Talent displayed by Queensland's next generation of writers
Independent Education Union - Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT)
Queensland school students with a flair for writing were celebrated on Wednesday evening (6 August) as part of the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland’s (ETAQ) annual Literary Competition.
ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1500 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into this year’s Competition, with all schools providing a high quality of entries for judging.
“Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools,” Ms Elliott said.
During Wednesday’s presentation evening, held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, award recipients were presented with certificates and book prizes generously donated by event sponsor Penguin Random House Australia, before first prize recipients read their winning pieces to the audience.
Attendees were also treated to an engaging lecture by guest speaker Brian Falkner, an award-winning international author and writing coach, who shared insights and highlights from his career.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the Literary Competition was an excellent opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.
“Our antecedent union established the competition to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people,” Mr Burke said.
“The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state.
“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all the recipients who entered the 2025 Literary Competition,” Mr Burke said.
See the attached list of 2025 Literary Competition winners, placegetters, and Highly Commended Award recipients.
List of Literary Competition first place category winners for 2025
Open
• Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West
Years 11 and 12
• Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore
• Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill
• Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac
Years 9 and 10
• Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs
• Poem:Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View
Years 7 and 8
• Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
• Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg
Years 5 and 6
• Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
• Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
About us:
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood education employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Contact details:
Contact: Emily Campbell, IEU-QNT Communications Officer: [email protected] / 0400 746 175
