The 2024 Young Writers’ Competition winners have been announced.

At the Northern Beaches Council Chambers, Council revealed the student winners.

The youngsters were asked to submit a short story featuring the word “crystal”. With over 400 entries, guest author judges sifted through to find the stories with originality, a talented handle on plot, and a skillful use of language.

For the Kindergarten to Year 2 category, judged by author Ellie Laing, the winner was Jude Custodio for “The Heist of the Crystal”. Runner Up was Francesca Mumby for “Sunny Sunshine and the Magic Witch”. Sadie Keep and Lucia Madden were both awarded Highly Commended for their stories.

For the Year 3 to 4 category, judged by author Samera Kamaleddine, the winner was Holly Boulter for “Comes and Goes”. Runner Up was Katerina Bennedick for “Redfern Station”. Huxley Geersen and Caoimhe Bulcraig were presented with the Highly Commended award.

For the Year 5 to 6 category, judged by author Carla Fitzgerald, the winner was Carina Guo for “My Bizarre Odyssey: From Petri Dish to Prankster’s Paradise”. Runner up was Jeana Shen for “Cosmic Echoes Unveiled”. Highly Commended was given to Maya Gaffney and Addison Watson.

For the Year 7 to 8 category, judged by author Mike Barry, the winner was Claire Feng for “Crystal Kingdom”. Runner Up was Eve Overend for “Fire”. Zoelle Rayan and Ava Dembiany were awarded Highly Commended.

For the Year 9 to 10 category, judged by author Maiya Ibrahim, the winner was Lucas Toms for “The Stars”. Runner Up was Oscar Youman for “Conclusive Psychoanalysis of Ms. Lena Kaminska”. Highly Commended was presented to Eamon Cooper and Amelia Way.

For the Year 11 to 12 category, judged by author Helena Fox, the winner was Lilian Hamilton for “Chamomile”. Runner Up was Skye Smale for “Stealthy Frankie”. Lexie McCoy and Kate Coxon were awarded Highly Commended.

All finalists' stories feature in the 2024 Young Writers’ Competition ebook “Crystal”, available in Northern Beaches libraries.