Dymocks to partner with the Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Brisbane Times for essay prize

A new essay prize for young writers has been announced for Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria by the Brisbane Times, Sydney Morning Herald, and Age respectively, supported by Dymocks.

With separate competitions running in each of the three states, entries are now open for two age categories—writers aged 14 to 18 years, and those aged 19 to 24 years. Entrants are to write a persuasive nonfiction essay in response to one of several prompts, such as ‘What makes you optimistic about the future of Melbourne or Victoria?’ or for entrants in New South Wales, ‘What do you wish more people understood?’.

The Age described the competition as ‘an exciting chance for young writers to share their ideas with a vast audience’, with editor Patrick Elligett citing the need for young people to have a platform within public discourse. The hosting publications will publish the winning essays, as well as inviting winning writers to pitch up to four additional opinion pieces in the twelve months following.

Senior editors at the respective publications will form the judging committee for each competition, alongside guest judges Ellen van Neerven (Queensland), Tara June Winch (New South Wales), and Maxine Beneba Clarke (Victoria).

The first prize winner in each state will receive a cash prize of $1000, alongside a 12-month subscription to the hosting publication, as well as additional opportunities, such as a newsroom tour. Two runners up will also be awarded in each state, each receiving $500 and a 12-month subscription.

The shortlisted pieces will be announced in mid-November, with the winner announcements to follow at the end of the month.

Category: Awards Local news