Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Central Coast Council annual Short Story Competition, who were announced at a well-attended awards ceremony on the weekend.

This is the fifth consecutive year the competition has been held, but the first time the competition has been held across the whole Central Coast region.

This year entries were invited from four categories and the theme was open, with a 1500 word limit.

The competition aims to boost the profile of creative writing on the Coast while providing a platform for hopeful authors to be discovered and celebrated.

Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said she was delighted with the response from the community.

“We received a record number of 224 entries. Seeing people of all ages get involved is fantastic,” Ms Edwards said.

“We feel very strongly about being able to engage with our community, not only to inspire and celebrate local writers, but also to encourage further education and learning.”

The winners in each category are:

Adult – Sarah Webber for The Crimson
Youth – Holly Hunter for Candace
Children’s (ages 9-12 years) – Mackenzie Easson for Storms, shadows and sacrifices
Junior – Chase McGarvey for Silent Voice

“The standard of entries this year was exceptional, displaying so much imagination and promise as published writers,” Ms Edwards said.

“We have so much talent in our own backyard and we love how we are able to promote this chance for our creative literary community to shine.”

The winner of each division received an iPad air, with second prize winners receiving an iPad mini, and commended entries receiving a book prize.”

Both the Adult and Children’s Division had five commended entries, reflecting the high standard of writing for the competition.

Council’s Administrator Ian Reynolds, who was on hand at the ceremony, said the competition was a way of encouraging and recognising literary and literacy skills.

“We have so many talented people here on the Coast, and this competition is a way of encouraging writers, both young and old, to explore their imaginations, develop their writing skills and express themselves,” Mr Reynolds said.

“Literacy is such an important skill in today’s world, and this competition is designed to encourage people to put pen to paper and develop and express ideas.”

Council encourages residents to read stories by locals, and an anthology of the entries is on Council’s website.

Copies of the anthology are available to borrow or purchase from Council library branches across the Coast.