Newcastle Writers Festival is inviting emerging writers living in regional NSW to submit to the 2025 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize ✨
The winner will be awarded $5000 to support the development of their writing, thanks to the support of Newcastle business Fourth Wave Wine via its label Elephant In The Room, as well as a week-long residency at Varuna, The National Writers’ House.
The winner will also have their entry published in the summer issue of Swell Magazine and shortlisted writers will each receive $250, with thanks to the festival’s Patrons Program.
The prize seeks to elevate marginalised voices and acknowledges the challenges faced by writers in remote and regional areas.
The judges of this year’s prize are Courtney Collins and Natasha Rai.
Submissions close 23.59pm AEST 8 September 2025
Learn more and submit at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-fresh-ink-prize/