Full circle for Tim Winton and the Wilderness Society awards

Tim Winton won the first Environment Award for Children’s Literature back in 1994. Now, he and illustrator Cindy Lane are in the running for another award for Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder.

CEO and publisher of the book, Alex Allan, said she was heartened by the recognition. Alex said, ‘This book acknowledges the profound part young people have to play in our future. We believe reading the right book at the right time can grow a love of nature in people of all ages. Ningaloo – with its iconic status, mega wildlife and complex, interconnected systems – is one of the world’s most inspirational places, and one that we’re happy to share.’

Chosen from around 100 books for the under-12s, the award is judged by Kristin Darell, John Williamson, Dr Linden Ashcroft, Marlee Silva, Shelley Ware and Aunty Munya Andrews. The winners will be announced during Nature Book Week, 10–18 October 2026.

The Wilderness Society was founded in 1976 and went on to successfully stop the Franklin River Dam from being constructed. Since then, they’ve continued to protect Australia’s environment through legal action, securing land for national parks and supporting community campaigns.

And you can help!

Bookseller and sponsor Harry Hartog will donate 10% of sales of any shortlisted title back to the Wilderness Society. You can purchase Ningaloo by Tim Winton with Cindy Lane from them here: Ningaloo from Tim Winton | Harry Hartog – Harry Hartog Bookseller

You can also help by hosting a local event and sharing your favourite nature books online using the hashtag #NatureBookWeek.