Sidney has a long and distinguished history of punching above its weight. It has produced scholars and philosophers, soldiers and scientists, politicians and businesspeople, poets and writers, journalists and historians. Its alumni have made a significant contribution to all aspects of British culture and society: to the arts, religion, politics, business, law, science, sports, literature, and the media.
Our literary prizes are prestigious and rewarding. They are awarded to works that are judged outstanding by a panel of judges. Winners receive cash, a certificate and a copy of the winning work. Our prizes are designed to celebrate the best writing in a range of genres, including novels, short stories, poetry and essays.
Winners and runners-up will be published in the next issue of Overland magazine, and their entries will be included on our website. Entrants will be asked whether their submission takes up the voice or experience of a marginalised or vulnerable identity. This question is optional, but we ask for your response so that we can better understand the ways in which the work speaks to a particular community or group of people.
The Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is run by the journal Overland, and offers a first prize of $5000, with two runners-up receiving $750 each. The competition is open to Australian writers who have an interest in travel, adventure and the environment, but are not limited to a specific genre or style. Entrants must be over the age of 18 to enter. The winner will also be given a year’s subscription to Overland at the special subscriber rate.
Established in memory of the American philosopher in whose name Phi Beta Kappa awards its National Distinction Award, this award recognizes distinction in scholarship, undergraduate teaching and leadership in the cause of liberal education. Applicants are nominated a year and a half in advance of the Triennial Council Meeting, and the award is presented at that time.
This unrestricted prize is awarded annually on the recommendation of the Chair of Hebrew, Biblical & Jewish Studies to a student who achieves the highest mark in 12 junior units in the subject area, provided it is of sufficient merit. The prize was established in 2003 with a gift of $5,000 from the Mandelbaum House Trust and the University of Sydney.
The Iwanter Prize is an annual award to a graduating student who, through senior thesis and academic distinction, demonstrates outstanding scholarship of a humanities-based nature. It is named in memory of alumnus Sidney E. Iwanter (BA History, 1971), whose curiosity and determination to document the knowledge of his generation led him to secretly record the lectures of his professor of history, Harvey Goldberg.
The 2024 Hillman Prize honors Philippe Sands KC for his work as a public-interest lawyer, representing clients who cannot afford a private attorney. He has worked tirelessly to secure civil and human rights, address the legacies of colonialism, and protect the global environment. The prize carries on the legacy of Sidney Hillman, an immigrant who devoted his life to building a better America.
