Book Launch: Shelf Life
Join us to witness Ali Whitelock launch this outstanding first collection from Hemat Malak, the winner of the 2026 Bruce Dawe Prize for Poetry. Doors open at 2:30pm for a 3pm start.
Time & Location
15 Aug 2026, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Old Government House, Parramatta Park, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia
About the event
At WestWords: Western Sydney Centre for Writing, organisation in residence at the beautiful Old Government House, Ali Whitelock will launch Hemat Malak’s extraordinary debut collection, Shelf Life. These deeply human, sharply observed, and quietly radiant poems are rich with reflections on parenthood, divorce, love, and reinvention, alongside delightfully quirky pieces such as “Why One-Planet-Universes Smell Like Pee”. Malak balances warmth, humour and emotional acuity with remarkable craft. Join us to welcome this remarkable new book into the world.