Council's award-winning Shout Out! Storytelling Competition returns for 2023 with a new Open age category and one-of-a-kind prizes up for grabs.
This year's theme of 'unbreakable' asks entrants across Youth and Open categories to share their tales of resilience in the face of recent weather events and personal adversity.
Six finalists will star in their own short films based on their entries, which will be premiered at Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest 2024. Along with a suite of other finalists' prizes, overall winners of each category will also win $250 in cash.
Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said that the competition provided an opportunity for entrants to relate through the power of storytelling and share their tales of triumph.
"Sharing stories is an incredibly powerful way to connect our communities. After the events of the past few years, it's safe to say that our people are built tough — that's why initiatives like Shout Out! are so important, and why 'unbreakable' is such a compelling theme," she said.
"Shout Out! is special because it's a storytelling competition where heart and soul take centre stage, and entries are judged on stories alone — not spelling or grammar. Whether you're an avid writer, or just love to spin a yarn[KC1] , we've made sure there are plenty of ways to get involved," Cr Maguire added.
"We know that getting started is often the hardest part. If you're stuck, you can access our online resources or even register for a storytelling workshop at a Western Downs Libraries branch near you.
"Everyone has a story. The Shout Out! Storytelling Competition means you can get creative and tell yours, in your own way."
Shout Out! 2021 youth winner, Bella Pharaoh, said that her competition experience was an unforgettable opportunity for anyone with a story to tell.
"As someone who participated in the Shout Out! competition back in 2021, I definitely encourage anyone who is a passionate writer to participate. I met some amazing people and gained a lot of writing skills along the way, and of course it was heaps of fun as well. As amazing as it was to have won the competition, the overall experience is something I will never forget," she said.
Shout Out! is open to those aged 12 to 17 (Youth) or over 18 (Open) who live, work or study in the Western Downs. Stories can be in written or audio format. Entries are now open and close on Tuesday 31 October.
'Writing Your Story' workshops with novelist Nike Sulway will be held in Dalby, Tara and Miles libraries on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 August.
For more, including online tutorials and digital support kits, visit www.westerndownslibraries.com/shout-out
The Shout Out! Storytelling Competition is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Although funding for this project has been provided by both the Australian and Queensland Governments, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either Government.
Shout Out is also supported by the Queensland Writers Centre.
