Poet Ali Cobby Eckermann wins book of the year at the NSW premier’s literary awards

Ali Cobby Eckermann. The Yankunytjatjara poet has won book of the year and the Indigenous writers category at the New South Wales premier’s literary awards. Photograph: Courtesy of Magabala

A metaphysical verse novel by Yankunytjatjara poet Ali Cobby Eckermann has won book of the year at the New South Wales premier’s literary awards.

She is the Earth, the first work published by Eckermann in eight years, was awarded the book of the year on Monday night, as well as the Indigenous writers category, worth a combined $40,000.