A historical novel depicting a friendship between a young Aboriginal leader and a Vandemonian settler. An extensive account of Tasmanian Anzacs who served in the First World War. And a history of boy convicts sent to Point Puer to be transformed into useful colonial workers. These are the three books shortlisted for one of Australia's most significant history book awards.
The Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History is a $25,000 biennial award recognising works that make a significant contribution to our understanding of Tasmania's past.
The award celebrates books on the island's history and cultural heritage.
Announced today, the 2026 shortlist consists of:
- Umarrah & George: Friendship and Conflict in Van Diemen's Land by Angela Baker (Forty South)
- Tasmanian Anzacs: Those Who Served, Their Families and The Impact of WW1 by Stefan Petrow (Forty South)
- Urchin Convicts: The Point Puer Boys in Van Diemen's Land by Alistair Scott (Forty South)
Judges' comments
Angela Baker's historical novel on Umarrah and George "explores the nuances and complexities of life on the nineteenth century Vandemonian frontier, bringing to life convincing characters situated within a landscape informed by an archivally-informed historical imagination".
Alumnus and Emeritus Professor Stefan Petrow's synthesis of extensive historical records pertaining to Tasmanian Anzacs from the 12th and 52nd battalions "highlights the many and varied unique contributions of Tasmanian soldiers to the Australian Imperial Force and war effort". It also "illuminates how their families contributed parcels and loving letters from afar".
Alumnus Dr Alistair Scott's history of Point Puer boys "draws on rich archival source materials to demonstrate how the delinquent boys transported from England to Point Puer on the Tasman Peninsula to be reformed into colonial workers instead struggled to survive. Contrary to recent historical claims that those transported were 'better off', Scott shows for those who survived captivity, life after sentence was generally a struggle".
The winner of the award, which is managed by the University of Tasmania, will be announced in July.
The judging panel was chaired by historian Professor Kristyn Harman, Chair of Academic Senate at the University of Tasmania, and comprised three esteemed judges:
- Tasmanian-born and Melbourne-based Professor Marilyn Lake who has authored a number of prize-winning historical works;
- Associate Professor Alessandro Antonello, UNESCO Chair in Communication, Environment and Heritage, and Head of History and Classics at the University of Tasmania; and
- Ian Morrison, recently retired Senior Librarian, Collections, at the State Library of Tasmania who held responsibility for an extensive collection of Tasmanian heritage collections.
Professor Harman thanked the judges for their careful deliberations, and said the award was notable for the ways in which it illuminates complexities and nuances in Tasmanian history, adding to our shared knowledge of Tasmanian stories.
"The high calibre of the books entered into this year's award made the judges' job particularly challenging," Professor Harman said.
"The judges were impressed by the depth of archival research and explorations of place engaged in by submitting authors. Tasmania's archives are a rich repository of many histories, many of which are indelibly imprinted into the island's landscape".
The judges also commended Forty South on having published all three of the short-listed entries, highlighting the strength and quality of the local publishing scene.
About the award
The award commemorates the contributions of Dick and Joan Green to preserving the heritage of Tasmania. Dick and Joan Green were key players in the establishment and ongoing work of the National Trust in Tasmania and were strong supporters of the arts and many community organisations. Dick Green was a former Mayor of Launceston and served on various boards, while Joan Green was a champion golfer and, for more than 50 years, a leader and volunteer who contributed to a variety of organisations.
"We are very excited to see the books shortlisted for the 2026 Green Family Award for Tasmanian History. On behalf of the family, I thank the judges for their ongoing deliberations and express our gratitude for the important work they do in the continuation of this Award," Caroline Johnston, one of Dick and Joan Green's children, said.
