The 29
th annual Tim Winton Award for Young Writers took place last night with 10-year old Subiaco resident, Coco Divola, taking out overall winner with her story
Looking for the Perfect Story.
The City of Subiaco received almost 1200 entries this year with 19 per cent coming from regional WA, including Albany, Cable Beach, South Hedland and Esperance.
Three local students from Subiaco, Swanbourne and Mosman Park were named in the finalist list.
A large range of topics were covered by entrants, with a focus on the natural world across primary school students and self-awareness and identity across secondary students.
The prestigious award is supported by award-winning author, Tim Winton, whose books are critically acclaimed and have been adapted for film and television.
Tim Winton said in his speech to the finalists that it was heartening to see creative spirit alive and bubbling in our young people.
Mayor Penny Taylor said the City was proud to present this longstanding award that helped nurture storytellers and demonstrated the importance of supporting arts and creative work across the whole of Western Australia.
“A number of the finalists’ stories have great twists and turns and are well worth a read,” she said. “The quality of entries this year made the judges’ job exceptionally difficult.”
Copies of the award-winning stories are on display at Subiaco Library until Sunday 31 October and will be published on the City’s website shortly.
Fast facts:
- The City of Subiaco has presented the Tim Winton Award for Young Writers since 1992
- Entry is open to Western Australian school students in years one to twelve
- Stories were judged on their originality, story development and quality of writing
- This year’s sponsors were Ms Janet Holmes a Court, Kool Kreative, Dymocks Subiaco, Subiaco Bookshop and The Lane Bookshop.