The Spencil Writer's Prize
The Spencil Writers Prize 2026 is now in the judging phase.
A huge thank you to every young writer who entered this year's competition. We have been overwhelmed by the creativity, imagination and storytelling talent shared by children from across Australia. From magical adventures and heartfelt poems to thrilling mysteries and inspiring stories, every entry has been a joy to receive.
Entries are now being carefully reviewed by our judging panel across the two competition categories:
- 8 Years and Under
- 9 to 13 Years
Our judges have the exciting (and very difficult!) task of selecting this year's winners, and we appreciate your patience while they read each and every submission.
As part of the Spencil Writers Prize, every eligible entry will be showcased in our online gallery because every story deserves to be celebrated and shared.
Winners will be announced soon, so keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for updates.
Thank you once again to everyone who participated and helped make the 2026 Spencil Writers Prize such a wonderful celebration of young creativity.
Judging is Now Underway
8 Years and Under
- A $100 Spencil Dollars voucher
- A book bundle featuring Something Terrible Tim, Tie Your Shoelaces, Frances Bloom, The Thylacine and the Time Machine, Into the Bewilderedness, The Emperor's Egg and Drop Bear
- A professionally printed hard copy of their winning short story
9 to 13 Years
The winner will receive:
- A $100 Spencil Dollars voucher
- A book bundle featuring Inked, Run, How to Sail to Somewhere, The Surface Trials, The Year We Escaped and The Hits and Misses of Melody Moss
- A professionally printed hard copy of their winning short story
Important dates
Winners announced:
18 August 2026
