.png)
The highly anticipated return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival September 12-14, 2025 marks an exciting opportunity for writers of all ages across Australia.
The festival announces the launch of the 2025 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering substantial prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary landscape.
The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural wonder found in the Whitsundays region.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating “Beyond assembling some of Australia’s celebrated authors in Airlie Beach, our festival aims to champion homegrown writers. The Heart Awards epitomise our commitment to nurturing creativity and honouring the legacy of festival founder Gloria Burley.”
"We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to recognising and rewarding the extraordinary talents within our community.
“What better way to recognise Gloria’s legacy than continue a creative writers’ award named in her honour.”
The Heart Awards in 2025 comprises of two categories, each offering a platform for recognition and celebration:
• The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
• Best Short Story Award for Under 18’s
The Whitsundays Writers Festival will award a $2500 cash prize for the Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, and additional prizes for the Best Short Story Award for under 18 years. Finalists in each category will receive significant recognition, with shortlists announced ahead of the festival.
Aspiring, emerging, and seasoned writers are encouraged to review submission guidelines available on the festival’s website, ensuring compliance to entry requirements. There are no geographic limitations other than being an Australian citizen or resident.
A well-regarded panel of judges comprising readers, writers, and thinkers will evaluate submissions to identify exceptional works worthy of recognition.
Submissions are now open. Writers of all ages, and at all stages of their careers are invited to participate in the Heart Awards by submitting their work for consideration. Please visit: http://www.whitsundayswriters.com/whitsundays-literary-heart-awards/ to complete details, deadlines, and submission forms are accessible on the Whitsundays Writers Festival website.
Whitsunday Writers Festival President Karen Jacobsen is looking forward to celebrating Australian authors. Photo sourced: online
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
