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2022 FESTIVAL
Writing Prizes
About
News
Hobsons Bay
- Accommodation

Home
2022 FESTIVAL
Writing Prizes
About
News
Hobsons Bay
- Accommodation

|

The Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award

The Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award was established in 2001 by Mary and Andrew Burbidge to honour the life of their eldest daughter, Jennifer, who died aged 21. The prize is funded by royalties from Mary Burbidge’s memoir Forever Baby, published by Harper Collins in 1999, and welcomes short stories of fiction or non-fiction up to 3000 words on the theme of disability.

A winner will receive $500, and a runner-up will receive $200.

Full terms and conditions here.

Jenny Burbidge

Entries open February 28 and close April 29, 2022.

Writing Prizes

Ada Cambridge Writing Prizes
The Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award
- Previous Winners
People’s Choice Awards
- 2022 Entry Form
- 2021 Winners
Program Quick View

WLF ON TWITTER

This Volunteers Week we would like to thank each and every person that puts in time to make Willy Lit Fest possible… https://t.co/i2JTjbgb4fyesterday
RT @vanbadham: Totally coming to @willylitfest in Williamstown to rip things up the way I love to rip, rip, rip! Look at all these other pe… 2 days ago
RT @mandybeaumont: I’m looking forward to having a chat about The Furies at the @willylitfest along with some other great writers and think… 2 days ago
RT @thebooksdesk: Also in the bright lights: @MicWink and @LiteraryMinded! 2 days ago

Support our Festival

Help us continue to celebrate the best of our local and national writers. Please consider supporting our festival.

Recent News

Willy Lit Fest is launching its 2022 program at a special event with Paul Kennedy and Alicia Sometimes

22 Apr 2022

Willy Lit Fest returns with Trivia

04 Mar 2022

Volunteer with Willy Lit Fest 2022

04 Mar 2022

Introducing our new Program Director

16 Aug 2021

WLF ON INSTAGRAM

When her own father sued her, TV journalist Mimi Kwa turned to her rich family history to understand why. In HOUSE OF KWA, Mimi explores four generations of Kwa in a riveting family epic, from the imperial compound in Beijing to post-war Australia.⁠
⁠
Mimi Kwa will be in conversation with Meaghan Wilson Anastasios and is just one of the fabulous memoirists we have appearing at Willy Lit Fest in June.⁠
⁠
The full program is available online. Come for a single event or the whole weekend. Early bird tickets available now. ⁠
⁠
#willylitfest #houseofkwa

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When her own father sued her, TV journalist Mimi Kwa turned to her rich family history to understand why. In HOUSE OF KWA, Mimi explores four generations of Kwa in a riveting family epic, from the imperial compound in Beijing to post-war Australia.⁠ ⁠ Mimi Kwa will be in conversation with Meaghan Wilson Anastasios and is just one of the fabulous memoirists we have appearing at Willy Lit Fest in June.⁠ ⁠ The full program is available online. Come for a single event or the whole weekend. Early bird tickets available now. ⁠ ⁠ #willylitfest #houseofkwa

6 hours ago

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1/15

This Volunteers Week we would like to thank each and every person that puts in time to make Willy Lit Fest possible. Volunteers are the face of Willy Lit Fest and the festival would not run without your enthusiasm and passion for community and the arts. ⁠
⁠
We would also like to take this moment to celebrate a treasured volunteer that is no longer with us, Kay Hirst. Kay was wise, positive, down to earth, and great to be around each festival weekend. Our thoughts go out to her family.⁠
⁠
#volunteersweek

willylitfest

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This Volunteers Week we would like to thank each and every person that puts in time to make Willy Lit Fest possible. Volunteers are the face of Willy Lit Fest and the festival would not run without your enthusiasm and passion for community and the arts. ⁠ ⁠ We would also like to take this moment to celebrate a treasured volunteer that is no longer with us, Kay Hirst. Kay was wise, positive, down to earth, and great to be around each festival weekend. Our thoughts go out to her family.⁠ ⁠ #volunteersweek

2 days ago

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2/15

As a child in country Queensland, the ABC’s Lisa Millar dreamed of a big life. In conversation with Ben Knight, Lisa will discuss her memoir DARING TO FLY in which she details her career from 'The Gympie Times' to ABC's bureau chief in both Washington DC and London. ⁠
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Lisa is the co-host of ABC TV’s News Breakfast and has covered some of the world’s biggest stories. She has made a career of breaking news and we are delighted to welcome her to the 2022 program. ⁠
⁠
Saturday 18 June, 1,30pm at Willy Town Hall. Early bird tickets now on sale. ⁠
⁠
#willylitfest #hobsonsbay @lisamillartv #litfest #melbournewriters

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As a child in country Queensland, the ABC’s Lisa Millar dreamed of a big life. In conversation with Ben Knight, Lisa will discuss her memoir DARING TO FLY in which she details her career from 'The Gympie Times' to ABC's bureau chief in both Washington DC and London. ⁠ ⁠ Lisa is the co-host of ABC TV’s News Breakfast and has covered some of the world’s biggest stories. She has made a career of breaking news and we are delighted to welcome her to the 2022 program. ⁠ ⁠ Saturday 18 June, 1,30pm at Willy Town Hall. Early bird tickets now on sale. ⁠ ⁠ #willylitfest #hobsonsbay @lisamillartv #litfest #melbournewriters

3 days ago

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3/15

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Willy Lit Fest is back! After two years of cancelled programs we are thrilled to be bringing the best of Melbourne's lit scene to the Williamstown Town Hall.⁠ ⁠ Over the 17–19 of June we'll have 73 participants over 39 sessions. Join Lisa Millar, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Michael McGirr, Robyn Annear, Tony Birch, Leigh Hobbs, Mimi Kwa, Van Badham, the Stereo Stories Band and many, many more! ⁠ ⁠ Book for one session, stay for the whole weekend. We can't wait to welcome you back. Peruse the entire program on our website (link in the bio). Early bird tickets are now on sale.⁠ ⁠ #hobsonsbay #readlocal #willylitfest

3 days ago

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4/15

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Be among the first to hear the Willy Lit Fest Program for 2022 at a special launch event with Paul Kennedy and Alicia Sometimes. Launching May 4, 6pm for a 6.30pm start, at the Williamstown Town Hall. Tickets are $10 and extremely limited so we recommend booking early. Tickets available from TryBooking or via the 'News' section of our website. #readlocal #funkytown #hobsonsbay #willylitfest

1 month ago

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5/15

Hobsons's Bay Heritage Week starts next week and there will be tours, events, open houses and all sorts throughout the course of the week @hobsonsbaycc

Our Ada Cambridge Prize suite is named after one of Australia's finest colonial writers who lived in the centre of Williamstown, and whose house you can still visit today. This is the commemorative plaque outside Willy Library, celebrating Ada Cambridge. It's a little hard to read on a phone but you can visit this site in situ as part of your Heritage Week tour.

There's still time to send us your entries for the Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize, the Poetry Prize and the Young Adas. Entries close April 16 and we can't wait to read your work.

#adacambridge #writingprize #hobsonsbay

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Hobsons's Bay Heritage Week starts next week and there will be tours, events, open houses and all sorts throughout the course of the week @hobsonsbaycc Our Ada Cambridge Prize suite is named after one of Australia's finest colonial writers who lived in the centre of Williamstown, and whose house you can still visit today. This is the commemorative plaque outside Willy Library, celebrating Ada Cambridge. It's a little hard to read on a phone but you can visit this site in situ as part of your Heritage Week tour. There's still time to send us your entries for the Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize, the Poetry Prize and the Young Adas. Entries close April 16 and we can't wait to read your work. #adacambridge #writingprize #hobsonsbay

1 month ago

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6/15

DEADLINE EXTENDED. We're giving you a little extra time over Easter to finish your Ada Cambridge submissions. The new deadline is April 16 — sharpen your pens and check out the submission details on our website. We can't wait to read your work.

#writingopportunity #writingcompetition #writersofinstagram #writingprize #hobsonsbay

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DEADLINE EXTENDED. We're giving you a little extra time over Easter to finish your Ada Cambridge submissions. The new deadline is April 16 — sharpen your pens and check out the submission details on our website. We can't wait to read your work. #writingopportunity #writingcompetition #writersofinstagram #writingprize #hobsonsbay

2 months ago

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7/15

Only one week left to enter the Adas! Submissions for for Biographical Prose Prize, the Poetry Prize and the Young Adas close April 8 at midnight. All the details available on the Willy Lit Fest website (link in the bio).

#amwriting #writingopportunity #writingprize #writingcompetition

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Only one week left to enter the Adas! Submissions for for Biographical Prose Prize, the Poetry Prize and the Young Adas close April 8 at midnight. All the details available on the Willy Lit Fest website (link in the bio). #amwriting #writingopportunity #writingprize #writingcompetition

2 months ago

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8/15

Thank you to everyone that came down to the Pirates Tavern last week for trivia. Willy Lit Fest trivia is something of a tradition, and it's so great to be back after two years!

Thank you to quizmaster Michael Lee who kept the night moving, to Jane Finemore for the little teaser of June's festival program, to the committee for writing the questions and to YOU for attending and making it such a wonderful night. Your support of Willy Lit Fest is much appreciated.

#willylitfest #dayslikethese #wlf22 #hobsonsbay

willylitfest

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Thank you to everyone that came down to the Pirates Tavern last week for trivia. Willy Lit Fest trivia is something of a tradition, and it's so great to be back after two years! Thank you to quizmaster Michael Lee who kept the night moving, to Jane Finemore for the little teaser of June's festival program, to the committee for writing the questions and to YOU for attending and making it such a wonderful night. Your support of Willy Lit Fest is much appreciated. #willylitfest #dayslikethese #wlf22 #hobsonsbay

2 months ago

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9/15

This illustration of a young Ada Cambridge was designed by Shuobing Kuang, a student at @suzannecoryhighschool to accompany the Young Adas prizes for 2022. If you are (or know!) a young writer based in the Western suburbs aged 14—18 they are eligible to enter the Young Adas.

The Young Adas are accepting submissions until April 8 for pieces up to 1000 words. Entry is free and full submissions details are available on the Willy Lit Fest website.

On her artwork Shuobing says: "the cross hatching and style of Ada Cambridge's face mimics the art style in illustrations for some classic literature" and the "wavy patterning creates a sense of movement, which aims to establish a sense of flow and life when combined with the vibrant [Willy Lit Fest] colours".

If you are a school or a teacher and would like us to send you a poster, get in touch!

#youngwriters #adacambridge #hobsonsbay #writing #amwriting #writingopportunity

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This illustration of a young Ada Cambridge was designed by Shuobing Kuang, a student at @suzannecoryhighschool to accompany the Young Adas prizes for 2022. If you are (or know!) a young writer based in the Western suburbs aged 14—18 they are eligible to enter the Young Adas. The Young Adas are accepting submissions until April 8 for pieces up to 1000 words. Entry is free and full submissions details are available on the Willy Lit Fest website. On her artwork Shuobing says: "the cross hatching and style of Ada Cambridge's face mimics the art style in illustrations for some classic literature" and the "wavy patterning creates a sense of movement, which aims to establish a sense of flow and life when combined with the vibrant [Willy Lit Fest] colours". If you are a school or a teacher and would like us to send you a poster, get in touch! #youngwriters #adacambridge #hobsonsbay #writing #amwriting #writingopportunity

2 months ago

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10/15

It's Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday, March 6th at Willy Beach and Cyril Curtain Reserve.

Join our committee member @sandyc_gogo — meet at the top of Hatt Reserve, opposite Giffard St at 9.30am (til 12.30pm).

With news of floods after years of fires, we think every little bit of caring for Hobsons Bay, and by extension, Australia and the planet is incredible important.

Slip slop slap and wear garden gloves and closed toed shoes. For more info visit @sandyc_gogo's link in the bio.

#cleanupaustraliaday #hobsonsbay

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It's Clean Up Australia Day this Sunday, March 6th at Willy Beach and Cyril Curtain Reserve. Join our committee member @sandyc_gogo — meet at the top of Hatt Reserve, opposite Giffard St at 9.30am (til 12.30pm). With news of floods after years of fires, we think every little bit of caring for Hobsons Bay, and by extension, Australia and the planet is incredible important. Slip slop slap and wear garden gloves and closed toed shoes. For more info visit @sandyc_gogo's link in the bio. #cleanupaustraliaday #hobsonsbay

3 months ago

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11/15

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Think you’ve got what it takes to beat the best on March 24? Willy Lit Fest returns with our annual Trivia Night! We’ll be back at the Pirates Tavern for an evening of questions, announcements, festivities and fun as we return to a more ‘normalised’ way of life. Gather your friends, hit the books and join us as we finally come together again for the first time in two years! SAVE THE DATE March 24, 7.30pm at The Pirates Tavern. Tickets ($20) can be purchased via TryBooking. Link is in the bio or via the Willy Lit Fest website. Enter as a team or join one on the night. BYO snacks. Can't wait to see you there! #trivia #litfest #amreading #currentlyreading #williamstown #willylitfest #dayslikethese #hobsonsbay

3 months ago

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12/15

We are delighted to announce the Ada Cambridge Writing Prizes for 2022 are now open for submissions. If you pen biographical prose, have been sharpening a poem or are an aspiring young writer from the Western suburbs — our esteemed suite of prizes are now accepting submissions. $500 to be won ($250 for the Young Adas). Submissions close April 8. Entry fee is $15.

The Jennifer Burbidge Writing Award will launch in February for short fiction or non-fiction on the theme of disability.

For the full terms and conditions, visit the Willy Lit Fest website (link in the bio).

#amwriting #writing #writingprize #writersofinstagram #poetry #prose #williamstown #willylitfest #dayslikethese #emeringwriters

willylitfest

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We are delighted to announce the Ada Cambridge Writing Prizes for 2022 are now open for submissions. If you pen biographical prose, have been sharpening a poem or are an aspiring young writer from the Western suburbs — our esteemed suite of prizes are now accepting submissions. $500 to be won ($250 for the Young Adas). Submissions close April 8. Entry fee is $15. The Jennifer Burbidge Writing Award will launch in February for short fiction or non-fiction on the theme of disability. For the full terms and conditions, visit the Willy Lit Fest website (link in the bio). #amwriting #writing #writingprize #writersofinstagram #poetry #prose #williamstown #willylitfest #dayslikethese #emeringwriters

4 months ago

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13/15

"Whether it was a day to remember, a day to forget, a day to celebrate or a day to regret; for me the best lesson from the past two tumultuous years is to learn to embrace the chaos and cherish every opportunity to listen to each other and to nurture our precious community.

It’s a whimsical notion, a nod to eastern philosophy, and has been well used in song, verse, and book, but I hope you agree that "Days Like These" captures the zeitgeist for the return of our beloved Willy Lit Fest in 2022."

— Jane Finemore, Program Director on the theme DAYS LIKE THESE for Willy Lit Fest 2022.

#readlocal #dayslikethese #willylitfest #williamstown #hobsonsbay @hobsonsbaycc

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"Whether it was a day to remember, a day to forget, a day to celebrate or a day to regret; for me the best lesson from the past two tumultuous years is to learn to embrace the chaos and cherish every opportunity to listen to each other and to nurture our precious community. It’s a whimsical notion, a nod to eastern philosophy, and has been well used in song, verse, and book, but I hope you agree that "Days Like These" captures the zeitgeist for the return of our beloved Willy Lit Fest in 2022." — Jane Finemore, Program Director on the theme DAYS LIKE THESE for Willy Lit Fest 2022. #readlocal #dayslikethese #willylitfest #williamstown #hobsonsbay @hobsonsbaycc

5 months ago

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14/15

Vale Salvatore. The Willy Lit Fest committee was saddened to hear that one of the festival's great characters, Salvatore Romita, passed away recently, aged 95. Salvatore played accordion with the first Stereo Stories band, and shared his story through the wonderful writing of his daughter, Lucia Nardo. Together, they helped establish Stereo Stories as a fixture of the festival. Read more about Salvatore and hear him playing at https://www.stereostories.com/farewell-salvatore-romita/ The WLF committee sends its sympathies to Lucia and all Salvatore's family.

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Vale Salvatore. The Willy Lit Fest committee was saddened to hear that one of the festival's great characters, Salvatore Romita, passed away recently, aged 95. Salvatore played accordion with the first Stereo Stories band, and shared his story through the wonderful writing of his daughter, Lucia Nardo. Together, they helped establish Stereo Stories as a fixture of the festival. Read more about Salvatore and hear him playing at https://www.stereostories.com/farewell-salvatore-romita/ The WLF committee sends its sympathies to Lucia and all Salvatore's family.

6 months ago

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15/15

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