UON Writers’ Club is celebrating their short story competition awards this Sunday 16 October! Yak Media gets all the details.

 The University of Newcastle Writers’ Club is excited to announce that they will be hosting their first awards ceremony for finalists and winners in their inaugural Short Story Competition on Sunday 16 October from 7-10pm at the Press Bookhouse, Newcastle.

Writers’ Club president Nikitas Koussis said he felt it was important to, “to showcase the world-class talent at our university.”

Judged by local and experienced writers, Karen Whitelaw and Dr Michael Sala, entries had to be less than 2000 words and were open to students across the university. The Awards Ceremony looks to celebrate the winner and finalists and acknowledge the hard work of the judges. This will give young writers the opportunity to experience a writing competition from submission to close, as well as network with their peers and the local writing community.

“Especially after two years of Covid isolation and writers being a solitary bunch, we felt it was important to create a strong sense of community and bring writers of all ages and abilities together,” said Lucy Egan, Writers’ Club Events Manager.

The Short Story Competition ran for the first time this year with a grand total of thirty-one entries. The Award Ceremony will include the announcement of finalists and a reading from the winning entry, as well as a presentation of prizes, with a prize pool of $500. Generously donated highly commended prizes will be awarded from local booksellers such as Secret Book Stuff and the Press Bookhouse. There will be light entertainment and canapes provided, with drinks available to be purchased.

Established in 2017, the Writers’ Club is committed to providing students with opportunities to develop their writing skills and to join a passionate community of writers in the Newcastle and Central Coast area. Supported by the University of Newcastle Student’s Association (UNSA), the club runs regular events such as workshops, dedicated writing time and social gatherings for prospective writers.

Tickets are limited and will be available to purchase here for the general public with prices starting at $10, with all proceeds going towards Literacy for Life.

For further information, press passes and to confirm attendance, please contact Nikitas Koussis on 0420 909 081 or email uonwritersclub@gmail.com

Feature Image by Gary Barnes via Pexels