Locals Win National Writing Competition

Two locals have won first place in the 43rd National Writing Competition.

The competition was held by the Lambing Flat Young Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) NSW Inc during the 75th Cherry Festival. The announcement of the winners and presentation of the prizes took place in a ceremony at the Old Railway Platform at Anderson Park recently.

Donna Dwyer of Young was awarded first place in the Adult Open Short Story section for her story ‘Hide’.

Jennifer Haynes, President of the Lambing Flat Young FAW said, “She had this story floating around in her head since last year’s entries opened but didn’t think she’d be good enough to enter only writing and reviewing it just before entries closed.” Donna was surprised by her win.

“It was a bit like jumping off a cliff … and getting it in before the deadline with not much expectation. At least I didn’t have time to panic or overthink. When I was told I was shortlisted, I was very pleased and proud. To win was quite a shock, and I just want to encourage people out there to have a go. Have some fun and you just never know what will happen.”

Payton-Jane Read won first place in the Poetry 7-8-9 section for her poem ‘I Miss the Happy Me’.

“Judges considered her poem was ‘written with a light touch… pegging the sense of loss with very specific images and consequences before finding a place of equilibrium and a sense of having grown strong,’” said Jennifer.

“Lambing Flat Young FAW would like to thank sponsors Young Services Club, SWS Bank and Penrose Funerals and acknowledges with appreciation the support of Redline Trailers, all the teachers who organized their students’ entries, our judges and those writers and poets who supported the competition with their entries.”

• Topics:

• Creative Writing
• Competitions