What Matters Youth Writing Comp Launches

The Whitlam Institute’s annual What Matters? Writing Competition has opened for 2023 to students from Year 5 to Year 12. 

Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia's future, entrants respond to the question, “what matters?” and express their views on any issue that they care about. Entries should be 600 words or less, and can be in prose or poetry, of either fiction or non-fiction. 

Craig Reucassel of the Chaser is returning as competition Patron for the third year running and says, “On issues like education, sustainability, health, climate change, democracy - they are all better writers than I am.

“You really want these talented young kids going into seeking change, whether that’s through a political party or otherwise.” 

The competition, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024, is a great classroom activity, and the Whitlam Institute has produced a range of learning resources and curriculum links for teachers wanting to introduce it to their classrooms.

The Overall Winner will receive a major cash prize of $1500, and students will be in the running to win other cash prizes, book packs and author visits to their school, writing workshops, virtual experiences, and the opportunity to shadow political speechwriters and journalists. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation to recognise their work. 

Entries can be submitted at school or at home at https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters until the closing date of Friday, 5 May 2023.