2013 Mayor's Writing Competition finalists!

Eurobodalla Shire Council has celebrated Book Week with a presentation and morning tea today for the winners of the 5th annual Mayors Writing Competition.

Mayor Lindsay Brown and the competition judges from Eurobodalla Writers' Group presented the 18 finalists from local primary and high schools with their prizes, including a beautifully presented anthology of their work.

"I would like to congratulate the young authors whose stories are published in the very special 2013 Mayors Writing Competition Anthology," said Cr Brown.

"This is the first time we have created an anthology of all the winners' work and it captures the diversity of talent and the imagination of our young people."

Similar in format to a school yearbook, the Mayor says the anthology will be a wonderful memento for the winners and their families and will also be available in our local libraries for everyone to enjoy.

"The anthology includes all the finalists' stories, their illustrations and a tribute to local writer, Syd Hayes, who was a member of the Eurobodalla Writers' Group. A special award of an elegant Ebonised Swamp Mahogany pen crafted and donated by Mr Richard Turley of Moruya was also presented in Mr Hayes' name," said Cr Brown.

The award recognises the wonderful contribution Mr Hayes made to the Eurobodalla Writers' Group.

In front of families, friends and teachers and council's General Manager, Dr Catherine Dale, and library staff, the Mayor and judges handed out the prizes to the finalists in each of the age groups. The judges were Mavis Hayes, Louise Falcioni and Margaret Barlow, Janice Sagar, Olgamary Savage and Councillor Danielle Brice.

The Mayor said the judges were delighted with the 267 entries and their quality this year. As well as the Mayor's Writing Competition Anthology, he says each of the winners received a $50 book voucher from Moruya Books.

"I encourage the winners and all children and high school students to continue sharing their imagination and stories. There is something special about a child's imagination and the way they create stories. Their tales have a sense of truth, honesty and humour that can take the reader to a different and delightful place," Cr Brown said.

You can view photos in the Mayor's Writing Competition Gallery on council's Facebook page.

Mayor's Writing Competition 2013 finalists

Age categoryNameSchool5 - 6 yearsCharles Kemp-JonesBroulee Public School Emma PenberthySt Bernard's Primary Charlotte WoodSt Mary's Primary7 - 8 yearsCallum ElliottBroulee Public School Summer McGeachySt Mary's Primary 

Madeleine Wood

St Mary's Primary9 - 11 years James BurnesBroulee Primary  Sarah BurnesBroulee Primary  Aisha ThomasNarooma Primary 

Jazmyn Webb

Narooma Primary

12 - 14 years Ella BurkeMoruya Primary  Sam JacksonSt Peter's Anglican College  Jimi PearsonNarooma High  Mallee SmithBroulee Primary 

Daisy Ware

Carroll College15 - 16 years Mia Paterson-HammondNarooma High  Rochelle MannixMoruya High 

Rachael Short

Carrroll College