When I first started writing, I entered lots of competitions. It’s super fun and a great way to improve your skills. If drawing is more your thing, there’s plenty of opportunities for you too!
I’ve listed ten Australian competitions below. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your pen, dust off your laptop, get out your paints … and start entering!
Good luck!
CYA Hatchlings Competition
Writing and Illustration
Opens annually in January
Ages 8-18 years
Sean Tan Award
Illustration / Art
Opens annually in April
School Years: 1-12
CBCA Make Your Own Story Book Competition
Writing and Illustration
Western Australia
School Years: Pre-primary – Year 8
Opens annually in March
Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Award
Poetry Writing
Opens annually in March
School Years: Kindergarten – Year 12
KSP Spooky Story Competition
Short Story Writing
Opens annually in March
Ages: 17 years and younger
Hachette Australia Prize for Young Writers
Writing
Opens annually in June
School Years: 7-12
KSP – Youth Short Story Comptition
Short Story Writing
Opens annually in June
Ages: 17 years and younger
Little Stories, Big Ideas
Writing – any style
Opens every term
School Years: 7-12
Spencil Art Prize
Art – any flat medium
Opens annually in January
Ages: 13 years and younger
Wombat Books Illustration Challenge
Illustration
Check website for opening dates.
Ages: 5-18 years
Jeanette Stampone 