Entries are now open for the 2026 Young Writers’ Award, with Stanton Library and North Sydney Council inviting young people aged 11 to 18 across Sydney to submit their original writing for the chance to win exciting prizes and gain valuable creative opportunities.
Young people are invited to submit one original poem or short story of up to 750 words for the chance to win a share of $3,500 in prize money, including a money-can’t-buy prize: the opportunity to meet with an editor from the Penguin Random House publishing team for feedback on their story.
Winners will also receive loot bags filled with vouchers, snacks and bookish prizes, thanks to the generous support of leading Australian publishers Allen & Unwin, Hachette Australia, Penguin Random House Australia and Walker Books Australia.
Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of acclaimed Australian authors: Erin Gough, Jaclyn Moriarty, Jeremy Lachlan, Sue Whiting and Will Kostakis.
Mayor Zoë Baker emphasised the importance of young people expressing themselves through writing:
"Our young people have powerful voices, and storytelling is one of the most meaningful ways they can be heard. The Young Writers’ Award gives them a platform to share their ideas, imagination and perspectives with our community."
The Young Writers’ Award welcomes entries from young people of all experience levels and encourages creativity, originality and confidence in writing.
All entries must be the entrant’s own original work and will be checked for plagiarism and AI assistance. Submissions close at 11.59pm AEDT on Saturday 28 February 2026.
For full conditions of entry and to submit, visit: northsydney.nsw.gov.au/young-writers
ENDS
Contact details:
02 9936 8196
