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That's a wrap!

Winners of the 2025-26 Sutherland Shire Literary Competition were awarded their prizes on 8 May 2026.

List of Winners

Congratulations to this year's winners, and to everyone who entered a poem or short story, we thank you for your contribution to the competition. First prize, Shire Resident's Prize and Highly Commended prize-winning entries are published in full in the 2026 Sutherland Shire Literary Competition magazine.

Traditional verse

First Prize: A Step Too Far - Terrence Piggott, Lynwood WA

Highly Commended: The Girl with the Flute - Karyn Savage, Warabrook NSW

Shire Resident’s Prize: The Leaves in Grandma’s Garden - Emily Cook, Bangor NSW

Commended: A Land Down Under - David Judge, Kangaroo Flat VIC
Commended: Love, Like a Mountain - David Stanley, Bathurst NSW
Commended: The Local Pool’s Rhythm - Rebecca Molendowski, Kirrawee NSW
Commended The Stranger - Jim Gill, Sawtell NSW

Free verse

First Prize: Gone. Here. Both - Kevti Desai, Epping VIC

Highly Commended: Full Circle - Susanna Elliott-Newth, Woonona NSW

Shire Resident’s Prize: Broken Toy - Mann Irin Mian, Sylvania Waters NSW

Commended: Afterwards - Helen Lyne, Balgowlah NSW
Commended: Marram Grass - Stephanie Green, Southport QLD
Commended: Sunset at Cronulla - Tamara Stanley, Caringbah NSW
Commended: WOOLWORTHS BAGS - Sara Pronger, Ulladulla NSW

Short stories

First Prize: Empty Arms - Irene Sheehan, Thirroul NSW

Highly Commended: Adequate Compensation - Carmel M Lillis, Yarraville VIC

Shire Resident’s Prize: The Carline - Kathleen Blythe, Como NSW

Commended: Blaze - Riley Buchanan, Heathcote NSW
Commended: More than enough - Julie McNamara, Moolap VIC
Commended: Paradise - Stephen House, Brooklyn Park SA
Commended: The Perfect Imperfect Candidate - Karina McDougall, Blakehurst NSW
Commended: The Rock Collector - Pamela Murray-Jones, Illawong NSW
Commended: The Winning Catch - Dot Stute, Kenmore Hills QLD
Commended: The Wonnie - Terry O’Riordan, Woolooware NSW
Commended: This Stranger - Kathy Van de Straat, Sutherland NSW

Previous winners

The nationally acclaimed Sutherland Shire Literary Competition has, since 2018, provided a vital platform for passionate writers to put pen to paper and contribute original works. It has offered all entrants an invaluable platform to showcase their talents and a chance to receive specialised feedback from an expert panel of independent judges.

This competition has grown and evolved over the years, welcoming entries from people across the country and from all walks of life, each with a unique story to tell. Council initiated this competition as a way of recognising the rich diversity of literary talent, not just within the Sutherland Shire, but throughout the entire nation. It is heartening to see how this competition has encouraged those with a deep love of literature to share their beautiful words and creative talents with others who have an equally profound appreciation for the art of writing.

Need more information?

If you have questions or would like more information about the Sutherland Shire Literary Competition, please contact Sutherland Library.