Hal Colebatch – WA Prize nominee

From Connor Court Publishing:

“Hal Colebatch’s THE LIGHT RIVER published by Connor Court Published in 2007 has been short-listed for the 2007 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards –

Culture and Arts Minister John Day also announced the 28 works shortlisted for the seven award categories comprising the 26th Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards. Included in this list for the category of Poetry was Hal Colebatch’s THE LIGHT RIVER.

The Premier’s Book Awards Category Winners will be announced on Thursday 30th October 2008 at an event at the State Library.

The Light River is Hal Colebatch’s seventh collection of poetry. The poems range from the romantic love-story “Redhead with Phosphorus,” to the high and epic heroism of “The San Demetrio.” Many are lyrical evocations of Western Australia and in particular the Swan River and Rottnest Island, with travels and meditations in Britain, Asia, Canada and the Middle East. Others include tributes to the great science-fiction writer Poul Anderson, the heritage of King Arthur and celebrations of domestic happiness, as well as some sharp political comment. There are many celebrations of joy and delight. Equally at home in free-verse, rhyme, and highly-structured forms such as sonnets and even sestinas, Hal Colebatch is one of Australia’s most powerful and versatile poets.”

The three listed nominees for the poetry award are:

Murray Jennings
Flash Company
Publisher: Stone’s Publishing P/L

Caroline CADDY
Esperance
Publisher: Fremantle Press

Hal COLEBATCH
The Light River
Publisher: Connor Court