Do you often get stuck between 'I have a story to tell' and 'No one wants to hear my story'?
Put down the uncertainty and pick up that pen (or keyboard), to prepare your submission for the 2026 Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards!
Back in its sixth year, the Awards aim to encourage and support local emerging writers of all abilities, whilst also celebrating our diverse creative talent.
The Awards are open to Mornington Peninsula residents aged eight and up. So, if you're a budding writer or simply want to express yourself, we invite you to enter.
Entries open from today, Tuesday 30 March and close strictly at midnight, Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Award categories and prizes:
8 - 12 years
500-word limit / short creative fiction only
$500 prize (funded by the Shire) and bookstore vouchers
13 - 17 years
1000-word limit / short creative fiction only
$800 prize (funded by the Shire) and bookstore vouchers
Adults (18+)
2,000-word limit / short creative fiction only
$2,000 prize, bookstore voucher and two-week Police Point Artist Residency (funded by the Shire).
Reflecting on the 2025 edition of these Awards, Acting Mayor Councillor Paul Pingiaro confirmed that "last year, we saw a record-breaking number of submissions, totalling 285!
"That is evidence enough that the power of the written word has not slowed down. I cannot wait to see what our local talent delivers this year."
We are pleased to be partnering again this year with Westernport Writes Literary Festival for our Shortlist Committee.
A shortlist for all three categories will be announced on 22 July. Winners and highly commended writers will be presented their prizes at an Award Ceremony in September.
Winner of the Adults (18+) category for 2025, Sascha Elk confirmed that "winning the 2025 Mayors Short Story Award was a wonderful experience that I'll never forget."
"To have had my short story 'Nest' read and judged by Else Fitzgerald, Monica Dux and Barry Reynolds was a huge honour, and to have won first prize in the 18+ category was the most wonderful surprise."
How do I enter?
The Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards are open to Mornington Peninsula residents only. Remember, there's only one entry per person.
To learn more and to submit your short story, go to: artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/msswa
Award Sponsors:
Mornington Peninsula Shire is proudly funding the prize money and the residency at Police Point, while bookstore vouchers have been generously provided by local businesses Antipodes Gallery & Bookshop, Farrell's Bookshop, Petersen's Bookstore, and Rosebud Book Barn.
Awards partner: Shortlist Committee Partner, Western Port Writes Literary Festival.
Media Partner: Mornington Peninsula Magazine
