A local Gold Coast student was honoured with an award on Wednesday evening at the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland’s (ETAQ) annual Literary Competition presentation.
Harriet McIvor, from All Saints Anglican School in Merrimac, won the Years 11 and 12 non-fiction prose category with her submission, “To the kid in bed 7A.”
Jeffrey Lewis, who judged the entries, said the winning entry was a beautiful depiction of how kindness can provide hope in dark times.
“To the kid in bed 7A is a reflection on a relationship formed on a hospital ward, and the ways one helps the other in small, profound ways,” Mr Lewis said.
Mr Lewis said the writing style is characterised by short, sharp sentences that act like small 'jabs', ultimately building to a powerful, emotional gut-punch.
“Constructed with grace and care, I encourage readers to get tissues ready before they start,” he said.
The Literary Competition was established by the IEU-QNT’s antecedent union in 1959 to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people.
ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1500 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into this year’s Competition, with all schools providing a high quality of entries for judging.
“Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools,” Ms Elliott said.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the Literary Competition was a great opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.
“The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state,” Mr Burke said.
“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all those who entered the 2025 Literary Competition,” he said.
See the attached list of 2025 Literary Competition winners, placegetters, and Highly Commended Award recipients.
List of Literary Competition first place category winners for 2025
Open
• Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West
Years 11 and 12
• Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore
• Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill
• Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac
Years 9 and 10
• Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs
• Poem:Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View
Years 7 and 8
• Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
• Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg
Years 5 and 6
• Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
• Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
About us:
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood education employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Contact details:
Contact: Emily Campbell, IEU-QNT Communications Officer: [email protected] / 0400 746 175
