A local Sunshine Coast teacher was honoured with an award last night at the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) annual Literary Competition presentation.
David Coleman-Mann, a teacher at Chancellor State College in Sippy Downs, won the Open category for his short story, titled “Legacy”.
Stewart Riddle, who judged the Open category, said David’s story was a compelling tale of learning and connection, which stood out among the 45 entries submitted this year.
“The bond formed between the main protagonist and her elderly neighbour feels real and becomes a treasured refrain as it develops across the story,” Mr Riddle said.
“There is genuine empathy and human belonging here, which pitted against the exposition… makes for a beautifully melancholic moment of understanding,” he 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.
Over 900 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into the 2023 event, which is run in conjunction with the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ).
Now in its 64th year, the Literary Competition remains the longest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools.
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 2023 Literary Competition,” he said.
