Other CBCA Awards

Nan Chauncy Award

Named after noted Tasmanian children's author Nan Chauncy, this biennial CBCA award honours people who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of Australian children's literature.

The Award consists of two parts:

A citation written by the judges.
A commemorative plaque. It is customary to present a plaque made of Tasmanian timber.

History of the Award

From 1983 to 1998 the Award was presented every five years. At the CBCA's AGM in 1999 it was decided that the Nan Chauncy Award be given biennially, in even-numbered years (up until 2014). The Award in 2000 was presented at the CBCA 5th National Conference in Canberra and in 2002 at the 6th National Conference in Perth.

Administration of the Award

The CBCA Nan Chauncy Award is administered by the CBCA National Board who may delegate responsibility to a Coordinator.

The recipient must be an Australian citizen, no matter where residing, or a person who has been resident in Australia for at least five years. In the case of a person who is not an Australian citizen, eligibility shall cease at the time when the person ceases to be a resident of Australia. The recipient shall be a person who has made an outstanding contribution, over a period of years, to the field of Australian children's literature. Such a person could be an editor, publisher, teacher, librarian, bookseller, lecturer, researcher, author, illustrator, etc.

Nominees must be living at the time nominations close.

Award Recipients

2021 Jan Nicholls - link to media release / award citation / acceptance speech / acceptance speech video / National Chair's dedication speech
2019 James Moloney - link to award citation / acceptance speech
2017 Mem Fox - link to acceptance speech
2015 Libby Gleeson - link to award citation
2012 Robyn Sheahan-Bright
2010 Lesley Reece
2008 Margaret Wild
2006 Muriel Barwell
2004 Margaret Hamilton
2002 Maurice Saxby
2000 Belle Alderman
1998 Walter McVitty
1993 Laurie Copping
1988 Joyce Oldmeadow
1983 Marcie Muir

Jan Nicholls - 2021 Nan Chauncy Award recipient

CBCA Lifetime Award logo

CBCA Lifetime Achievement Award

The CBCA Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a long-standing contribution by an Australian citizen to Australian children’s books and a lifetime commitment to Australian readers.

Current and Past Award Recipients

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Margaret Wild

Margaret is one of Australia's most highly respected picture-book writers whose award-winning children's books are loved by children all over the world. She has published over seventy picture books. Margaret creates picture books that explore diverse and universal themes, particularly issues of identity, trust, love, relationships, devotion and death in a manner that is respectful of children. She has also written Jinx and One Night, which are verse novels for older children and teenagers.

Paul Jennings AM

Recognised at the CBCA 13th National Conference 'And Now They're Laughing!' in Canberra.

Australian children, and indeed children around the world, have been turned on to reading by writers of humour. Paul Jennings has made an important and significant contribution to the success of Australian books for children.

Robert Ingpen AM

Recognised at the CBCA 70th Book of the Year Awards in Sydney.

Robert Ingpen’s widely acclaimed books and diverse artistic endeavours and achievements have created a lasting legacy for Australian readers.