The creative, imaginative and literary talent of Campbelltown writers were celebrated when the winners of this year's Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize were announced on Saturday.
The 2026 competition drew 120 entrants who were asked to provide a short story, essay, memoir or poetry piece, exploring the theme of 'Years in the Making'.
"This year marked the sixth running of the Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize and it was wonderful to see the competition produce some amazing entries from writers of all ages," Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Darcy Lound said.
"The Prize is a great example of our commitment to fostering literacy and creativity in the Campbelltown community. Writing has the power to connect people, preserve experiences and challenge us to see the world through different perspectives," Cr Lound said.
"The competition also encourages emerging and established writers to pursue their passion and develop their creative voice. Every year, the quality of works seems to reach new heights," he said.
"Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to everyone who entered."
The 2026 winners included:
- Adult short story/creative non-fiction: Jean Alda, Family Recipe.
- Adult poetry: Clare Murphy, A Myth to Myself.
- Grades 10-12 short story/creative non-fiction: Menaal Idrees, Thirty Years in the Making.
- Grades 10-12 poetry: Julie Kettler, A Shortened Informal Sestina for those Short on Vernacular.
- Grades 7-9 short story/creative non-fiction: Chrisanne Marisol, The Patch Jar.
- Grades 7-9 poetry: Vijaykrishna Arun, Day by Day.
- Grades 4-6 short story/creative non-fiction: Ayana Hossain, They Did This.
- Grades 4-6 poetry: Zoraya Hassan, Tracing Back to Years Ago.
Created by Campbelltown City Library staff members, the 2026 Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize was managed and judged by WestWords.
In a statement on behalf of WestWords, this year's judges wrote that there was a "great wealth of talent and creativity" in the Campbelltown area.
"Each poem and story reflects the unique, ambitious, and diverse voices of Campbelltown and highlights how important literature is for both the community and our individual senses of self. Each story becomes an expression of self, truth and humanity," the judges wrote.
All of the winning works have been published in '2026 Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize - Years in the Making', which will be available for loan from all Campbelltown Library branches.
