In a world filled with quick messages and fleeting content, there’s something incredibly powerful about young people taking the time to write—thoughtfully, creatively, and from the heart.
The Woollahra Young Writers’ Award 2026 is now open, inviting teens across the Eastern Suburbs to slow down, reflect, and share their voice through storytelling and poetry. For young writers, this is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to be heard.
Whether it’s a story inspired by everyday life, a poem capturing a moment in time, or words shaped by imagination, this much-loved local award celebrates creativity in all its forms.
Who Can Enter?
The award is open to secondary school students aged 12 to 18 who live or study in Woollahra and surrounding areas, across two categories:
- Years 7–9 (Junior)
- Years 10–12 (Senior)
Award Categories
Young writers can choose the format that best suits their style:
- Short Story – Junior: up to 1,500 words
- Short Story – Senior: up to 1,500 words
- Poetry – Junior: up to 30 lines
- Poetry – Senior: up to 30 lines
From imaginative fiction to deeply personal reflections, each category gives students the space to express themselves in their own unique way.
Prizes That Go Beyond Winning
Each category winner will receive:
- $300 cash prize
- A one-hour mentoring session with an experienced judge
Shortlisted entrants will also receive a thoughtfully curated literary prize pack—encouraging them to keep writing, exploring, and growing.
Key Dates to Remember
- Entries Open: Monday 20 April 2026
- Entries Close: Sunday 19 July 2026
- Winners Announced: Saturday 19 September 2026
Why It Matters
Encouraging young people to write is one of the most meaningful ways to support their development. Writing builds confidence, strengthens communication skills, and provides a creative outlet in a fast-paced world.
For some, entering this award might be their first step into sharing their work publicly. For others, it’s a chance to refine their voice and gain recognition. Either way, it’s a valuable experience that can stay with them for life.
Judges
Samera Kamaleddine, Short Story
Samera Kamaleddine has considered herself a writer since she got her first creative writing certificate in Kindergarten. She went on to become a journalist, writing about everything from friendship to body confidence for young women’s magazines. Now, she’s the author of Half My Luck, The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart and the Clueless series.
Dakota Feirer, Poetry
Dakota Feirer is a Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr storyteller whose work has appeared in Kill Your Darlings, Overland, Australian Poetry and more. His collection Arsenic Flower engages with Indigenous resurgence, manhood, Country and cultural repair.
A Simple Way to Get Started
If your child or teen has a love for words, now is the perfect time to begin. Encourage them to jot down ideas, write freely, and experiment—because every great piece of writing starts with a single sentence.
And sometimes, the most powerful stories begin the same way as a letter: with a blank page, a quiet moment, and something meaningful to say.
Because every voice deserves to be heard—and every young writer deserves the chance to put their words out into the world.
More information: www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au
