Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition 2025
Western Riverina Arts is delighted to announce the return of the Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in 2025. Marking its fifth consecutive year of celebrating creative voices across our region.
Since its launch, the competition has grown into a flagship event for regional storytelling in the Western Riverina. Uncovering new literary talent and encouraging participation from writers of all ages and backgrounds. Past winners have gone on to publish original works, appear at national literary events, and build meaningful creative careers.
The 2025 competition will once again be free to enter and is open to residents of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, and Murrumbidgee council areas. Entries open Monday 5 August and close midnight, Sunday 3 November.
Want to get involved?
We’re currently inviting sponsorship enquiries and EOIs from arts and culture organisations or businesses interested in:
• Supporting the competition
• Hosting the 2025 celebration event
• Funding a new prize category
To find out more or to express your interest email us today!
ENTRY DETAILS
Western Riverina Arts in association with our sponsors, is providing an opportunity to inspire people to be creative through the 'Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition'. This competition is FREE to enter and is for all ages.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a resident in one of the four Western Riverina Arts membership Local Government Areas of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera or Murrumbidgee.
Max of two (2) entries per person.
The short story must be an original work which has not been previously published elsewhere such as in blogs, magazines, books or websites.
The short story must not have been previously entered into this competition.
The short story must be completely original and not produced using AI
Entry Requirements:
Entries open Monday 4th August 2025.
Entries must be submitted before midnight Sunday 3rd November
No entry fees.
Subject matter is open.
Fiction or Non-Fiction accepted.
Entries to be submitted in Times New Roman and double spaced.
Entries to be emailed to comms@westrivarts.com.au with the subject line “MSSC 2025 entry [name]” and to include the following information
Name:
Phone:
Category Entered:
Postcode:
Declaration: I confirm that I have read and agree to the eligibility requirements as stated by Western Riverina Arts.
Prize Categories:
Winning stories will be announced in October. Winning stories will be published on our website and featured in the Western Riverina Arts newsletter. The competition will culminate in a community celebration and awards night, where the Winners and Highly Commended writers will be announced. Stories undergo a blind judging process with our panel.
Open
1,000 – 3,000 words
Cash prize $350
Open Runner Up
1,000 – 3,000 words
Cash prize $200
Under 18
500 – 2,000 words
Cash prize $200
Under 12
Min 250 words
Cash prize $75
This competition is made possible by Western Riverina Arts in association with Create NSW and our sponsors. Thanks to our sponsors: Riverina Writing House, Narrandera Arts and Creative Network, and J&D Briggs.
