RESULTS are in from the Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) inaugural writing competition after a call for stories with the localised theme of belonging, ‘Getting to the Point’, which attracted sixteen entries, a notable outcome to what is hoped to be an ongoing interactive appreciation of local history and talent.

With yarns that outlined the significance of being, or becoming a local resident, told through anecdotal narrative, poetry and tales of individual journeys, challenges and arrivals and lineal histories of familial and environmental connections, an impressive depth of writing was delivered.

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The winner of the $500 prize was Mandy Johnston, by a unanimous decision, a resident of Yarrahapinni, and with only one entry for the junior section, all prize benefits, a total of $200, have been donated to the Stuarts Point Preschool for their collective entry.

As one of the five judges, Kempsey Shire Mayor Leo Hauville commented on the winning entry.

”For its expansive and deliberate word usage that paints many evocative images throughout, and for it being most connected to the topic of ‘Getting to the Point’, I have selected ‘A Drive to Town’.”

Local author Gill Chalmers said, “It was an interesting judging exercise, so much love and commitment to the community is expressed in these stories and it was difficult to select my favourites, but I chose ‘A Drive to Town’ because it told the town’s life in such a unique way and that sense of belonging was so well depicted.

“‘Point of Change’ told of facing and adapting to change, a very thoughtful piece that expressed understanding of others, and the poem ‘North Arm Lower Macleay River’ is beautifully written too.”

Competition winner Mandy Johnston was pleased to tell NOTA, “Maybe these 1500 words will be the motivation I need to keep writing now!”

With the backing of a very supportive independent publisher, an anthology titled ‘Getting to the Point’ is in the works for publication in 2024.

In the meantime, a transcript of the entries should be available to read at the Stuarts Point Library.

By Jen HETHERINGTON