From powerful storytelling to moving speeches, the ARA Historical Novel Prize ceremony for 2025 was a true celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
At ARA, we’re proud to be in partnership with organisations like the HNSA. It’s part of our broader mission to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work — championing the arts, education, and the voices that shape our shared stories. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling. The 2025 Historical Novel Prize was a testament to that belief—a night where history came alive, voices were honored, and community was celebrated.
With $155,000 in prize monies, the ARA Historical Novel Prize is the richest individual literary award in Australasia. This year’s winners captivated audiences with narratives that spanned centuries and continents—from colonial Australia to WWII France, and from Indigenous resilience to environmental reckoning.
ARA’s Commitment to the Arts and Literature
ARA Group’s partnership of the Historical Novel Prize is part of a broader commitment to cultural enrichment. As a long-time patron of the arts, ARA also partners with the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Melbourne Writers Festival, Auckland Writers Festival, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Monkey Baa Theatre, and Story Factory.
ARA Group Founder and CEO Edward Federman shared on the night:
“I am proud to support The ARA Historical Novel Prize, which continues to celebrate excellence in writing in this increasingly popular genre. I congratulate all the talented winners of the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize.”
Highlights from the Evening
Joint Winners in the Adult Category
In a rare and moving decision, the judging panel awarded joint winners in the Adult category:
- Robbie Arnott for Dusk
- Tasma Walton for I Am Nannertgarrook
Both authors received $50,000 each, and their works were praised for their emotional depth and historical insight.
Children & Young Adult Winner
- Suzanne Leal won $30,000 for The Year We Escaped, a gripping tale of wartime courage and youthful resilience.
Readers’ Choice Award
This year, HNSA introduced our Readers’ Choice Award to give readers an opportunity to vote for their favourite Adult longlisted novel.
- Emily Maguire received $5,000 for Rapture, voted by readers as their favorite Adult longlisted novel.
Why This Prize Matters
The ARA Historical Novel Prize is more than an award—it’s a platform for voices that challenge, inspire, and educate.
These stories resonate deeply with ARA Group’s values of community, inclusion, and cultural respect.
Looking Ahead
Entries for the 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize open in March 2026. ARA looks forward to continuing its support and
witnessing many more powerful stories being told.
Stay tuned for more updates on our cultural partnerships and community initiatives.