Authors Darren Rix and Craig Cormick have won the 2025 ACT Book of the Year for their novel Warra Warra Wai.

Selected from 56 eligible nominations, Warra Warra Wai presents a collaborative First Nations’ perspective on the arrival of James Cook and its ongoing impact, offering readers a reflection on history and identity.

A Highly Commended citation was awarded to Lebanon Days by Theodore Ell, acknowledged for its thoughtful exploration of personal experience during a time of political and social upheaval.

The ACT Book of the Year Award recognises excellence in contemporary literary works by ACT authors and includes works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that have been published in the previous calendar year.