Offering a new opportunity for local writers, the Bunbury Libraries presents the inaugural writing competition for adults. In partnership with Curtin University, the Wordsmith Awards are designed to celebrate and support writers across the South West.
Open to adults aged 18 and over, the competition invites participants to respond to the theme - ‘Escape’. Writers are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way and can submit short stories in any fiction genre.
The program also includes two workshops, offering participants the opportunity to develop their ideas and strengthen their submissions.
The Wordsmith Awards aims to provide a platform for local voices, foster creativity, and strengthen connections within the region’s writing community.
Entries open on 1 June and close on 30 June. Winners will receive prizes, including $1,000 for the first-place winner.
Writers of all experience levels are encouraged to enter.
Competition opens: 1 June 2026
Competition closes: 30 June 2026
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, 5 September 2026
The Wordsmith Award 2026 will award the following prizes:
- 1st Prize – $1000
- 2nd Prize – $750
- 3rd Prize – $500
Prizes will be presented at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 5 September 2026, held at the Bunbury Public Library.
- Entrants must reside in Western Australia’s South West region and aged 18 years or over at the time of submission.
- Entries must be between 2,500 and 3,000 words. Entries fewer than 2,500 words or more than 3,000 words will be automatically disqualified. They may be written in any genre.
- Entries must adhere to the competition theme – ‘Escape’.
- Entry is free, and each entrant may submit one entry only.
- Entries must be original unpublished work written by the named author for the competition. Collaborative, joint, or group entries are not eligible.
- Entries should be submitted using the form on our website on or before 30 June 2026.
- Submissions must be in PDF or Word Document format and may be a maximum of 10MB in size.
- Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 5 September 2026. Prizes will be presented at the event held at the Bunbury Public Library.
- Copyright remains with the author. Winning stories will be published on the City of Bunbury Libraries website, along with the author’s name and entry title. By entering, entrants consent to the publication of their story, if selected.
Read the Wordsmith Awards 2026 Terms and Conditions:
The entry form will appear here from 1 June 2026.