Aspiring young authors across the Northern Territory are invited to showcase their creativity in City of Darwin's Young Territory Author Awards, a Territory-wide annual writing competition now celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Created by City of Darwin Libraries, the Young Territory Author Awards provides school children a unique opportunity to develop their creative writing skills and has helped to launch the careers of future authors.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the awards played a vital role in fostering literacy and creativity among young people.
"City of Darwin is proud to support the development of literacy in the Northern Territory through the Young Territory Author Awards," Mr Vatskalis said.
"The Young Territory Author Awards program was launched in 1991 and to celebrate 35 years is a fantastic achievement which I am immensely proud of.
"The Young Territory Author Awards celebrate storytelling and literary talent and every year we are amazed by the quality and originality of the entries, from young children through to teenagers producing engaging and sophisticated works.
"To help entrants refine their storytelling skills, this year we are offering writing workshops in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Alice Springs to provide guidance and inspiration for young writers," he said.
Last year's overall winner, Amy Devlin-Aylot, was 13 years old when she penned her award-winning book 'Casting Out' which explored the changing tides of relationships and importance of connection at any age.
The competition is open to all Territorians aged 18 and under who reside in the NT at the time of submission.
City of Darwin facilitates the Young Territory Author Awards in collaboration with public libraries, councils, and schools across the Northern Territory, providing young authors with the opportunity to write and produce their own book, develop their skills and gain national recognition.
A range of prizes are available across the following categories: Young Territory Author of the Year, School Entry Winner, WOW Award Winner, Regional Area Winners and Age Category Winners.
Books can be submitted until Wednesday 27 August 2025, with winners announced in November 2025.
