The West Australian + Minderoo Foundation search for Australia’s best storyteller

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The West Australian + Minderoo Foundation search for Australia’s best storyteller

The West Australian, in partnership with Minderoo Foundation, is on the hunt to find The Best Australian Yarn! The unique short story competition is open to amateur and professional writers giving Australians the opportunity to share in the world’s richest prize pool for a competition of its kind.

 

A total of $50,000 will be awarded across six categories providing a real financial incentive and a much-needed new opportunity for writers. Entries must be 1500 – 2500 words and can cover any genre.

The prize categories include:
Overall Winner – $30,000
WA Winner – $4000
Regional Australia Winner – $3000
Youth Winner – $2000 + a mentoring opportunity
Reader’s Choice – $2000
Plus the 9 shortlisted overall winner finalists – $1000 each

To date, there has been an overwhelming response across Australia from people of all ages from school kids being encouraged by their teachers to get writing for the chance to win the Youth Prize, to those living in regional Australia keen to take out the Regional Prize. With word about The Best Australian Yarn spreading nationally there has been strong growth in writers and budding storytellers visiting the website from across Australia. New South Wales makes up 14 per cent of the visitors to bestaustralianyarn.com.au, followed by Victoria (12 per cent) and Queensland (9 per cent).

The West Australian’s Editor in Chief Anthony De Ceglie, said: “We’re really proud to offer a new competition that puts writing at the forefront of the country’s culture – and does so in a truly accessible way.”

“We want to unearth raw talent, help inspire ambitious young writers and offer a generous prize pool that will also entice professional authors. The past two years have proven how important art and writing is for the nation’s soul – this is a chance to celebrate and embrace that. On top of the prize money, The West Australian will also publish many of the across our platforms for readers to engage with and writers to share. These works will also be brought to life by artwork specially designed by our team.”

Minderoo Foundation co-founder Nicola Forrest AO, said: “Arts and culture are integral to our economy and community, and storytelling is the cornerstone of human connection.”

The Best Australian Yarn is open to all Australians aged 12 and over, potentially unearthing exciting new talent and amplifying voices from far flung corners of city and country.

Entries are now open until May 31, 2022.

Further details can be found at bestaustralianyarn.com.au.

The West Australian + Minderoo Foundation search for Australia’s best storyteller