Greater Shepparton City Council would like to remind young writers across the region that entries for the 2026 Furphy Literary Awards close soon.
Presented in partnership with the Furphy Foundation, La Trobe University and Goulburn Valley Libraries, the awards celebrate storytelling and creativity from young people across the Goulburn Valley.
Entries remain open for four youth categories: Junior Short Story and Junior Poetry for writers aged 12 years and under, and Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry for writers aged 13 to 17 years.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali encouraged young people to submit their work before entries close.
"The Furphy Literary Awards are a fantastic opportunity for young people to share their ideas, creativity and imagination through writing," he said.
"We encourage young writers to take the chance to enter and showcase their stories and poetry. You never know where one story could lead."
2024 and 2025 Furphy Literary Awards Junior Short Story first place winner, Jane Pearce, encouraged other young people to give it a go.
"You should definitely enter because it opens new opportunities and you can learn new things about yourself," she said.
"A bonus is you can win cash prizes. It's really easy to apply, this is your chance to unleash your imagination and see where it takes you."
Prizes are available in each category, with first place receiving $300, second place $100 and third place $50.
Entries close at 11.59pm on Sunday 31 May 2026.
