The Stella Prize, worth $50,000, was first presented in 2013 in response to a perception of bias against women in other literary prizes.

Wood, who lives in Sydney, is the author of five novels and has been short-listed and long-listed for several awards but had not won anything until this year, when she was awarded the best novel and book of the year titles at the Indies Book Awards.

The Natural Way of Things was sparked by a documentary about the Hay Institution for Girls in NSW, where conditions in the 1960s were akin to prison with hard labour.

The chair of the Stella judges, Brenda Walker, said Wood’s novel provoked serious and important conversations.

The Cooma-Monaro Express is one of three titles set to cease operations under publishing changes confirmed by Fairfax managers last Thursday.

Fairfax’s Australian Community Media group business manager, Corinne Whiteman, said alternatives to closing the Cooma publication suggested by staff and the community had been assessed.

“The Express has a proud heritage in the region and the community of Cooma has expressed strong feelings about its role,” Ms Whiteman said.

“We know how important local papers are in local communities and any decision to close a publication is not taken lightly.”

The Summit Sun at Jindabyne will also close. 

In Queanbeyan, the Age and the local edition of The Chronicle will be merged into a new-look free weekly newspaper and website serving the city.

The final editions of these papers are expected to be published on Thursday, May 5.