BREAKING: Katoomba poet David Brooks has been honored with the prestigious Prime Minister’s literary award for poetry, recognizing his passionate commitment to animal welfare and environmental conservation. This urgent update highlights Brooks’ remarkable ability to capture rural life in the Blue Mountains through his finely observed poems.
The award judges praised Brooks for his “abundance of finely observed poems” that reflect a deep conviction for justice concerning both human and non-human animals. They noted that his latest work, The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems, is a “wise, lyrical and timely” collection, showcasing a selection from his five previous volumes along with 48 new poems.
Brooks, who lives with a variety of rescued animals, including sheep, revealed to the Gazette that he and his partner adopted a vegan lifestyle 20 years ago after realizing the impact of their dietary choices. “We turned vegan overnight,” he stated. “When we moved from our previous place in Katoomba, we sought a home spacious enough for rescued animals.” His dedication to animal advocacy has intensified over the last two decades, transforming from a marginal interest into a central theme of his life and work.
Having moved to the Blue Mountains in 2008, Brooks has been a vital part of the local cultural scene since the early 1990s, including serving on the management board of Varuna, The Writers House. He describes the region as “intensely inspiring,” and plans to base his next book on the acreage he currently resides on.
The judges emphasized that Brooks’ longstanding concerns for justice infuse and enliven his poetry, making it resonate with readers and advocates alike. His literary contributions extend beyond poetry; he is the author of six poetry collections and several novels. His debut work, The Book of Sei, was hailed as a significant achievement in Australian short fiction, while The Fern Tattoo was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.
Brooks, who taught Australian Literature at the University of Sydney until 2013, has increasingly focused his writing on animal advocacy and was awarded an Australia Council Fellowship in 2014 for his contributions to literature.
This award not only highlights Brooks’ literary achievements but also underscores the importance of animal welfare in contemporary discourse. As he continues to advocate for animal rights through his poetry, the impact of his work will likely inspire a new generation of readers and activists.
Stay tuned for more updates on David Brooks and his impactful journey in poetry and animal advocacy.
