Now in its 22nd year, Barry Young River of Stories is a writing competition for primary and secondary school students who live in the Albury Wodonga region. Students in Years 3 to 12 are invited to submit short stories or poems relating to the theme ‘Adventure’.
Students are encouraged to think creatively about the term ‘Adventure’. Going on holidays, trekking in the jungle and sailing the seven seas are certainly adventures, but so too is starting a new school, moving house or getting a new pet. The possibility for an adventure is all around us in everyday life. Prizes will be awarded to the individual winning writers in each category and the school of the winning writers.
The Barry Young River of Stories is supported by the Albury Hume Rotary Club.
Primary Students
2025 Theme: Adventure
Poetry
Categories: Years 3+4, Years 5+6
Winner in each category: $50 + $300 for school library
Runners-up in each category: $25 voucher
Best overall: $250 for school
Short Story
Categories: Years 3+4 (500 word limit), Years 5+6 (1000 word limit)
Winner in each category: $50 + $300 for school library
Runners-up in each category: $25 voucher
Best overall: $250 for school
Closing date
Midnight, Friday 25 July, 2025
Secondary Students
2025 Theme: Adventure
Poetry
Categories: Years 7+8, Years 9+10, Years 11+12
Winner in each category: $100 + $300 for school library
Runners-up in each category: $50 voucher
Best overall: $250 for school
Short Story
Categories: Years 7+8 (1000 word limit), Years 9+10 (1500 word limit), Years 11+12 (1500 word limit)
Winner in each category: $100 + $300 for school library
Runners-up in each category: $50 voucher
Best overall: $250 for school
Closing date
Midnight, Friday 25 July, 2025
Thank you to the generous sponsors of this competition
