Minister, Victorian Senator and writer, John Button.
Check here to see the The Age coverage of Ms Hooper's win and the the John Button Oration.
Ms Hooper won from a short list of five that also comprised the books Blind Conscience by Margot O'Neill and The Statute of Liberty by Geoffrey Robertson, and the articles Big Bunga Politics by Marcia Langton and Tradition, Truth and Tomorrow by Galarrwuy Yunupingu.
As part of winning the Prize, she will give a talk about her book later in coming months. This website will publish details when they are available.
Ms Hooper was awarded the Prize before the first John Button Oration was delivered by Bill Kelty, former Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.