2023 WINNERS

16-18 Year Olds

Jayda Brain -Winner

Jessalyn Smith - Runner Up

Aidan Halley - Runner Up

Commended

Gazal Al Shaar

9-12 Year Olds

Mila Martijn - Winner

Reeva Kothari - Runner Up

Billie Finnegan - Runner Up

Timothy Binns - Runner Up

Commended

Zak Trethewey

13-15 Year Olds 

Stella Cournane - Winner

Shannon Hatton - Runner Up

John Adams - Runner Up

Commended

Beauden Harriman

Leif Donnelly

Honourable Mentions

Ray Lee

Scarlett Pawson

Tess Bennett

Chloe Noh

A Very-Short-Story Competition

Can you write an amazing short story in under 500 words?

We’re looking for stories on the theme of ‘untranslatable’ things! Explore the untranslatable: things there are no words for in English, and things that are difficult to comprehend or express.

You can also write a very-short-story on any theme if you include the word ‘untranslatable’ in there!

Competition Guidelines

  • Conditions: This writing competition is for young people between the ages of 9 -18.

  • Entrants must reside on the South Coast of NSW (between Helensburgh and Eden).

  • Age Categories: Works will be judged in three age categories: 9-12, 13-15, 16-18. 

  • Word length: The maximum word length for all age categories is 500 words.  

  • Prizes: The winner of each category will receive $100, plus a $30 Australian Book voucher. Two runners up in each category will receive a $30 Australian Book voucher.

  • Publication: The winners and runners up in each category will be published in a digital zine on the SCWC website, and will be invited to read their work at the zine launch.

  • Judges are award-winning author Helena Fox, and Young Writers Program leader Rhys Lorenc.

  • Submission: All entries must be submitted via the SCWC website.

  • Entry fee: is $5 per submission. Hardship waivers are available, please email us.

  • Dates: Competition opens 5 January and closes 24 February.

  • Announcement: Winners will be announced on the SCWC website and social media by the end of March 2023. 

  • This competition is run in partnership with Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Shoalhaven Libraries, and it is associated with the Holiday Break program supported by the Office for Regional Youth in partnership with Create NSW.

RESOURCES

Morris Gleitzman, one of Australia’s bestselling, funniest and best-loved children’s authors, and an Australian Children’s Laureate, talks about the relationship between writing, art and imagination, as well as how to draw on history and your real life to write stories.

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS