Published: 4 April 2025

Budding authors aged 5-18 are once again invited to enter the 17^th annual Mayor’s Writing Competition.

This year, as is tradition, Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher has chosen the theme: ‘Friendship’.

“This is a chance for our young people to share their real stories in their own voice,” Mayor Hatcher said.

Proudly presented by Eurobodalla Libraries, the Mayor's Writing Competition encourages young residents and school students of the shire to pen a short story, essay, poem, or any style of writing that explores ‘Friendship’ with imagination and originality.

“I think social media can sometimes make young people second guess what they want to say,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“We hope our writing competition is a place they feel confident to be themselves”.

Thanks to the support of Bendigo Bank Batemans Bay, finalists will receive exciting new prizes this year and the opportunity to see their work published in the annual Mayor's Writing Competition Anthology.

The overall winner will be presented with The Syd Hayes Creative Writing Award and receive a beautiful, handcrafted pen by local artist, Richard Turley. The winner’s school will also be given the competition’s perpetual shield to display for a whole year!

Eurobodalla Libraries coordinator Samantha Fenton said the competition is a wonderful way to inspire young writers and celebrate their creativity.

“Each year, we’re proud to host this competition which is all about inspiring imagination and supporting the next generation of storytellers,” Ms Fenton said.

“We're excited to see how young minds explore the theme of Friendship,” Ms Fenton said.

Entries are now open and close at midnight on Friday 4 July. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 22 October 2025.

For more information on how to enter, please visit the Mayor's Writing Competition webpage or call in to one of the Eurobodalla Council’s libraries.

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