Read the 2022 Winning Entries

In a year of pandemic, war, corruption and climate crisis, it was no surprise that 2022’s range of entries reflected the somewhat uncertain and dystopian feel of current times. Nevertheless, amidst the dark themes were whispers of love, bravery, hope, vulnerability and humour. Evocative language and controlled narrative arcs made this year’s judging very satisfying. Congratulations to all who entered: your stories will help start important conversations in the classroom about the challenging issues we face.

Click on the images and links below to browse the winning entries

Winner: Hope by Delaney Perrin, Amaroo School. Image: Two hands protecting a fragile plant in cracked, dry earth.
Highly Commended: Because of Her by Eleanor Graham, Mt Stromlo High School. Image: A young couple holding hands.
Judges’ Choice: Memories Leave Scars, Not Wounds by Aadhya Karthik, Canberra Girls Grammar School. Image: A young woman in a counselling session.
Speculative Fiction Award: The Visit by Anaya Abdullah, University of Canberra High School Kaleen.  A young warrior in a castle.
Link: Winner: Plastic Smiles by Charlie Stockings, Canberra High School. Image: A boy on his first day of school, holding his Dad's hand.
Link: Highly Commended: Louis by Ruby O’Hara-Dewhurst, Mt Stromlo High School. Image: A dock on a lake, with a row boat.
Link: Judges’ Choice: Fate Will Find a Way by Ellie Magee, Canberra High School. Image: A chinese meal with fortune cookies.
Link: Speculative Fiction Award: The Birth of the Droplet by Callum Clarke, Calwell High School. Image: A domed city in a desolate land.
Winner: Snowdrift by Noah Stuart, Canberra College. Image: A magical polar bear in a snowy landscape.
Highly Commended: Under the Surface by Ebony Moss, Trinity Christian School. Image: An old city street, with a reflection in a puddle.
Judges’ Choice: Mr Sheep Judge: A Fable about Justice by Wenjiahui (Cindy) Han, Gungahlin College.  Image: Sheep in a pasture.
Speculative Fiction Award: Those Underfoot by Thomas Dunlop, Erindale College. Image: A Kobold in Victorian Streets.
Winner: Truth Be Told by Patrick Wenholz Canberra High School. Image: A man driving a car at night.
Highly Commended: The Hungry Sky by Joanne Cook, Amaroo School. Image: A highway on the Hay Plains.
Highly Commended: The Ghost of the Mist by Ryan Lindsay, Gungahlin College. Image: A Pirate Ship.
Viviane Gerardu Writing Encouragement Award. Destiny’s Story by Louis Ryan, Wanniassa School. Image: A young man in a dystopian landscape.

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ACTATE

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Paperchain Books, Manuka
ACT Doorland
Image: MARION - the leading organisation for writing in the ACT region
Image: Canberra Writers Festival
Image: Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak