Typescript and handwritten drafts poems from Tropical skiing, Stalin's holidays, The stunned mullet, Thin ice and other poems, and Collected poems 1970-1998, as well as drafts of other uncollected and unpublished poems; drafts of reviews of art and poetry; drafts of theses and essays; lecture notes; personal and literary correspondence; copies of publications including work by Forbes; work by other poets sent to Forbes for publication or comment.

The Thomas W. Shapcott Papers contain original manuscripts and typescripts of a number of his literary works, including poems, short stories, novels, plays and libretti. Other typescripts included relate to editorial work, translations, reviews and reader reports. There are also a number of typescripts by other authors sent to Shapcott for review.
Subject files relating to literary competition and prize judging, conferences and overseas travel in relation to literature and cultural exchange.
Correspondence with Bruce Beaver, Barbara and Charles Blackman, John Blight, Alec Bolton, Colin Brumby, Ilija Casule, Chatto & Windus and The Hogarth Press, Rosemary Cresswell, Rosemary Dobson, Michael Dransfield, Geoffrey Dutton, Ninette Dutton, Michele Field, Rodney Hall, Gwen Harwood, Margaret Hodge (later Shapcott), Janette Turner Hospital, Elizabeth Jolley, Nancy Keesing, Roger McDonald, David Malouf, Olga Masters, Michael Ondaatje, David Rowbotham, Dimitris Tsaloumas, University of Queensland Press (UQP), Chris Wallace-Crabbe, Judith Wright and many others.
Correspondence with and records from a few literary bodies and association, including the Australian Society of Authors and the Literature Board.
Research papers on topics treated in literary works, particularly Karoly Pulszky
School and work-related papers and records such as school and university records, early employment and partnership contracts, job applications and annual financial records, including tax returns.
Scrapbooks, containing newspaper cuttings, ephemera and correspondence.
Papers relating to awards and honours received by Shapcott, including the Struga Prize for Poetry.
The papers also contains some photographs and personal memorabilia, such as book club lapel badges.

Letters from Gwen Harwood and her husband, F.W. Harwood, to Alison Hoddinott and her husband W.G. Hoddinott. Includes "Sappho cards", parodies of other Australian poets, accounts of Gwen Harwood's first meetings with James McAuley and A.D. Hope, a full account of the Walter Lehmann Bulletin hoax, and manuscript poems. Also typescript for "The lion's bride", dream book, and Sappho cards to Thea Goodwin. Alison Hoddinott's book, Blessed city : the letters of Gwen Harwood to Thomas Riddell January to September 1943 was awarded the Age Book of the Year in 1990.

This collection contains poetry, prose, speeches, and reports; correspondence; photographs, newspaper cuttings; press releases; invitations; programmes; research material; and plans.