(Newcastle Writers Festival)
Newy 87.8 FM – Newcastle Writers Festival will invite emerging writers living in regional NSW to submit to the 2026 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize from 20 July.
The prize seeks to elevate marginalised voices and acknowledges the challenges faced by writers in remote and regional areas.
Thanks to the support of Newcastle business Fourth Wave Wine, via its label Elephant in the Room, the winner will be awarded $5000 to support the development of their writing, as well as a week-long residency at Varuna, The National Writers' House.
Up to five shortlisted writers will each receive $250, with thanks to the festival's Patrons Program.
Sarah Armstrong, an award-winning journalist and the author of three acclaimed novels for adults, including the Miles Franklin-shortlisted Salt Rain, is on the board of the Byron Writers Festival and teaches creative writing to children and adults.
A submission link will be available from 9.00am on 21 July 2026. The festival recommends applicants prepare their responses in a separate document and cut and paste information into the online form.
Newcastle Writers Festival acknowledges the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the festival takes place, and recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community.
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