Field Narrows to Final Contenders: 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Short Story Shortlist Announced
The Whitsundays Writers Festival has named its shortlist for the 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Award Short Story Prize, narrowing the 20-story longlist down to just eight finalists as judging enters its final and most closely contested stage.
The shortlisted stories were drawn from a national field of 94 entries and represent the very best of what this year’s competition had to offer: a mix of crime, historical fiction, contemporary drama, speculative fiction and more, judged anonymously and assessed purely on the strength of the writing.
“The standard this year has made every stage of judging genuinely difficult,” said Festival Director Richard Evans. “Narrowing the field to these finalists wasn’t about finding fault with the stories that didn’t make the cut, it was about identifying the small number that stood out even among very strong company. That’s a great problem for a regional prize to have.”
The Shortlist
The eight shortlisted stories now progress to the final stage of judging for the Open Age competition:
A Change of Environment, Janet Humphries (Qld)
Attention Dr West, Kat Ryan (WA)
Home, Jessica McLaren (Qld)
It Cures Cancer, Lesley Boland (ACT)
Sliver Me Timber, Fergal Bannon (Vic)
So Much Music, So Little Sound, Christopher Mitchell (Vic)
Within the Belly of the Beast, Bon Henry-Edwards (SA)
Yes, Yes, Yes, Matthew Southwell (Vic)
What happens next
The judging panel will now undertake its final assessment of the shortlisted stories to determine the 2026 winner and runner-up.
The Open Age Short Story Prize carries a $1,000 first prize and $500 runner-up prize.
The winner and runner-up will be announced at the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards ceremony at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, held on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.
A free community afternoon celebrating local writing
This year’s festival puts local authors front and centre, with a free community afternoon open to everyone, no ticket required. Locals and visitors are invited to swap a book at the community book swap, browse book stalls from more than 20 regional authors, enjoy live music and watch local artists at work, and grab a snag at the community sausage sizzle.
“The Heart Awards bring a national spotlight to the Whitsundays, but this festival has always been about our community too,” Richard said. “The free afternoon is our way of making sure everyone can be part of it, whether you’ve read every local author book or you’re just here for the sausage sizzle.”
The free community afternoon runs 3pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 13 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale. No bookings required.
Tickets are on sale now at Whitsundays Writers Festival website.