Prizemoney doubled for Banjo Paterson Writing Contest
19 February 2018
Organisers have doubled the prizemoney to be won for this year’s Banjo Paterson Writing competition.
One of a number of changes being made this year’s the long-running contest, the prizes for the Short Story and Contemporary Poetry categories increase from $1,000 to $2,000.
Timed to coincide with the poet’s birthday this week, (Paterson was born on February 17, 1864) Orange City Library, the Central Western Daily and ABC Central West Radio have opened this year’s Banjo Paterson Writing Awards for entries.
Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd has welcomed the new approach.
“Established in 1991, these awards aim to honour Banjo Paterson, a great Australian writer and favourite son of Orange, with a competition to encourage short story or poetry writing with Australian content,” Cr Reg Kidd said.
“I’m pleased the organisers have made some changes to keep the competition fresh and engaging for the community.”
Orange City Council’s Services Committee chair Cr Kevin Duffy said the number of competition categories had also been stream-lined this year.
“Given the rise of bush poetry competitions elsewhere, it was decided to focus on contemporary writing as well the section for children,” Cr Kevin Duffy said.
There are three categories:
- Short Story - First prize $2,000
- Contemporary Poetry - First prize $2,000
- and ABC Central West Radio Children’s Writing Awards - First prize $200.
“Entries in any of the categories don’t have to be written in the same style as the work of Banjo Paterson as the awards are aimed at promoting Australian writing and writers,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “The only requirement is for Australian content.”
First prize is $2,000 in the short story and contemporary poetry sections. Entry is $15.
The prizes for the ABC Central West Radio Children’s Writing Awards are 1st prize $200, 2nd and 3rd $100 each. Entry is $5 for these awards and entries must be the unaided work of the entrant up to and including age 16 years on Friday 20th April, 2018.
The competition closes on Friday 20th April 2018 and winners will be contacted by phone on Friday 6th July.
The winners will be publicly announced at the Readers and Writers Festival to be held on Saturday 28th July at the Hotel Canobolas. The winning short story entry will be published in The Central Western Daily and winning entries will also be published on the Central West Libraries website www.cwl.nsw.gov.au.
The entry form can be downloaded here. Further information by phoning Orange City Library on 6393 8120, or email: library@orange.nsw.gov.auConsultation has concluded
