Sunshine Coast Student Wins QLD Literary Prize

Independent Education Union - Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT)

A local Sunshine Coast student was honoured with an award on Wednesday evening at the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers' Association of Queensland's (ETAQ) annual Literary Competition presentation.

Charlotte Guthrie, from St Andrew's Anglican College in Peregian Springs, won the Years 9 and 10 short story category with her submission, "A Lamb in Silk."

Garry Collins, who judged the entries, said the winning entry could perhaps be described as a well-executed piece of fan fiction.

"Narrated in the first person, it develops from one of the central situations in Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet': a young woman being forced into marriage by her parents," Mr Collins said.

"The story could be enjoyed by readers completely ignorant of the play, but for those familiar with Shakespeare's drama, the subtle intertextual references make for a richer reading experience," he said.

The Literary Competition was established by the IEU-QNT's antecedent union in 1959 to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people.

ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1500 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into this year's Competition, with all schools providing a high quality of entries for judging.

"Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools," Ms Elliott said.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the Literary Competition was a great opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.

"The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state," Mr Burke said.

"I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all those who entered the 2025 Literary Competition," he said.

See the attached list of 2025 Literary Competition winners, placegetters, and Highly Commended Award recipients.

List of Literary Competition first place category winners for 2025 Open • Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West Years 11 and 12 • Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore • Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill • Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac Years 9 and 10 • Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew's Anglican College, Peregian Springs • Poem:Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View Years 7 and 8 • Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove • Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg Years 5 and 6 • Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston • Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston

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The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood education employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

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