Enter your family history story

Last Chance to Enter the 2026 E.M. Fletcher Writing Competition

Time is running out! Entries for the 2026 E.M. Fletcher Writing Competition close on Wednesday, 15 July, so now is the time to put the finishing touches on your entry.

Have you spent months, or even years, researching your family history? This is your opportunity to bring that research to life. The competition welcomes original short stories of 1,500–2,000 words on a family history or genealogy theme. Whether your story is humorous, poignant, dramatic or uplifting, this is an opportunity to share the people and events behind the names, dates and documents.

There are excellent cash prizes on offer, including the $1,000 E.M. Fletcher Award, a $500 runner-up prize, and the $100 Rosemary McKenzie Award for a Family History ACT member. Winning and shortlisted entries will also be published in the December edition of The Ancestral Searcher.

You've done the research—now tell the story. Share the stories behind the names, dates and records, and inspire others with your family's history.

For all the competition details including terms and conditions, entrants' checklist and online entry form, visit our competition webpage. We look forward to reading your story.

Please direct any enquiries about the competition to writingcompetition@familyhistoryact.org.au.