Murrumbidgee Short Story Winners Celebrated

Western Riverina Arts (WRA) announced and celebrated the winners of this year’s Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition on Thursday night, November 21.

Communications Officer for WRA Zooey Korhonen said the competition had received a total of 35 entries, with the youngest cohort - the Under 12s the lion's share of the entries.

“The fact that the teachers, parents, caregivers and safe adults in these young people’s lives are supporting and encouraging them to create, to give it a go, is absolutely wonderful to observe,” Ms Korhonen said.

“Over the years, we have seen a total 153 stories entered, that is 153 times somebody in the Western Riverina put pen to paper, and threw their hat in the ring, and created something unique.

“Our inaugural event saw approximately 30 in attendance physically, and our live stream of the event has been viewed over 400 times.

“This year’s winning stories will be published in the Western Riverina Arts December Newsletter in coming weeks.”

A lot of thought and effort goes into establishing clear winners in this competition, with a blind judging where judges discuss their thoughts and feelings on each tale.

“This year we had Emma Rose Darcy as a new resident of the region pick up first place in the open category for her take on the marionette tale,” Ms Korhonen said.

“Runner up in the open category Jason Richardson has placed in the competition in previous years also.

“I spoke to Jason around the time of his involvement in Pioneer Park Museum’s Night at the Museum event.

“Jason’s daughter Neve was the under 18s winner for her story Alatheia.

“Neve stood out as a young person who wrote beyond her years.

“Our youngest winner Christian R, of the under 12 category, told a tale with world building far beyond his years, impressing our judges.”

Christians was joined at the presentation event by his family and teacher.

WRA expressed their thanks to their sponsors, judges, entrants, attendees and everyone involved.

They offered special thanks to Hilary Manning and Jane Carter who were the initial drivers behind getting the competition started.

Winners:

• Open winner - Emma Rose Darcy, Caliban in the Fine Dark Woods;

• Open Highly Commended - Jason Richardson, Music in the Age of the Internal Combustion Engine;

• Under 18 winner - Neve R, Alethia; and

• Under 12 winner - Christian R, The Story of Zash, Yen and Keppler - 22b.

Highly Commended:

• Under 18 - Tithi P, Ink and Ash; and

• Under 12 - Harriet N, Farm Committee.

The most important thing about this competition is the number of original stories by our Western Riverina writers of all ages and all literary levels.

From the first competition in 2021, there have been 153 original and diverse stories written across all genres ranging from fantasy fiction to memoirs with the winners officially published each year.

Next year, WRA are planning a very special 5th Year Celebration, so start writing now to have your stories ready.

Anyone who would like the opportunity to read the winning submission can head to www.westrivarts.com.au to subscribe to their newsletter.

• Topics:

• Competitions
• Literature