Susie Warrick Young Writers Award

In memory of Susie Warrick, this award celebrates the art of the short story and supports emerging young writers in furthering their career.

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Susie Warrick was a much loved staff member at the Northern Rivers Writers Centre (now Byron Writers Festival). The Susie Warrick Young Writers Award was established to honour her memory, celebrate the art of the short story, and to support emerging young writers in furthering their career.

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The Brief

Write an original short story of up to 500 words on any theme.

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Who can enter

Year 7 – 8 students

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Prizes

Winner will receive

• $500 cash
• Publication in the Byron Writers Festival magazine, northerly
• A runner up will receive publication in the Byron Writers Festival magazine, northerly

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Presentation of the 2026 Susie Warrick Young Writers Award will take place Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay.

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Key Dates 2026

• Submissions open: 11 May
• Applications close: Midnight AEST, 30 June
• Winners notified: 22 July
• Presentation of the 2026 Susie Warrick Young Writers Award will take place Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay.

Submission Guidelines

1. Write and polish an original piece of writing.

2. Include the title in the header of your story and in the file name.

3. Submit your story as a word document or PDF (Arial 12-point font preferred).

4. Submissions are judged anonymously. Your name should not be included anywhere on your story or filename – it should only be entered in this submission form.

5. Entries are limited to one submission per person.

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Opens 11 May, 2026

Submit Your Entry 

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2025 Susie Warrick Young Writers Award winners

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Winner: Eve Walshe

Runner up: Hazel Compton-Bowhay