Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition 2026
Western Riverina Arts is delighted to announce the return of the Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition in 2026. Marking its sixth 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 2026 competition will once again be free to enter* for residents of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, and Murrumbidgee council areas (excluding the newly added National Category). Entries open Monday 24 August and close midnight on Sunday 4 October 2026.
This year we’re excited to announce a new category addition - National Regional and Remote Writers Prize (entry fee of $20 applies to this category)
* The National Regional and Remote writers category is for interested individuals who reside outside of the Western Riverina Arts operating area in regional and remote areas. A $20 entry fee is charged for entry into the National Category. - Interested writers who live within the Western Riverina region are also eligible to enter the national category and are subject to the national category entry fee.
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 future celebration event
• Funding a prize category
To find out more or to express your interest email us today!
ENTRY DETAILS
Western Riverina Arts in association with our partner and sponsors, is providing an opportunity to inspire people to be creative through the 'Murrumbidgee Short Story Competition'.
Eligibility Requirements:
For the Free entry, you must be a resident in one of the four Western Riverina Arts membership Local Government Areas of Griffith, Leeton Shire, Narrandera Shire or Murrumbidgee Shire.
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 24th August 2026.
Entries must be submitted before midnight, Sunday 4 October 2026
Free Entry for residents of the following Local Government Areas: Griffith, Leeton Shire, Narrandera Shire and Murrumbidgee Shire for the Open, Under 18 and Under 12 categories.
Subject matter is open.
Fiction or Non-Fiction accepted.
Entries to be submitted in Times New Roman and double spaced.
Entries to be submitted through the following application form.
Prize Categories:
Winning stories will be announced in October. Winning stories will be published on our website and featured in the Western Riverina Arts March 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
Winner cash prize - $500
Runner-up cash prize - $200
Under 18
500 – 2,000 words
Winner cash prize - $200
Runner-up cash prize - $100
Under 12
Min 250 words
Winner cash prize - $75
Runner-up cash prize - $50
This competition is made possible by Western Riverina Arts in association with local partners, Supporters and Create NSW
