Winnie Dunn Nominated for Miles Franklin Award: A Tongan Literary Breakthrough

Winnie Dunn, a debut novelist from western Sydney, has been nominated for the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award for her book, "Dirt Poor Islanders." This notable recognition marks Dunn as the first Tongan author published in Australia and highlights the importance of representation in Australian literature. The Miles Franklin Award, which carries a prize of AUD 60,000, is awarded annually to a novel that portrays Australian life in any of its forms. The announcement was made on June 24, 2025, and the winner will be revealed on July 24, 2025.

Dunn's novel is one of six contenders for this year's award, competing against established authors, including two-time winner Michelle de Kretser, whose latest work, "Theory and Practice," recently won the Stella Prize. Dunn expressed her gratitude for the nomination, stating, "I’m so humbled. Just to be next to people like Brian Castro and Julie Janson is really amazing. So I’m really quite thrilled."

"Dirt Poor Islanders" is described by Dunn as a deliberate inversion of Kevin Kwan’s bestseller "Crazy Rich Asians," which presents a narrative of wealth and luxury among Asian communities. Instead, Dunn's work reflects her experiences growing up in Mount Druitt, one of Sydney's most disadvantaged regions, focusing on the life of a half-Tongan, half-white girl named Meadow Reed. The novel explores themes of identity, class, and cultural perception within the Tongan diaspora, challenging stereotypes often associated with Pasifika communities.

Dunn shared insight into her inspiration, saying, "Pasifika people are seen as quite poor, but I wanted to bring this idea that dirt and the earth and the places you come from are actually quite rich in and of themselves." The title itself is a bold statement that embraces economic realities faced by many Pacific Australians, countering the predominant narratives often portrayed in the media.

Reflecting on her past, Dunn recalled feeling ashamed of her Tongan identity while growing up, particularly in response to Chris Lilley’s controversial portrayal of Tongan culture in the television series "Summer Heights High." She stated, "His brownface caricature left me feeling humiliated, and I didn’t feel like there was any room for people like me to tell their own stories."

Dunn's literary journey took a transformative turn when she became involved with the Sweatshop Literacy Movement, founded by western Sydney novelist Michael Mohammed Ahmad. She currently serves as the general manager of Sweatshop, where she has worked to amplify voices from culturally diverse backgrounds through various anthologies.

Now recognized for her storytelling, Dunn credits her aunt, also named Winnie, who nurtured her early fascination with language, as a significant influence in her life. "The richest gift you ever gave me was your name," Dunn notes in her book's dedication.

As Dunn stands alongside esteemed authors for the Miles Franklin Award, her nomination not only recognizes her individual talent but also serves as a beacon of hope for underrepresented voices in Australian literature. With the announcement of the award winner approaching, the literary community looks forward to celebrating the diverse narratives that continue to emerge from Australia’s rich cultural tapestry.