Family and friends of the late Peter Blazey have paid tribute to the legendary journalist and author as the fellowship named after him celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The $17,000 Peter Blazey Fellowship is awarded annually to writers in the non-fiction fields of biography, autobiography and life writing, to further a work in progress.
Born in Melbourne in 1939, Blazey made significant contributions to several esteemed publications including The Australian, The National Times and OutRage magazine, before his death from HIV/AIDS in 1997.
His career highlights
This included getting the scoop on the disappearance of former prime minister Harold Holt, as well as a tenure as press secretary to the environment minister in the Whitlam Government.
Blazey, whose literary oeuvre included a political biography of Henry Bolte, the longest-serving Premier of Victoria, was also co-editor (with partner Tim Herbert) of the acclaimed short fiction anthology Love Cries.
Other books included The Secret Diary of Jeffrey Kennett Aged 45 – a political parody of Jeff Kennett’s tenure as Victorian premier – and Blazey’s own memoir Screw Loose, which was published posthumously.
Blazey’s brother Clive Blazey AM
In a statement released this week, Blazey’s brother Clive Blazey AM paid tribute to his sibling while commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Peter Blazey Fellowship, which is administered by the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Arts.
“Peter Blazey was a larger-than-life figure with a vital interest in politics of all kinds, a hectic energy and a creative curiosity that propelled his many friendships with other writers, artists and troublemakers,” Clive Blazey said.
“We’re pleased that the award has proven a stepping-stone to publishing success and to literary career-making, with a high number of writers going on to win critical acclaim for the books they created through this prize in Peter’s name.”
Peter Blazey has been remembered as a “larger-than-life figure”. Photo: Faculty of Arts – The University of Melbourne.2025 Peter Blazey Fellowship
His comments come in the wake of Ju Bavyka being announced as the 2025 Peter Blazey Fellowship recipient, with the non-binary writer able to use the fellowship to finalise their forthcoming memoir Just a Hand’s Reach Away – Rukoi Podat.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the 2025 Peter Blazey Fellowship,” Bavyka said.
“More than just financial support, the fellowship is a profound acknowledgement of my work, which is important to me.”
Ellen van Neerven, the winner of the 2020 fellowship, encouraged other writers to pursue the scholarship.
“First of all, it allowed me to be connected to the special legacy of Peter Blazey and previous recipients. Importantly, it allowed me to dedicate time on my book Personal Score: Sport, Culture, Identity. I encourage any writers with a work-in-progress of non-fiction life-writing to apply,” she said.
Herbert, meanwhile, extolled his partner’s individuality and lauded his contribution to LGBTQI+ rights.
“Peter campaigned to ‘put a poofter in parliament’ and he worked for both the major political parties,” Herbert said, referring to Blazey’s run in a 1978 by-election and his work for both the ALP and Coalition.
“He could never fit into some ideologically sound and tidy space. I’m thrilled about the two decades of ground-breaking books and untidy ideas that this award in his name has nurtured.”
Peter Blazey (left) and partner Tim Herbert. Photo: supplied.Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
In addition to the Peter Blazey Fellowship, Blazey’s legacy lives on in other ways. In 1978, he played a significant role in the events that led to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and was a pioneering member of Gay Liberation at a time when homosexuality was illegal.
His later years, he became a prominent HIV/AIDS activist, helping break down prejudice at the height of the pandemic, to the benefit of subsequent people living with HIV.
Blazey aptly characterised himself as “belligerent old bugger.” – a description that, while humorous, perhaps masks the heartfelt and profound insights he shared throughout his life, and the contribution he has made to future generations.
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Wonderful post. Many thanks for ot. Great to remember Peter.