Entries for the 2026 Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing (NPCW) are now open.
Writers throughout Australia are invited to submit short stories and poetry in response to this year's theme: 'Echoes'.
Council has again partnered with Writers Victoria and Yarra Plenty Regional Library to present the NPCW, which has a total prize pool of $17,500. Free online and in-person workshops to inspire and support aspiring entrants will be held during the entry phase.
"The Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing is going strong, giving writers a great chance to share their work with the community, get published, and be rewarded for their efforts," Mayor John Dumaresq said.
"The prize draws entries from all over Australia and highlights Nillumbik's rich literary and artistic culture. We're really grateful to Writers Victoria for their support in helping us connect with and encourage even more writers," he said.
Everyone, from emerging writers to established voices, is welcome to submit their work. Entry is discounted for local submissions, and is free for anyone entering the Youth or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People categories.
Ready to submit your best work? Apply – and read past anthologies – online. Entries close on 30 September.
2026 NPCW categories
Short Story
Up to 2500 words
Theme: Echoes
Open, Local and Youth categories
Poetry
Any form
Up to 60 lines
Theme: Echoes
Open, Local and Youth categories
