2026 South Perth Young Writers Award winners announced

Media Release 10 September 2026

Libraries Libraries Features SPYWA

An unsettling supernatural tale by lower secondary student Jackie Sun has taken out the top prize at the 40th annual South Perth Young Writers Award (SPYWA).

Held at the South Perth Community Hall on 9 September, this year’s event attracted more than 150 entries, showcasing an impressive level of literary talent across all age groups.

Jackie’s short story, You See Them Now, was awarded the prestigious South Perth Young Writers Bronze Medallion as the entry judged to be the most outstanding across all categories.

Set on the eerie Mercury Lane, Jackie’s unnerving story follows a young person who encounters a mysterious shadow creature, forcing them to confront a darkness they have long kept hidden.

The judges praised this outstanding writer for crafting an accomplished and compelling story that left a lasting impression.

For four decades, SPYWA has celebrated the creativity and literary talent of young people in the community. The Award began as the Christobel Mattingley Award for Young Writers before being renamed in 2007.

This year’s award attracted an outstanding field of entries, covering a wide range of genres, including fantasy, mystery, adventure, horror and dystopian.

Mayor Greg Milner, who presented the winners with their certificates at the ceremony, congratulated Jackie on his outstanding achievement.

“Jackie’s story powerfully combines an unsettling supernatural world with the very real themes of fear, isolation and resilience,” he said.

“Winning the Bronze Medallion is an incredible achievement, particularly in such a strong field of entries. I congratulate Jackie and all of this year’s finalists, as well as every young person who took the time our of their busy lives to write, create and share their work with us.”

Mayor Milner said the quality and diversity of this year’s entries demonstrated the importance of encouraging young people to develop a love of reading, writing and storytelling.

“It is wonderful to see so many young people embracing storytelling and sharing their ideas with the community. I hope every entrant feels proud of what they have achieved,” he said.

This year’s Award was judged by a panel of educators, industry experts, advocates and enthusiasts of children’s literature. Shortlisted entrants were invited to work with local author and 2023 South Perth Children’s Literature Champion HM Waugh.

You can read the winning stories in the 2026 South Perth Young Writers Award Anthology, available at our libraries.