The Institute has three annual awards, the Alexander Henderson Award, the President's Award and the Manuscript Award, each of which comprises a certificate and a trophy. The winners and place getters are announced at the Presentation Dinner, which is usually held in Melbourne on the last Friday in May. Other entrants receive a commemorative certificate. 

Entries from previous years may be inspected at the Institute's Library during opening times. 
   

The Institute is aware that many researchers prepare a family history in manuscript form for distribution to family members, particularly at family reunions. The author may not be able to afford to publish it, but the standard of the manuscript may be equal in content to other professionally published works. The availability of many family history computer programs which allow data to be produced in book format has also led to an increase in manuscripts of family histories. 

The manuscript should be technically ready for publication. Entry criteria are the same as for the Alexander Henderson Award, with the exception of cover requirements. The manuscript should be presented in a protective folder.

The entry must be submitted, with the entry form, to the Awards Co-ordinator by 30th November.