2026 Youth Writing Competition
The Shepparton Arts Festival is delighted to launch the 2026 Youth Writing Competition, inviting young people across Greater Shepparton to share their stories, perspectives and creativity.
This initiative celebrates the incredible talent of young writers in our region and offers a platform for emerging voices to be heard as part of the Festival’s 30th anniversary year.
Three Age Categories — One Community of Young Creatives
The competition is open to young people who live within the Greater Shepparton local government area, across three age groups:
12 and under
13–17 years
18–25 years
Participants are encouraged to submit a written piece of up to 1,000 words. There is no set theme, allowing writers to explore any style or subject matter that feels meaningful to them - fiction, memoir, poetry, creative nonfiction, or anything in between.
Winners Announced in March + Literary Lunch Reading
A winner from each age group will receive a $250 JB Hi-Fi voucher, along with the opportunity to present their work at our much-loved Literary Lunch on Saturday 28 March as part of the 2026 Festival program.
Reading their work aloud is an important and celebrated part of the prize, giving young writers the chance to share their voice with an audience in a supportive, festival environment.
Judged by the GV Writers Group
Entries will be reviewed in February by the GV Writers Group, a respected collective of local writers who bring deep knowledge, care and passion to the judging process. Their involvement ensures the competition remains connected to our region’s vibrant literary community.
Key Dates
Entries open: Now
Entries close: Friday 31 January 2025
Judging: February
Winners announced: March
Literary Lunch: Saturday 28 March 2026
All entries must be submitted via our website form.
How to Enter
Young writers can submit their work through the online entry form below.
Entrants will be asked to provide a contact email, age category and residential address to confirm eligibility within the Greater Shepparton LGA.
Celebrating Young Voices
As we approach the Festival’s 30th anniversary, this competition is an exciting way to celebrate the next generation of storytellers - their diversity, imagination, courage and connection to place.
We encourage teachers, families, schools, youth groups and community organisations to share this opportunity widely.
We cannot wait to read the stories, poems and reflections that emerge from young people across Greater Shepparton.