Sisters in Crime in delighted to announce that Sigrid Thornton, icon of Australian screen, television and stage, will present its 24th Scarlet Stiletto Short Story Awards on Saturday 18 November at Swinburne University of Technology, following champagne and canapés at 6pm.
Before presenting the awards, Sigrid Thornton will discuss her ‘life in crime’ (and much more) with crime author and performer Jane Clifton.
Twenty-six stories – out of 186 entries –made it to this year’s shortlist and compete for $8,600 in prize money plus the coveted trophy, a scarlet stiletto with its steel heel plunging into a perspex mount, for the overall winner.
Michaela Lobb, the Scarlet Stiletto Awards wrangler, said that Sisters in Crime couldn’t be more thrilled to have Sigrid Thornton presenting the awards.
“Sigrid has been a long-time supporter of Sisters in Crime and presented the 3rd Scarlet Stiletto Awards back in 1996. In 2007 she launched Scarlet Stiletto: The First Cut, a collection of winning stories from 1994–2006,” she said.
“A decade later she’s teaming up with her old pal from Prisoner, Jane Clifton, crime author and Sisters in Crime to present the awards again. It’s hard to think of anyone who has had a tighter grip on the affections of Australian audiences and for so long.”
This year’s shortlisted authors number 24 and include: Julie Alavoine; Louise Bassett; Kathy Childs; Natalie Conyer; Suzanne Frankham; Gabrielle Gardner; Christine Goonrey; Cassie Hamer; Rowena Harding-Smith; Narrelle Harris; Elizabeth McLennan; Katie Mills; Janet Moore; Joanne Mujic; Jacqueline Read; Bridget Robertson; Maryanne Ross; Michelle Rule; Rachel Smith; M J Tjia; Christine Tondorf; Ellen Vickerman; Sandi Wallace; and Laura Webb.
“Each year we say that the standard of writing just continues to improve and each year this continues to be true,” Lobb said. “And what’s particularly true is the outstanding calibre of young Australian writers. They are on their way to rewriting Australia’s literary landscape. On all fronts, crime is a literary force to be reckoned with.”
Lobb invited all crime fans – ‘brothers-on-law’ included – to join Sisters in Crime for champagne and canapés on 18 No ember as it celebrates Australia’s crime-writing talent.
“We’re sure that everyone will love the new venue – all thanks to our wonderful event sponsor, Swinburne University of Technology – and the new-look ceremony. A cocktail (well, champagne) party offers everyone a great excuse to frock up,” Lobb said.
Sigrid Thornton’s criminal acting career stretches back to Homicide and Division 4, 1975), Prisoner (1979–80), Whipping Boy (1996), SeaChange (1998–2000), Underbelly: The Golden Mile (2010) and The Code (2016). She is currently one of the main cast in Wentworth (2016–), playing Sonia Stevens. She has a Mo Award, some Logies and an AFTA Award.
Sigrid was a founding Board Director of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, served several terms as a Director of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) and Film Victoria, was patron of Women in Film and Television, and currently serves as a Board Director of Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre and NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts
Jane Clifton – author, actress, singer and registered civil celebrant – is still most famous for her role as bank robber Margo Gaffney in Prisoner (1980–84), the show on which Wentworth is based. Ironically, Prisoner, was one of the last shows that did not pay its cast for repeats.
In the late 1970s, Jane was a member of New Wave band Stiletto. As well as singing and performing in stage shows such as Menopause: The Musical, Jane has also written a memoir and three crime novels. Between performing, she works as a civil celebrant and is also a driver for the all-female ride-sharing service, Shebah.
Jane is often asked if there is anything she can’t do, to which she simply replies,”Ballet and make money.” She has finished her fifth novel, which is not crime, but she promises she will be returning to a life of crime with Flash, a sequel to Flush.
Prizes kindly donated by Bonnier Publishing Australia (1st prize), Simon & Schuster, Sun Bookshop Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Every Cloud Productions, HarperCollins Publishers, Clan Destine Press, ScriptWorks, Ann Byrne, Kerry Greenwood and the Queensland Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
Tickets: $40 (champagne and canapés). Men or ‘brothers-in-law’ welcome. (Note: vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs catered for.)
Bookings are essential and close Wednesday 15 November.
Doors open at 5.45 pm.
Venue: Swinburne University of Technology – Skylounge, Level 3, Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre, corner Burwood Road and John Street, Hawthorn (accessible by escalator, lift and stairs) Campus map
Additional information: Michaela Lobb, Scarlet Stiletto Awards wrangler: 0409 431 397; michaelalobb@hotmail.com
Media enquiries: Carmel Shute, Secretary & National Co-convenor, Sisters in Crime: 0412 569 356.
This event has been generously sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology. Sisters in Crime also acknowledges the support of the Australian Cultural Fund.
