EACH year the NSW Government hosts a writing competition known as Seniors’ Stories.

The competition celebrates the lives and contributions of seniors by giving them an opportunity to share their own short stories about their life experiences.

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The top 100 stories, judged by the NSW Fellowship of Australian Writers, are collated from the several hundred submissions and are made available at local libraries across NSW for everyone to read.

“Storytelling is a universal pastime, and with so much lived experience, this writing competition gives seniors a unique opportunity to share their personal story with everyone,” former Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors, Mark Coure said.

Well known Nambucca Valley writer Carrolline Rhodes is among those whose work has been selected for publication. This is not the first time her work has been placed alongside such esteemed literary company.

“I had started writing an article about getting braver as we get older and when I saw the Seniors’ Stories competition was on again I took the opportunity to develop this story further,” Carrolline told News Of The Area.

“I have realised how important it is to keep challenging ourselves as we get older, whether that be with technology or trying new things, and that is what this piece is about.”

The selected 100 writers are also invited to NSW Parliament House for the official launch of the publication.

“Unfortunately I will not be able to attend Parliament House as it clashes with my Grandson’s graduation from recruit training with the Australian Defence Force, something I am very proud of, so that must take priority,” Carrolline added.

Many locals will be familiar with Carrolline’s work as co-founder of the Wyz Wimmin Theatre Company.

The Wyz Wimmin are still active on the Mid North Coast theatre scene and are currently in a collaboration with the Raleigh Winery where they will be presenting lunchtime theatre on 17 and 24 November.

“The Wyz Wimmin are keeping active and are looking ahead to a major production in 2024 that will be staged at the iconic Bowraville Theatre,” Carrolline said.

By Mick BIRTLES