Queensland school students with a flair for writing have been celebrated in the 67th annual Literary Competition organised by the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers Association of Queensland.
IEU-QNT Assistant Secretary Nicole Kapernick said more than 1300 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were submitted this year.
“The Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in state and non-government schools,” Ms Kapernick said.
She said it was an excellent opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.
“Our antecedent union established the competition to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people,” Ms Kapernick said.
“The Literary Competition reviewers were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state.
“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all the recipients who entered the 2026 Literary Competition,” she said.
Literary Competition first place category recipients for 2026:
Open
Short story: Eamon Webb, Mount Alvernia College, Kedron
Years 11 and 12
Short story: Lachlan Horton, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac
Poem: Kae Cos, Stretton State College, Stretton
Non-fiction prose: Chanyoung Jeong, Cavendish Road State High School, Holland Park
Years 9 and 10
Short story: Robin Bhullar, John Paul College, Daisy Hill
Poem: Sophia Campbell, Indooroopilly State High School, Indooroopilly
Years 7 and 8
Short story: Harper Clarke, Citipointe Christian College, Carindale
Poem: Annabelle Frankel, Brisbane South State Secondary College, Dutton Park
Years 5 and 6
Short story: Alfred Dowd, St Joseph’s School, North Ward
Poem: Carlotta Casseus, The Lakes College, North Lakes
