The Capricorn Coast Writers Festival has received an enthusiastic response to its 2026 Student Short Story Competition, with 66 entries submitted from young writers across the region.
Festival organisers have been delighted by both the number and quality of submissions, highlighting the growing passion for storytelling among local students.
“We’re incredibly pleased with this year’s response,” James Manning,
festival spokesperson said.
“To receive 66 entries from young writers is a wonderful reflection of the creativity in our region. The standard of writing has been impressive, and our judges will have a very difficult task ahead.”
The competition is a key part of the festival’s commitment to supporting young voices, building literacy skills, and fostering a love of writing within the community. Students from primary and secondary schools across Livingstone Shire were invited to submit original short stories, showcasing their imagination, creativity, and writing ability.
Submissions are now being prepared for judging, with winners to be
announced at the festival’s Short Story Awards Presentation Event on Saturday 30 May.
The Student Short Story Competition is proudly sponsored by Yeppoon Rotary and forms part of the broader Capricorn Coast Writers Festival 2026 program, which features author talks, workshops, and events designed to inspire readers and writers of all ages.
The festival continues to grow as a vibrant cultural event for the region, bringing together authors, students, educators, and the wider community to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
A Festival Celebrating Stories by the Sea The 2026 Capricorn Coast Writers Festival will once again transform Yeppoon into a vibrant hub of storytelling and creative exchange.
The festival opens with a special evening event at 7:00pm on Friday, 29 May at the Sail Inn Café, Keppel Bay Sailing Club. Set against a stunning coastal backdrop, the evening will feature live music from local singer- songwriter Kate Mahood, followed by a compelling panel exploring the rich history and intriguing mysteries of the Capricorn Coast.
Hosted by Dales Whyte, the panel includes Peter Roper (Capricorn Coast Historical Society), Mark Avery (Coorooman Press), and Phil Hore (Time Safaris), bringing together a wealth of local knowledge and storytelling.
Guests will enjoy canapés, engaging conversation, and the opportunity to connect with authors, sponsors, and special guests in a relaxed and welcoming festival atmosphere.
Across the weekend, the festival offers a diverse and engaging program, including:
Author talks and panel discussions
- Interactive writing workshops across multiple genres
- Pitch-to-publisher opportunities with industry professionals
- A Local Author Expo showcasing regional writers
- Creative storytelling workshops including role-play and songwriting
Student Short Story Awards presentation and youth programming
The festival continues to grow as a vibrant cultural event for the region, bringing together authors, students, educators, and the wider community to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.
The Capricorn Coast Writers Festival extends its sincere thanks to our valued sponsors and supporters whose generosity makes this event possible, including the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), Livingstone Shire Council, Bendigo Bank, Hawkeye Publishing, Rotary, Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Tanby Garden Centre, Yeppoon State High School, Capricorn Coast Historical Society, Keppel Coast Arts, and the continued support of local representatives including Nigel Hutton MP and Michelle Landry MP.
Their commitment to arts, culture, and community storytelling is deeply appreciated.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Capricorn Coast Writers Festival 2026
Where: Keppel Bay Sailing Club and SALT, Yeppoon, Queensland
When: 29 & 30 May 2026
Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events
For more information, visit:
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