A poetry competition for all ages
As part of Mental Health Week, Western Downs Libraries invites yous to take part in the Ink & Insight Poetry Competition.
This year’s theme, “Hope Lives Here”, encourages participants to reflect on the people, places, experiences and moments that bring light during challenging times. Through the power of words, help raise awareness of mental health while celebrating hope, resilience and connection.
Categories & Prizes
Children (8-12 years)
Winner receives $50
Youth (13-17 years)
Winner receives $100
Open (18+ years)
Winner receives $100
Key Dates
Entries Open: 1 October 2026
Entries Close: 31 October 2026
Terms & Conditions
Please review the full Terms & Conditions before submitting your entry.
For more details, Terms & Conditions, and entry instructions, follow the links below.
Fact Sheet
Terms and Conditions
Competition FAQs
Entries open 1 October 2026 and close 31 October 2026.
The Ink & Insight Poetry Competition is open to people of all ages who live in the Western Downs Region. Entrants must submit original work in the age category that applies to them at the time of entry.
The competition is divided into three categories:
Children (8-12 years)
Youth (13-17 years)
Open (18+ years)
The competition is not open to professional or previously published writers.
Turn on your imagination, harness your creativity and write your poem!
Complete the online entry form and submit your poem via the Western Downs Libraries website.
Yes. All poems must be the entrant’s original work.
The theme is “Hope Lives Here”. Entrants are encouraged to explore what hope means to them through poetry.
Any style of original poetry is welcome, provided it relates to the theme “Hope Lives Here” and meets the line limit for your category.
Poems must not exceed:
10 lines for Children (8-12 years)
20 lines for Youth (13-17 years)
40 lines for Open (18+ years)
Download the Terms & Conditions PDF.Â
Please note: organisers reserve the right to suspend the competition if an adequate amount of entries is not received.
Contact li*****@**********ov.au or call 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624)
- Children (8-12 years): $50
- Youth (13-17 years): $100
- Open (18+ years): $100