Writing Competition OPEN NOW!
16th March 2025
By Engagement Committee
The E.M. Fletcher writing competition is open now until 15 July 2025. All information about how to enter is available here.
This exciting short story writing competition is back for 2025, with cash prizes sponsored by Family History ACT - 1st prize of $1,000, 2nd prize of $500 and a special Family History ACT member only prize of $100. The competition will be judged to select the best short story of 1,500 – 2,000 words on a family history / genealogy theme. Read extracts from previous E.M. Fletcher Award winners here.
The easiest way to enter the competition is online via the FHACT website. It’s your one-stop shop for all the information about the competition, including the terms and conditions and a handy checklist of commonly overlooked requirements.
We welcome three new judges for the 2025 competition – Dr Rachael Weaver, Susan O’Leary and Chris Oyston.
Rachael is an ARC Future Fellow in the School of Humanities, University of Tasmania, and a 2024-25 Visiting Scholar at the State Library of New South Wales. Rachael has edited and authored several books, most recently Colonial Adventure (Miegunyah/MUP, 2024).
Susan O’Leary: Following a career in research, Susan has developed her passion for family history research in retirement. She has been inspired to publish family stories through her blog http://www.historysnoop.com
Chris Oyston: After joining the Navy at 15, Chris spent 25 years as a Naval engineer, culminating in roles researching and arguing the government case on environmental issues related to the development of ADF facilities projects. This gave Chris a taste for turning his family history research into interesting stories that captivate and entertain readers.
The E.M. Fletcher short story writing competition is open until 15 July 2025. Please direct any questions to writingcompetition@familyhistoryact.org.au.
