Young Poet From Mackay Claims Top QLD Award

A Mackay Northern Beaches State High School student has been recognised on the state stage, earning top honours at the annual Literary Competition hosted by the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) in partnership with the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ).

Isabelle Refalo claimed first place in the Years 9 and 10 poetry category for her poignant piece Blood-stained poppy.

Rebecca Cheers, who judged the entries, said the winning entry was a very fine poem.

“I love a poem that takes one idea and turns it for the reader, exploring it from every angle: in this case, a floral metaphor with obvious historical resonance, but one that leaves room for the reader's own interpretations too,” Ms Cheers said.

“I like Blood-stained poppy’s plaintive, ambiguous tone, and the way it feels a bit haunted,” she said.

The Literary Competition was established by the IEU-QNT’s antecedent union in 1959 to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people.

ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1500 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into this year’s Competition, with all schools providing a high quality of entries for judging.

“Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools,” Ms Elliott said.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the Literary Competition was a great opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.

“The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state,” Mr Burke said.

“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all those who entered the 2025 Literary Competition,” he said.

See the attached list of 2025 Literary Competition winners, placegetters, and Highly Commended Award recipients.

List of Literary Competition first place category winners for 2025

Open
• Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West

Years 11 and 12
• Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore
• Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill
• Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac

Years 9 and 10
• Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs
• Poem:Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View

Years 7 and 8
• Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
• Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg

Years 5 and 6
• Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
• Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston

The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood education employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

‍

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School student Isabelle Refalo has won first place in Queensland’s Years 9 and 10 poetry category for her evocative piece Blood-stained poppy at the state’s longest-running literary competition.

Some of the 2025 Literary Competition judges (L-R) - Rae White, Rebecca Cheers and Antoinette Mizen. Photo supplied

‍