City of Subiaco celebrates young writers’ creativity
For over three decades, the City of Subiaco has celebrated the creativity and imagination of young writers across WA through an annual youth writing award.
This year’s award welcomed back patron – award-winning author Craig Silvey – and received over 900 entries from students across the state, including Karratha, Pannawonica, Hyden, Albany and Esperance.
In his address during the awards ceremony, Craig Silvey noted the high calibre of entries.
“The quality and diversity of stories this year was absolutely remarkable. But it was the depth of thought and consideration underpinning them that moved and impressed me so profoundly,” he said.
“I hope you all keep writing and keep digging deep, because you are all astonishingly talented and the world needs more of your words.”
The 2024 award culminated in an award ceremony on Monday 21 October in Subiaco where WA’s budding authors were praised by the judges for their exceptional storytelling.
Winners were announced for each school-aged category, with Nakita Plumridge from Halls Head taking out the title of overall winner for Your Favourites.
This winning story used significant poignant details to reflect the way emotion is left in landscapes and places, focussing on love and loss and the small details in everyday life.
The winners for each category:
Lower Primary – Stephen Zhang, Wesley College
Middle Primary – April Baker, Mount Hawthorn Primary School
Upper Primary – Anya Aryaputri-Edi, Mel Maria Catholic Primary
Lower Secondary – Lizetienne Burke-Hardy, Belridge Secondary College
Upper Secondary – Nakita Plumridge, Halls Head College
City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said, “The Craig Silvey Awards foster, inspire and celebrate young story tellers across WA, and provide a platform for future writing careers.
“Every year these awards attract some incredible talent and creativity; and I’m proud that the City can encourage and support these young writers.
“I thank Craig for his ongoing patronage and for sharing his passion for writing and upskilling young authors. Craig is an inspiration for storytellers and story lovers alike.”
The award-winning stories are on display at Subiaco Library until Sunday 27 October. Be sure to drop in and vote for your favourite for the People’s Choice Awards.
