Whitsundays Writers Festival Launches 2025 Literary Prizes: Calling Writers of All Ages Nationwide
Airlie Beach QLD, 27 April 2025 – The highly anticipated return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival
September 12-14, 2025 marks an exciting opportunity for writers of all ages across Australia.
The festival announces the launch of the 2025 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering
substantial prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary landscape.
The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the
Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural
wonder found in the Whitsundays region.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating “Beyond
assembling some of Australia’s celebrated authors in Airlie Beach, our festival aims to champion
homegrown writers. The Heart Awards epitomise our commitment to nurturing creativity and
honouring the legacy of festival founder Gloria Burley.”
“We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays
Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to recognising and rewarding the
extraordinary talents within our community,” remarked Karen. “What better way to recognise
Gloria’s legacy than continue a creative writers’ award named in her honour.”
The Heart Awards in 2025 comprise two categories, each offering a platform for recognition and
celebration:
● The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
● Best Short Story Award for under 18s
The Whitsundays Writers Festival will award a $2500 cash prize for the Gloria Burley Award for Best
Unpublished Manuscript, and additional prizes for the Best Short Story Award for under 18 years.
Finalists in each category will receive significant recognition, with shortlists announced ahead of the
festival.
“The support of the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing at James Cook
University makes our Heart Award categories possible in 2025 and we thank them for their
partnership. We are proud to continue our presence as an Australian regional writers’ competition,”
Karen affirmed. “Our festival stands as an example for recognising and rewarding creative talent and
fostering a culture that champions the contribution of writers.”
Aspiring, emerging, and seasoned writers are encouraged to review submission guidelines available
on the festival’s website, ensuring compliance to entry requirements. There are no geographic
limitations other than being an Australian citizen or resident.
A well-regarded panel of judges comprising readers, writers, and thinkers will evaluate submissions
to identify exceptional works worthy of recognition.
Submissions are now open. Writers of all ages, and at all stages of their careers are invited to
participate in the Heart Awards by submitting their work for consideration. Complete details,
deadlines, and submission forms are accessible on the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.
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