Below is a list of Australian writing competitions in chronological order by closing date.  We recommend that you go to the respective websites for guidelines and to double-check deadlines.

30 May, Bush Lantern Award

Bundaberg Poets’ Society invites entries for Bush Verse. Each poem must have good rhyme and rhythm and an Australian theme, max 100 lines.Work must not have been placed 1st in a previous written competition prior to closing date. Full details of competition from Bundaberg Poets’ Society, PO Box 4281, Bundaberg South, Queensland 4670; contact; Dean Collins phone (07) 41591705  email dino123@dodo.com.au  

30 May, PressPress Chapbook Award

The sort of thing that new poets might like (small collection) or more experienced ones who might have a collection that is not big enough for a standard book.   The conditions and entry form are on the PressPress site at: www.presspress.com.au/award.htm  The PressPress Chapbook Award is for an unpublished chapbook length (ie 20 to 40 pages) manuscript of poems. The winning manuscript will receive $300 and chapbook publication with PressPress. Fee of $15 per entry!

30 May, Shoalhaven Literary Award for Poetry

Open theme, any form, max 60 lines.  First prize $1000 plus a two week residential at the Arthur Boyd Bundanoon Centre in Shoalhaven.  Four second prizes of $200 each.  For information phone FAW Shoalhaven on (02) 4421 0974 or email info@fawnswshoalhaven.org.au 

30 May, Vignette Press Short Story Competition

Short story to 3000 words, open theme. Must be original, unpublished work that has not won either a first or second prize in another competition.  First prize $500 and publication in Mini Shots. Second prize $200. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $6.60.  Postal Address: PO Box 296, Coburg VIC 3058. Contact: Lisa Dempster phone: (03) 90185446 email: info@vignettepress.com.au  website: www.vignettepress.com.au

30 May, Paramount Publishing Annual Short Story Competition

Cash prizes vary. Winners announced on website. Entry Form Required.  Entry Fee: $10.  Guidelines Available. Website: www.paramountpublishing.com.au 


30 May 2008: Woorilla Annual Poetry Prize

Open Section:  Prize $1000, Youth Section:  Prize $100. Poems must be typed and on A4 paper, one poem to a sheet; poems 50 lines or fewer -- neither published nor won a prize; coversheet attached with name, address, telephone number and section entered; do not put name on poems; 2 copies of poems must be submitted; include a SSAE for notification. Send entries and fee to:  Woorilla Magazine, 255 Macclesfield Rd.  Macclesfield, Vic 3782. $5 / $3 youth per poem ($20 / $10 for 5 poems).

30 May, Katharine Susannah Prichard Speculative Fiction Awards

A fee per manuscript of $7.50 applies, however young writers under 20 years are particularly encouraged to enter and may submit their work for free.  Stories must be between 1500 and 3500 words, with all forms of speculative fiction welcomed.  For further information please see http://kspf.iinet.net.au/activities.html#competitions  or phone 9294 1872.

31 May, AHWA Flash and Short Story Competition

Australian Horror Writers Association – for previously unpublished horror stories. Two categories: flash fiction (up to 1000 words) and short story (1500-8000 words).  Winner of the flash fiction category will be published in Shadowed Realms. Winner of the short story category will be published in Dark Animus. Entry Fee: $5 for flash, $10 for short story. Guidelines available from website: www.australianhorror.com  Electronic submissions (attached in WORD or RTF format) should be emailed to competitions@australianhorror.com  Contact: Marty Young phone: 0434 882 504.

31 May, Eastwood/Hills Fellowship of Australian Writers Literary Competition

The competition has a total prize money of $1000 distributed over 5 categories: Short Story, Traditional Rhyming Poetry, Free Verse Poetry, Memoir and the Pauline Walsh Encouragement Award for Short Story. All five categories have open theme. For more information contact Jenny Trimboli phone (02) 94849223.  Website www.hillsfaw.net.au 

31 May, The Boree Log Award for Bush Verse

The Boree Log is the annual award presented by the Eastwood/Hills FAW for traditional bush poetry.  The competition carries a $200 first prize.  See website for information: www.hillsfaw.net.au/userimages/FAWBoreeLog.doc

31 May, The Australian Vogel Literary Award

Australia's richest and most prestigious award for an unpublished manuscript by a writer under the age 35 and has launched the careers of some of its most successful writers. Total award prize money of $50,000. The manuscript submitted should be a work of fiction, Australian history or biography and must be an original work, entirely by the entrant and written in English. For more information www.allenandunwin.com/vogelawards 

31 May, The Writers' Resource Centre short story competition

The WRC short story competition is held twice a year, with deadlines in May and September.  Entry is free, with prize winners and commended stories published in a printed anthology.  Best New Australian Writers Competition.  Word length: 2500 words maximum.  Guidelines at www.writersworld.com.au

1 June, Verandah 23

Verandah is a literary annual produced by Deakin University. We accept short stories, poetry, scripts, creative non-fiction, art and photography. All submissions are entered into our sponsor awards, which include the Matthew Rocca Poetry Prize ($250) and several other awards to the value of $200 each. Submissions by current Deakin students are free; otherwise, a $5 fee (or three submissions for $10) applies.  Submission guidelines at: www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/verandah-res/


1 June, Young Australian Writers' Awards

Organised by Pearson Education Australia.  Annual writing award for children aged 5 to 14 years.  Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, song lyrics, plays, etc.  Several winners for each age group category are published in Comet, Explore and Challenge magazines. Categories are: Comet, Age 5-7 (300 words max), Explore, Age 8-10 (500 words max) and Challenge, Age 10-14 (800 words max). Book prize, small cash prize and certificate. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: Not applicable. Guidelines Available.  Postal Address: PO Box 1024 , SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205. Contact: phone: (03) 98112800 email: magazines@pearsoned.com.au website: www.pearsoned.com.au/schools/magazines 


1 June, Hadow/ Stuart Short Story Competition

Maximum 3000 per story.  Prizes: 1st $400; 2nd $100; 2 x Highly Commended $50.  Entry Fee: $7 per story.  Contact phone 08 9384 4771 or email admin@fawwa.org.au See guidelines at website www.fawwa.org.au/program/competitions.htm


2 June, Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards for school students

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards is the oldest and largest poetry competition for school students in Australia. The poetry awards aim to capture the imagination of students, inspiring them to express their thoughts creatively through poetry; while celebrating the legendary work of Dorothea Mackellar. It is a unique national event, giving Australia’s young people a voice and an opportunity to strive for excellence in literature.  See guidelines at www.dorothea.com.au


13 June, The 2008 Eureka Street/Reader’s Feast Award for Social Justice/Human Rights Writing

Open age category - The Eureka Street/Reader’s Feast Award is offered to the writer of the essay that offers the best analysis of a current social justice or human rights issue from Australia or around the world. The essay should feature a strong humane perspective, and provide criticism of current situations as well as suggesting positive outcomes or alternative ways forward. Website www.crimeandjusticefestival.com/eureka


13 June, Margaret Dooley Award for Young Writers

Junior age category, under 35 - Eureka Street’s Margaret Dooley Award is offered to support the development of young writers. Entrants should submit a piece of writing that offers reasoned ethical argument based on humane values. This could take many forms, for example: advocacy or criticism of current ethical frameworks; an ethical response to a contemporary social or political issue; ethical exploration of personal experience or cultural phenomena. The winner's essay, and the two runners-up, will be announced during the Reader’s Feast Crime and Justice Festival in July, and will be published in Eureka Street. Website www.crimeandjusticefestival.com/eureka


27 June, Ipswich District Teacher-Librarian Network Writing for Children Competition

Award for unpublished writers: Section A: Junior Novel for primary students 5000 - 10 000 words. Section B: Picture Book text for early childhood up to 800 words. Prizes: $250 per section. Special Award: 15 hours mentorship to one entrant. Entry Fee: 10.  Contact:Michelle Witheyman-Crump phone: (07) 38134586 email: mwitheymancrump@wmac.com.au  web: www.learningplace.com.au/sc/ipswich/idtln

27 June, Blake Poetry Award

Organised by NSW Writers Centre. Co-Sponsored by the Blake Society and the Leichhardt Municipal Council. The Poetry prize gives Australian poets the chance to explore spirituality in the 21st century.  Prizes: $5,000, plus publication in Wet Ink. Entry Fee: $15.  Guidelines available phone: (02) 95559757.  email: nswwc@nswwriterscentre.org.au  web: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

30 June, Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize

Organised by Department of Humanities and International Studies, University of Southern Queensland. The award honours Bruce Dawe and is for an original unpublished poem of not more than 50 lines. No theme. Prize: $1,500.  Entry Fee: $6 per poem. Guidelines available contact: Helen Janes phone: (07) 46311065 email:  daweprize@usq.edu.au  web: www.usq.edu.au/daweprize

30 June, National Jazz writing Competition

In its fourth year, the competition this year focuses on the short story. Story up to 2,000 words. Must be about, inspired by or responding to jazz or improvised music. Where the link to jazz or improvised music is not obvious in the story, the entry should be accompanied by a short (max 200 word) explanation. $750 first prize. First, second and third prize winners will be published in Extempore Magazine in November 2008. For guidelines, see web www.jazz-planet.com/njwc

30 June, Port Macquarie-Hastings FAW Annual Competition

For short stories, poetry and memoir.Forms from PO Box 67, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

30 June, Dogwood Playwrights Initiative

Australia's Richest Radio Play Writing Competition - The 2007-08 Dogwood Playwrights Initiative's exciting, challenging and new, radio play format is being launched by the Miles Regional Arts Council Inc. in partnership with the Murilla Shire Council. First prize is $3000, Second is $1500, Third $800, Fourth $700.  No entry fee.  Play must be in the radio play format and between 20 and 30 minutes long. Cannot have been previously performed (including rehearsed readings).  Maximum of 6 characters. Play is to deal with an issue(s) that is/are relevant to Australia in the new millennium. Contact: Ann Gibbons phone: (07) 4627 1707 or email: tedgibbons@bigpond.com.au  Guidelines at website www.murilla.qld.gov.au/events/2007/dogwoodplaywrightsinitiative.shtml

30 June, Margaret Reid Poetry Prize

A prize for traditional verse, where 'traditional' is defined as any style or genre of poetry that has been popular for at least 50 years, including free verse, metrical verse, rhyming verse, but not prose poems. All prizes in US dollars: $2,000; $1,000; $500; $250; plus 5 at $200 each, and 5 at $100 each. Entry Fee: US$6 per 25 lines, no limit on length, minimum fee US$12.  Contact:Australian Coordinator, John Reid phone: (02) 43532521 email: rastar7@bigpond.com.au  Guidelines available from website: www.poetrycontests.exactpages.com

30 June, ABR Reviewing Competition

The 2008 Australian Book Review (ABR) Reviewing Competition. First prize: $1000 and publication of the review in ABR and at least two future commissions. Second prize: $250. Third prize: a set of Black Inc. books, valued at $200. This competitions is a particularly good opportunity for younger and emerging writers and students who wish to establish a career in reviewing.  All categories of books are eligible, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s and young adult books. Reviews should be 800 words. The book being reviewed must have been published since January 2006. For further information, e-mail: abradmin@vicnet.net.au  telephone (03) 9429 6700 or visit the ABR website: www.australianbookreview.com.au

30 June, The Conflux 5 Short Story Competition

Writers of speculative fiction from all over the world are invited to enter the Conflux 5 Short Story Competition. The story must be on the theme of the convention - Dreaming. Stories are a maximum of 2000 words. There must be a speculative element. Stories will be emailed to storycomp@conflux.org.au  The best three entries for the Conflux 5 writing competition will be published in the Conflux 5 souvenir booklet and will recieve a supporting membership (if not already a member). Other prizes will be announced closer to the time. Entry: $10 for non-members, free for members. www.conflux.org.au/2008/short_story_competition.shtml

1 July, Arts Queensland Val Vallis Poetry Award

Organising Body: Queensland Poetry Festival.  The prize is offered to an unpublished poem of 100 lines or less written by an emerging Australian poet. Entrants must be Australian citizens or residents and must not have previously published more than one book of poems. Contact organisers to confirm closing date.  Prizes first prize $3,000, second prize $750, third prize $250.  Entry Fee: $15.  Contact: Karen Hands phone: (07) 38391243. Email: qldwriters@qwc.asn.au  Guidelines available at website: www.queenslandpoetryfestival.com

1 July, Wesley Michel Wright Prize in Poetry

Organised by The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts.  Original verse or poetry. Submissions should consist of a poem, suite of poems, or collection of poems to a minimum length of 50 lines.  Prize: $3,000.  Entry Fee: Not applicable.  Postal Address: c/- Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne , PARKVILLE VIC 3101. Contact: Catherine Soutas phone: (03) 83444734 email: c.soutas@unimelb.edu.au Guidelines available at website: www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/wmwright.html

4 July, The Max Afford Playwrights' Award

The Max Afford Playwrights’ Award was established to promote interest in Australian drama and to encourage the writing of plays in Australia, to help and give incentive to young writers of plays for stage, TV or films. The winner will receive $7,500 cash prize and expenses to a maximum of $2,500 for registration, accommodation and airline tickets to attend a reading of the winning play at the annual Australian National Playwrights' Conference following the announcement of the winner. Telephone: (02) 9144 2415 Email: psalter@cauzgroup.com.au   Website: www.trust.com.au

4 July, Newcastle Poetry Prize

Organised by the Hunter Writers Centre, the prestigious Newcastle Poetry Prize is awarded annually to an unpublished poem or sequence of poems, in English, of up to 200 lines. Open Prize $11,000 and New Media $2000. Entry Form Required.  Include SSAE.  Entry Fee: $20.  Contact: Micky Pinkerton phone: (02) 49263485 email:  npp@hwcentre.com website: www.hwcentre.com

?? July 11-13th 2008: Bundy Muster Weekend & Bush Lantern Award Written

Competition for Bush Verse. Competitions – Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 1st Prize: Bush Lantern Award Trophy + $200; 2nd Prize  ~  Certificate + $100; 3rd Prize  ~  Certificate +$75. Bundaberg Poets’ Society. Performance Competition Enquiries: The Co-ordinators, Bundaberg Poets’ Society Inc., PO Box 4281, BUNDABERG SOUTH   4670, John & Sandy Lees (07) 41514631.  lees@interworx.com.au

25 July, CJ Dennis Literary Awards. 

Categories are: “One World One Dream”  – short story; “One World One Dream” – poetry; Short story – open; Poetry – open. First Prize in each category is $200. The theme is “One World One Dream”, following the theme of the Beijing Olympics, 2008. This fully reflects the essence and the universal values of; Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream – a bright future for Mankind! This theme allows for no limits to your imagination and interpretation whether linked to the Olympics or not. Length of submissions is limited to 50 lines for poetry and 2,500 words for stories. Entry fee $5. Include a cover sheet with the title of work, number of pages, category but no personal details as entries will be numbered for anonymity. There is no limit to the number of entries each writer may submit. One entry form will suffice for multiple entries. Entries to: CJ Dennis Literary Awards, PO Box 16, Auburn SA 5451. For more info: Peter Lane email: pt.lane@bigpond.com  phone: 08 88492190.

25 July, Poets Union Poetry Prize 

Poets Union Poetry Prize (formerly the Broadway Poetry Prize) $3000 first prize.  Entry fee: $15 ($10 Poets Union members); Any theme; 100 line max. Entry forms and conditions: www.poetsunion.com  Inquiries: info@poetsunion.com

30 July, Adelaide PEN creative non-fiction competition

Theme: ‘Caging the Pen: censorship in Australia’. 3000 word maximum, no minimum length. $10 fee for each entry. Winner will receive $100 cash prize and publication in Wet Ink Dec 2008 issue. Post Entry to: Creative non-fiction competition 2008 Adelaide PEN c/- 33 Atkinson Crescent, Aldinga Beach SA 5173. Web: www.adelaidepen.org/comp.htm

31 July, Text Young Adult Prize

Works of both fiction and non-fiction are eligible, and the winner will receive a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000 advance against royalties. The winner will be announced at Melbourne Writers' Festival on Saturday 30 August. Web: www.textpublishing.com.au

31 July, ABR Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay

Australian Book Review, Copyright Agency Limited.  Prize for an original non-fiction essay between 3,000 and 10,000 words. All non-fiction styles are eligible, including life writing, literary studies, history, politics, anthropology and popular science.  First prize $10,000; shortlisted essays at ABR publications rates. Winners published in Australian Book Review. Entry Fee: $30.  Postal Address: PO Box 2320, Richmond South Vic 3121 Contact: Editor, ABR Peter Rose Phone: (03) 94296700 Email: abr@vicnet.net.au  See web: www.australianbookreview.com.au

1 August, The Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues

Organised by Allen & Unwin - Non-fiction works of contemporary political, social and cultural commentary that contribute to public debate. Check website or contact organisers to confirm closing date. First prize: $10,000. Winners published by Allen & Unwin.  Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $20. Contact: Pedro Almeida phone: (02) 84250100 email: pedroa@allenandunwin.com website:  www.allenandunwin.com

1 August, Avant Press Short Story Competition

Avant Press, in association with Box Hill Institute, invites entries for its 2008 Short Story Competition. Theme: "Just Add Water". Unpublished short stories up to 2000 words.  1st prize $250, 2nd prize $150, 3rd prize $75.  Winners and up to five commended stories will be published in the 2008 Avant Anthology.  Entry fees: $5 for one story, $8 for two stories. For guidelines and entry form, e-mail: vae@bhtafe.edu.au

4 August, Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell Association Poetry Competition

Prizes: Open: $600, $200, $100. High School: $40, $10, $25. Primary School: $40, $10, $25. Entry Form Required.  Include SSAE. Entry Fee: adults $6, children free.  Guidelines Available.  Postal Address: PO Box 910, COWRA NSW 2794. Contact: Jan Munday phone: (02) 63422975. Email: janmun@ozemail.com

8 August, The Coves Historical Writing Competition

Presented by the NSW Writers’ Centre and the Lane Cove Historical Society and sponsored by Gleebooks. This writing competition awards a prize for an unpublished piece of historical fiction of a maximum 2,000 words and a prize for an unpublished piece of historical non-fiction of a maximum 2,000 words.  Cost is $15 per entry. Website: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

15 August, John Marsden Prize for Young Australian Writers

Run by Express Media (the publishers of ‘Voiceworks’), and sponsored and judged by the eponymous author John Marsden, the award is open to young writers (under 25) of novels, poems and short stories and has a total prize pool of $4,500.  Contact: Bel Schenk at artisticdirector@expressmedia.org.au  Web: www.expressmedia.org.au


29 August, Spring Festival Short Story Competition 

Sponsored by the Port of Brisbane Corporation.  Send entries to: Spring Festival Short Story Competition P O Box 1099 Wynnum Central Qld 4178.  Open Theme: Maximum number of words 2000.  First Prize $250, Second Prize $120, Third Prize $75.  Entry Fee $5 per entry or $9 for two.  Limit of 2 entries per author. 

31 August, The Calibre Prize worth $10,000

Australian Book Review (ABR) and the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) are delighted to seek entries for the third Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay.  The Calibre Prize, with a first prize of $10,000, is one of the world’s major essay competitions.  The Calibre Prize is intended to generate brilliant new essays and to foster new insights into culture, society and the human condition. It is an inclusive competition. We welcome essays from leading authors and commentators but also from emerging writers. All non-fiction subjects are eligible: from life writing to literary studies, history to politics, biography to philosophy, natural history to popular science, travel writing to environmental studies.  The guidelines and application form are now available on the ABR website: www.australianbookreview.com.au.  Essayists must reside in Australia or be Australian citizens living overseas. Multiple entries are permitted, and all essays will be judged anonymously. Essays can range from 3000 words to 10,000 words. ABR will publish the winning essay. For further information, please contact: Peter Rose Tel: (03) 9429 6700 E-mail: abr@vicnet.net.au 

30 August, Ena Taylor Award

Theme is historical fiction, entries can be short stories or poems. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available.  Contact: Louise Evans Phone: (08) 9301 2282 Email: nwacowan@iinet.net.au. Please see website for further details www.members.iinet.net.au/~nwacowan/DATA/welcome.htm

31 August Scribblers Writing Competition 2008

2 sections – one for school aged entrants, one open entry. In both there is a short story competition (max 2000 words) and a poetry competition (max 40 words). Prizes for short story - $150 and trophy  (1st), $100 (2nd) and $75 (3rd) Prizes for poetry  - $150 and trophy  (1st), $100 (2nd) and $75 (3rd). All winners will be published in an anthology. Entry forms available  on www.southwest.com.au/~dunkann/scribblers_index.html or by sending SSAE to Scribblers, PO Box 580, Mandurah WA 6210. Winners notified by 20th October.

1 September, Walkley Awards

Australia's premier media accolades. There are 33 Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism across all media. Works must appear between 1 September and 31 July in the preceding year. Individual trophies awarded, and recognition. Gold Winner receives trophy and prize money. Winners announced in national media. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $250 for non MEAA members (including GST). Free for members. Guidelines Available. Postal Address: 245 Chalmers Street , REDFERN NSW 2016. Contact: Jane Worthington phone: (02) 93330945 email: jane.worthington@walkleys.com website: www.walkleys.com

1 September, Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize

Organised by Island Magazine, the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize is open to anyone. Entries must be previously unpublished poems only. Poem or linked series, 100 lines maximum. First prize $1,500. Runners-Up $150. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $12. Guidelines Available. Contact: Gina Mercer Phone: (03) 62262325.  Email: island@tassie.net.au   Visit website for further details and to confirm closing date www.islandmag.com

1 September, Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award

The Award encourages development of material (not necessarily religious) that conveys a message of faith, hope and love. A panel of judges are appointed annually by the Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Trust. Prize: $10,000 Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $15. Guidelines Available. Contact: Carol Martin phone: (02) 96977654 email: sbwfoundation@aol.com  website: www.sbwfoundation.com

5 September New Holland Publishers/NSW Writers’ Centre Genre Fiction Award

Award for an unpublished genre fiction manuscript by a published or unpublished writer.  First prize: Publication by New Holland Publishers.  First, Second and Third prizes: The NSW Writers’ Centre will also offer a 10-hour manuscript development grant to the prize-winner (value $500), a 15-hour manuscript development grant to the second prize-winner (value $750), 20-hour manuscript development grant to the third prize-winner to prepare the manuscript for publication (value $1,000). Second and third prize-winners and short-listed manuscripts will also be considered for publication.  The manuscript must never have been published before and must not be under consideration by any other publisher or for any award. All entrants must be or become members of the NSW Writers’ Centre. ($65 full membership, $50 concession for pensioners & students)  Manuscripts must be genre fiction, ie crime, adventure, action, thriller, historical, family saga, chic lit, lad lit, romance, young adult, science fiction, fantasy or humour, etc.  Completed manuscript must be 60,000 - 100,000 words. Entry fee: $40; $25 concession for students, seniors, unemployed. Inquiries: ph (02) 9555 9757, email nswwc@nswwriterscentre.org.au

12 September, EJ Brady Short Story Competition

The Mallacoota Arts Council has hosted the EJ Brady Short Story writing competition for more than a decade. Prizes: Major Short Story: $1500 winner, $200 runner up. Very Short Story: $500 winner, Tom Donovan Encouragement Award: $100. Maximum length: 2500 words.  The Very Short Stories must not exceed 700 words.  Entry Fee is $10 for Major Short Story, $7 for Very Short Story. Post entries to EJ Brady Short Story Competition, Mallacoota Arts Council, PO Box 201, Mallacoota, Vic, 3892.  Entry form available from website www.mallacootaarts.org.  Enquiries mallacootaarts@aapt.net.au 

19 September, Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards

The Outback Writers’ Centre and the Macquarie Regional Library aim to remember the past and foster the future through these awards for prose and poetry with an Australian theme. Prose is to 3000 words, and can be fiction, article or essay (including family history). Poetry is to 80 lines and can be in any form or style. 1st prize in each section is a Boldrewood bust-by sculptor Brett Garling, valued at $100, plus $600. 2nd $300 and 3rd $150. For guidelines and entry forms, send SSAE to The Convenor, Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards, PO Box 1042, Dubbo, NSW 2830. Website www.mrl.nsw.gov.au Phone 02 6801 4501.

30 September, FAW (Qld) Soapbox Article Writing Competition

An article writing competition on an open theme for punchy (even opinionated!) articles up to 2,000 words. Prizes $150, $50. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available. Contact: Nancy Cox-Milner phone: (07) 33437645 email: nancycoxmillner@optusnet.com.au 

30 September, ACT Writers Centre and Z4 Wines - Award for Book Reviewing

The ACT Writers Centre and Z4 wines announce a new award for book reviewing. The award will be for a published book review to 1000 words, published between 1/1/07 and 31/12/07, by a writer residing in the ACT region. There will be a maximum of 2 entries per person, to be accompanied by a $3 entry fee and a copy of the book review (showing the name and date of the publication). Entries should be sent to ACT Writers Centre Book Review Competition, Gorman House, Ainslie Ave, Braddon ACT 2612 by Tuesday 30 September. No entry form necessary. Unused stamps to the value of $3, can be sent instead of a cheque. Enquiries on 02 6262 9191.

30 September, Tom Howard Poetry Contest

Poems of any length, type or theme. All prizes in US dollars: $2,000; $1,000, $500; $250; plus 5 at $200 each, and 5 at $100 each. Entry Fee: US$6 per 25 lines, minimum fee US$12. Guidelines Available. Contact: Australian Coordinator, John H Reid phone: (02) 43532521 email: rastar7@bigpond.com.au website: http://poetrycontests.exactpages.com

30 September, The Writers' Resource Centre short story competition 

The WRC short story competition is held twice a year, with deadlines in May and September. Entry is free, with prize winners and commended stories published in a printed anthology.  Best New Australian Writers Competition.  Word length: 2500 words maximum. Guidelines at  www.writersworld.com.au

1 October, Writers of Wynnum Manly Spring Short Story Competition

Organised by Writers of Wynnum Manly.  Short story competition - open theme - up to 2500 words. First Prize $125.  PO Box 3500 , TINGALPA QLD 4173. Contact: Di Hill phone: (07) 38930300.  E-mail dihill@eftel.net.au  for guidelines and entry form. 

1 October, The Age Short Story Competition
Prize: $2,000, $1,000 and $500. Entry Fee: Not applicable.  Contact organisers to confirm details: Frances Atkinson phone: (03) 96004211 email: books@theage.com.au website: www.theage.com.au

30 October, Science Fiction Writers of Earth Short Story Competition

Science Fiction Writers of Earth (SFWOE) - Both science fiction and fantasy are accepted - 2,000 to 7,500 words. This competition is open to previously unpublished writers only.  First prize $250 plus publication, second $150, third $75. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available. Contact: Australasian Coordinator, Rob Riel email: jandr@hunterlink.net.au website: www.flash.net/~sfwoe     

31 October, Melbourne Poets Union National Poetry Competition

Organised by Melbourne Poets Union Inc.  Maximum line limit of 50 lines.  Prizes: $1,550 in prize monies. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $6 per poem or 3 for $15.  Guidelines Available.  Email: mpuinc@yahoo.com website:     www.home.vicnet.net.au/~mpuinc/

31 October, Mornington Peninsula Prize

Organised by Peninsula Regional FAW.  Mornington Peninsula Prize Short Story Competition, open theme up to 3000 words and Poetry Competition, open theme, max 30 lines. Short Story Prize: $300, $150 $50, Highly Commended, Commended. Poetry Prize: $150, Highly Commended, Commended.  Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: Short Story $7.50 Poetry $5. Guidelines Available.  Contact: Owen Quayle phone: (03) 59753351 email: peninsulafaw@bigpond.com

31 October, Aurealis Awards

The Aurealis Awards recognise the achievements of Australian writers of science fiction, horror and fantasy. The Awards have six divisions each with multiple awards; science fiction, horror, fantasy, young adult, children's and the golden Aurealis, drawn from the winners of the previous five divisions. Entrants are nominated and the relevant forms are available on the website www.aurealisawards.com   Entry form required. No entry fee: Contact: Ron Serdiuk email: director@aurealisawards.com

31 October - $200,000 award for new scripts 

A scriptwriting prize wants to reward the next generation of Australian writers for stage and screen with a total booty of $200,000 and the chance of a lifetime. Submissions deadline: 31 October, 2008  For more information, visit www.inscription.com.au

31 October, 2008 Openbook Prize

The NSW Writers' Centre proudly supports Australian authors by offering an annual award for the best work of fiction, non-fiction and children's/young adult self-puyblished by an individual author or by an Australian publishing company which does not have a distribution arrangement for its authors.  There is also a prize for the best marketing plan.  The prizes are sponsored by Gary Allen P/L, Breakout DesignPrintWeb and Messenger Marketing.  Best Non-Fiction Book:  $500 cash prize.  Best Fiction Book: $500 cash prize. The Messenger Marketing Award for the most Innovative Marketing Plan for a Non-Fiction Book:  $500 cash prize and a place at the Messenger Publishing for Passion and Profit Full Day Marketing, Funding and Distribution Workshop (valued at $1,200).  Entry fee: $25.  Guidelines at www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

1 November, Sydney Theatre Company Patrick White Playwright Award

Sydney Theatre Company - Full length play that has not been professionally performed. Please contact organisers to confirm closing date. First prize $20,000 plus a professional reading of the play.  Entry form required. Entry fee: Not applicable.  Guidelines Available.  Contact: Ben White phone: (02) 92501700 email: reception@sydneytheatre.com.au  website: www.sydneytheatre.com.au/content.asp?cID=36

28 November, Paramount Publishing International Short Story Competition

Cash prizes vary. Winners announced on website.Entry Form Required.  Entry Fee: $10.  Guidelines Available. Website: www.paramountpublishing.com.au

30 November, Alexander Henderson Award

Organised by Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. This Award is presented annually to the person producing the best family history published in Australia, in the opinion of the Institute.  First prize: Trophy. Certificates for minor prizes. Winners published in the Genealogist. Postal Address. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: Not applicable. Guidelines Available.  Postal address: c/- AIGS, PO Box 339 , BLACKBURN VIC 3130.  Contact: phone: (03) 98773789 email: info@aigs.org.au website: www.aigs.org.au

1 December -  IP Picks National Awards for Unpublished Manuscripts

Prizes awarded for unpublished poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, or best first book manuscript. Upper limit for prose is 80,000 words. Prize: Publishing contract. Winners Published in one of IP's award-winning imprints. Highly Commended and Commended entries may also be offered royalty contracts.  Entry Form Required.  Entry Fee: $60 reading fee. Guidelines Available.  Check website for further competition details. Contact: Dr David Reiter phone: (07) 3324 9319 email: info@ipoz.biz website: http://www.ipoz.biz/ip/ip_picks.htm

5 December, Miles Franklin Literary Award

Organised by Cauz Group Pty Ltd.  The Award is for a published novel that presents Australian life in any of its phases. Biographies, collections of short stories and books for children are not eligible. The novel must be published in the year preceding the Award.  Visit website or contact organisers to confirm closing date.  Prize: In 2007 $42,000 was awarded to winner. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE.  Entry Fee: $75 Guidelines Available.  Contact: Petrea Salter phone: (02) 91442415 email:  psalter@cauzgroup.com.au See website for more information: www.trust.com.au    

19 December, Hal Porter Short Story Competition

Organised by ArtsNet East Gippsland . Entries must not exceed 2,500 words. Do not submit entries by email please. Results are available by including a SSAE with entry. Check website for prizes and whether the competition will be running in 2008. Include SSAE. - Entry Fee: $5.50. Guidelines Available. Check website to confirm competition dates and details or email competition organiser. Contact: Peter Millard phone: (03) 51526731 email: theoffice@artsnet.net.au  website: www.artsnet.net.au/

31 December - The Kokako Tanka Competition. 

First Prize - NZ$250, 2 Runners-up prizes of NZ$100 each. Send entries to: The Kokako Tanka Competition, 42 Flanshaw Road, Te Atatu South, Auckland 8, New Zealand.  Tanka must be previously unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere. Entry fee is NZ$2 per tanka or 3 for NZ$5; for overseas entries (make cheques out to Kokako. Overseas entrants send cash at own risk). Send two copies of each tanka, or group of tanka, with your name and address on one copy only. Winners will be notified by mail. Any theme is acceptable. Queries, email: pprime@ihug.co.nz

31 December, Tom Collins Poetry Prize

The FAWWA Tom Collins Poetry Prize is an annual competition. Maximum 60 lines per poem.  Prizes: 1st $1000.00  2nd $400.00  4 x Highly Commended $150. Entry Fee: $5 per poem. Contact phone 08 9384 4771 or email admin@fawwa.org.au See guidelines at website www.fawwa.org.au/program/competitions.htm