Mayor's Writing Competition

The annual Mayor’s Writing Competition aims to encourage young people who live or go to school in Eurobodalla to get writing.

Each year, young authors between the ages of five and 18 are invited to submit an original work. Entrants can submit a short story, essay, poem, or any style of creative writing as long as the writing adheres to word limits set out in the terms and conditions.

Each year we receive a flood of entries in the form of short stories, poems and essays. To select the prize-winning entries from hundreds of submissions, the judges award the most imaginative and unique plots.

2022 theme: Magic

This year a theme has been selected to provide some extra inspiration. Chosen by Mayor Matthew Hatcher, the theme of 'magic' needs to be incorporated in your entry.

Enter now

• Entries are open now, closing on Friday 1 July 2022 at 5pm.
• You can submit your entry online or in person.
• Your entry must be accompanied by a signed parent/guardian consent form (available on this page).

Eurobodalla Mayor Matthew Hatcher will announce the winners on Monday 12 September 2022.

Online:

1. Download and fill out the parent/guardian consent form
   Parent/guardian consent form (177KB)
2. Fill out the online entry form and upload a signed parent/guardian consent form along with a copy of your work

In person:

1. Download and fill out the PDF entry form
   Mayor's Writing Competition entry form (209KB)
2. Download and fill out the parent/guardian consent form
   Parent/guardian consent form (177KB)
3. Return your completed entry form, signed parent/guardian consent form and a copy of your work into Batemans Bay, Moruya or Narooma Library

Prizes

• Overall winner will receive the Syd Hayes Award.
• Winners in each school year category will receive a $50 book voucher.
• Runners-up in each school year category will receive a $30 book voucher.
• Judge’s certificates of encouragement and special mentions.
• the Judge’s decision is final and only finalists will be contacted.

Terms and conditions

• One entry per person.
• All work must be original and not previously published.
• The theme of 'magic' must be incorporated into your entry.
• All hardcopy entries including cover and optional illustrations are to be submitted on A4 white paper in a plastic sleeve or A4 envelope with the completed entry form. Please, no paperclips or staples.
• All pages are to have a 20mm left-hand margin.
• Work must include a title page (Title and Author).
• Word limit for primary school: 500 words (Max 4 x A4 pages, including title page)
• Word limit for secondary school: 1000 words (Max 6 x A4 pages, including title page).

You can download a copy of the terms and conditions:

• Mayor's Writing Competition Terms and Conditions (209 KB)

2021 finalists

View an anthology of the 2021 finalists' work in the library catalogue.

More information

To find out more about this competition contact your local library: