The Lambing Flat branch of the Fellowship of Australia Writers are running their 44th National Annual Poetry & Short Story Competition in 2026!
Running for over 40 years, this competition supports writers across Australia in their creative writing and poetry. It is open to writers across Australia who are emerging and veteran, young and experienced, and everyone in between.
Writers of all levels, all ages and any genre are encouraged to enter.
There is no set theme for short stories up to 1500 words (please show your word count) and poems up to 50 lines. Poetry form can be as you choose – traditional rhyming or free verse.
Entries from school students are welcome. See entry form for word and line limits. Students may enter as individually or as part of a class ‘project’. A separate Schools Section information sheet is available. For two of our Schools Sections this year, we have a special prize: exclusive time with our guest author! Keep an eye on our social media pages to find out who that is.
This year we introduce the Emerging Writer entry category for our unpublished writers who have yet to win a literary prize. We have also made updates to word and line limits, as well as prize money.
Entries close midnight AEST September 18, 2026.
