Background
Waverley Council invites authors, academics, literary critics, and book industry professionals to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join the Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award Judging Panel.
Two places are offered in 2026; a one-year maternity leave position (2026 only) and a three-year position for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 awards. Judging takes place from mid-April until October annually.
Award judges determine which of the year’s nominations best fulfill the Nib Award's specific criteria. The three-member judging panel operates on staggered three-year terms, with a new judge appointed each year to replace the outgoing member. This year, an additional single year position is being offered to cover a maternity leave vacancy.
Waverley Council's $40,000 Nib Literary Award is an annual celebration of the best in Australian research-based literature. Established in 2002 as The Waverley Library Award for Literature, it remains the only award of its kind presented by a local government authority. The award is made possible through the generous support of Principal Sponsors Mark & Evette Moran.
For further details, including Judges’ honorarium, please see the document listed under the heading 'Further details', on the right of this page. Expressions of interest closes on Friday, 10 April 2026 (11:59pm, AEDT).
The Application Process
Expressions of interest are to be submitted via the online form below. The successful applicant will be contacted by Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Diversity and Inclusion
Waverley Council encourages and promotes an open, tolerant, and inclusive community where everyone thrives and has an opportunity to be heard. Waverley Council is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and we encourage applications from people from diverse groups, including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; LGBTIQ people; and other under-represented groups
For enquiries or further information, please email nibaward@waverley.nsw.gov.au
