An associate professor in history at La Trobe University in Victoria, an Australian historian, an author and a broadcaster, Dr Wright was highly regarded for her second book, ​The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka, which won the Stella Prize in 2014. 

A writer from each state was nominated as a finalist, this year Tasmania’s representative was well-known writer and mentor Robyn Friend. 

Winning the Alice Award is a complex and honourable prize, a committee from each state judges the finalist, awards them points based on how much their work has inspired women’s literature.

Society of Women Writers Tasmania Inc secretary Rosalie Sydes said: “The winner of the Alice Award is an Australian woman who by her written work has made a distinguished and long-term contribution to Australian literature.” 

Each committee looked closely at the writer’s bio when awarding them points. 

“(Dr Wright’s) research is very thorough, she is researching the women’s role which were not always reported so she is doing a lot for women in that way,” Ms Sydes said.  

“She is promoting us, showing how strong the women were.”

The biennial gala dinner event was held at the The Boathouse in Launceston. 

Tasmanian authors Rachael Treasure and Alison Andrews were the evenings honourable guest speakers.

Previous recipients of the nationally recognised award include Mem Fox, Kate Grenville and Margaret Scott.