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 will take place on Sunday 16 August, 2026 at Byron Writers Festival in Byron Bay.
Key Dates 2026
- Submissions open: 11 May
- Applications close: Midnight AEST, 30 June
- Winners notified: 22 July
- Presentation of the 2026 Jesse Blackadder Prize will take place on 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.
[Button before 11 May] Opens 11 May, 2026
[Button from 11 May ] Submit Your Entry
2025 Jesse Blackadder Student Writing Prize winners
Winner: Chloe Cusack
Runner up: Sita Kolff Parkinson
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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