The Sydney Prize honors outstanding scholarship, undergraduate teaching and leadership in liberal arts education by Phi Beta Kappa members. It is named in memory of Sidney Hook who achieved national distinction in three areas – scholarship, teaching and leadership – during his life. A call for nominations will be issued 18 months prior to each Triennial Council meeting via Key Reporter, General Newsletter and social media channels.

Award given annually to an exceptional book published by a North American scholar on Christianity during the previous calendar year, of outstanding merit and making significant contributions to its field, yet accessible and understandable to non-specialist readers as well. Accompanied by a cash award of $1,000 and certificate; presented during Triennial Council Meeting.

In memory of Dr. Morris Wagman and Sidney Louise Wagman, this fund recognizes students who demonstrate commitment to high ideals while actively serving the public in community service capacities in professional capacities. This award is presented alongside Sydney Film Festival and features an eye-catching swirl prize designed and handmade by local artist Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs.

Since 1950, the Hillman Foundation has honored journalists who pursue investigative reporting and deep storytelling for public interest – such as Jane Mayer’s investigation of Dick Cheney; Bill Moyers & Kathleen Hughes for their “Journal” broadcast highlighting Bush Administration war crimes; Spike Lee for “When the Levees Broke,” among many others.

The Sidney Award recipient receives $500, a bottle of union-made wine, and an official certificate designed by Edward Sorel of The New Yorker cartoonist fame. Nominations can be submitted through the last day of every month – either for own work or someone else’s.

The Speculate Prize is open to Australian emerging writers enrolled at either TAFE or university and looking to showcase short works that explore the meaning, complexity and expansiveness of speculation through literature – in its content, genre or form. The winning story will be digitally published with Overland and all shortlisted works will be included in the 2025 Newcastle Short Story anthology. In addition, they receive an all access pass to attend the 2025 National Writers’ Conference as well as a week-long writing residency in the Blue Mountains. There will also be two runner-up prizes of $250 each and digital publication through Overland, awarded based on quality and originality in its interpretation of the theme. Speculate Prize is proudly supported by both Malcolm Robertson Foundation and Sydney Film Festival, so for more information please visit Overland website by October 31st; winners will be announced shortly afterwards.