Randolph Stow Young Writers Award Presentation Night

STEFANIE MULLER
  

Randolph Stow (Joshua Keys) looks as his mother
(Saffire Lewis) points to the Merry-go-round in the Sea.
Picture: STEFANIE MULLER

The Randolph Stow Young Writers Award has once again provided hopeful young Geraldton writers with a chance to make their dreams come true.

The competition has been going on for over 20 years and aims to encourage young writers in the Mid West region. The award also recognizes the international achievements of famous Geraldton-born writer, Randolph Stow.

More than 600 entries were received this year for the annual Mid West awards, named in honour of the late Geraldton-born poet and author, Randolph Stow.

 Judges said they enjoyed reading the entries and had a hard time selecting the 10 winners in prose and poetry across junior and senior age groups. All award and commendation receivers showed exceptional potential and talent.

The awards presentation was held on Tuesday night at Strathalbyn Christian College hall. Strathalbyn’s head 
of drama, Peter Hanrahan, hosted the event, with Year 10 drama students from the school presenting a mini-drama interpretation of Stow’s classic "The Merry-go-round in the Sea."

The annual awards are organized by Geraldton Regional Library and hosted by a different school each year. Much time and effort was put into the event, but it was worth it, according to client services librarian Jennifer Hargrave.

Year 11 and 12 Prose. L-R: First Place- Simon Thujis.
Second Place - Jordan Moore.Highly Commended - Jessica Cribble.
Highly Commended - Katie Bogumil.
Picture: STEFANIE MULLER

“It is a privilege being able to give young writers an opportunity like this. Winners are held with the highest regard in our community,” she said.

Raewyn Caisley, author of the children's classic "Mermaid's Tale," spoke at the presentation and encouraged aspiring young writers to believe in themselves. 

“Believe in yourself, and believe in your talent,” she said.

“Keep reading other books, be single-minded, and never let go of your dream to write.    

  - and make a difference,” she said

Children's author, Raewyn Caisley
Picture: STEFANIE MULLER

Ms Caisley  told the  audience it was a great honour to receive a Randolph Stow Award.

“Your name will now forever be associated with Randolph’s,” she said.

Stow, a Miles Franklin Award winner, was born in Geraldton in 1935 and studied at both Geraldton Primary School and the former Geraldton High School.