THE 2026 Cliffy Short Story competition is here!

THE 2026 Cliffy Short Story competition has officially opened.
Named after the Diary’s founding editor, Cliff Green, the Warrandyte Diary has a proud tradition of supporting and celebrating local writers and so is delighted to again be holding this competition to shine a light on the best of our literary talent.
This year, we are also pleased to include two levels of youth categories, Primary and Secondary school-aged, to double down on our support for our community’s young writers.
In keeping with this community’s focus, we are opening this year’s competition with the theme “Environment“.
All entrants will be invited to a special presentation ceremony at Warrandyte Library, where authors of shortlisted entries will be invited to read their submissions, and prizes will be awarded.

There are three categories in the 2024 Cliffy:

• our Primary School Aged category for under-11s,
• our Secondary School Aged category for 12–16s,
• and our Open category for those aged 17 and up.

1st prize in the Open category is $500.
The Secondary category, one winner will receive a $200 cash prize, and in the Primary category, one winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
Open Category stories need to be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
Junior Category stories need to be between 500 and 1,000 words.
Primary Category stories need to be between 250–500 words.
So, it’s time to ponder the idea of “ENVIRONMENT” and what it means to you — and start writing.
Winning entries will also be published in the December Diary.
Please make sure the language is appropriate for unedited publication.

Entries are open until 5pm on Friday, October 30, 2026.

To enter, download the entry form.

Entry is free, but you can only enter one story.

All entries must be typed and submitted as a Word document (.doc) with a completed entry form (filled out and sent as a jpeg or pdf) and sent to editor@warrandytediary.com.au

Good luck writing; we look forward to reading your stories of “Environment”.