Celebrating creativity and imagination in young writers, The Jesse Blackadder Prize was created in 2020 in memory of Jesse Blackadder, much loved Board member, author and founder of Byron Writers Festival’s StoryBoard program.
The Brief
Write an original short story of up to 500 words on any theme.
Who can enter
Year 4 – 6 students
Prizes
Winner receives
- $300 cash
- Publication of winning story in the Byron Writers Festival magazine, northerly
- A runner up will receive publication of winning story in the Byron Writers Festival magazine, northerly
Presentation of the 2026 Jesse Blackadder Prize took place on Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay.
2026 Winners
Winner: Maeve Johnson with January 28th
Runner up: Rose Gilchrist with When Grey Meets Glow
Cost
General:
$
Friends (Members):
$
Free
TBC
When
TBC
Support us
Byron Writers Festival is Australia's largest regional literature festival and the beating heart of the Northern Rivers' intellectual and cultural life.
Byron Writers Festival is a registered charity with DGR status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
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