Writing and Poetry Competition

The Writing & Poetry Competition returns in 2026. Residents of South Australia are invited to submit poetry or fiction entries that connect with the people or places of the City of Onkaparinga.

In 2026, our theme will be Stronger Together, exploring the bonds that unite us across friendship, family, and community. As we embrace diversity and inclusion, this theme highlights how kindness, empathy, and teamwork shape a brighter future. From sports and intergenerational connections to our shared care for nature and the environment, Stronger Together honours the many ways we foster hope and unity to grow as one community.

Entries open 9am Friday 18 September and close 5pm Wednesday 18 November 2026. Enter through the Writers SA website below.

Enter online

2026 Competition Categories

Flash fiction (open to ages 18 and above)
Poetry (open to ages 18 and above)
Youth (open to ages 12-17)

Submissions must not exceed 500 words. All genres and styles welcome.

AI Policy: All entries for the Onkaparinga Writing and Poetry competition must be the author’s own original work that the author must hold the copyright and/or IP rights for. We do not accept entries created using generative AI and if a suitable AI detector flags suspicious content, your entry will be disqualified at the discretion of the judging panel. Similarly, if a piece of work contains clear copyright infringements (example, using song lyrics, unattributed work of another writer that exceeds fair use, or trademarked content), it may also be disqualified.

This competition is facilitated by the City of Onkaparinga and judged by Writers SA. View the terms and conditions of entry here.

Read the winning entries from the 2025 competition below.

2025 Competition Winners

The 2025 Writing and Poetry Competition has some outstanding entries. We would like to thank all who participated in the program and congratulate Mali, Virgil and Chloe on their wins! View their full entries by clicking the links below.

Seaford Line by Mali Harkin-Noack(PDF, 25KB)

Awarded First Place in the Youth category.

One Christmas Morning by Virgil Goncalves(PDF, 110KB)

Awarded First Place in the Poetry category.

The Light Beneath Port Noarlunga by Chloe Anne(PDF, 156KB)

Awarded First Place in the Flash Fiction category.