Creativity, Community, Collaboration.
Creativity, Community, Collaboration.
The Echo and Creative Mullum Writers Comp 2026–27
A short story competition for writers of all ages. Entries open 1 December 2026 and close 31 January 2027.
The competition
Last year Creative Mullum teamed up with The Echo to breathe life back into the annual story writing competition that used to be a mainstay of the paper. Rebranded and reimagined, welcome back to the Mullum Moth.
Your story must be original, written specifically for the Moth, between 500 and 1,500 words, and must include the hook: magpie. A magpie has to feature somewhere. Maybe as a tattoo, a birdsong, a painting, or an actual magpie. We’ve just come through swooping season, so it seems perfect.
Select stories will be published here, in The Byron Shire Echo and on echo.net.au.
Prizes
$1,000
For the best story in the adult category.
$500
For the best story by a writer under 18.
10
Ten finalists read their stories live at the Mullum Moth in early April 2027.
+
Local vouchers, writing courses and a People’s Choice award on the night.
Entry fees
$10
One adult entry.
$5
Pension, student, unemployed or low income.
Free
Young writers enter free.
Free
Free for current financial members.
$25
A 2027 membership (normally $35) plus your entry.
The rules
Judging
Stories will be judged by local writers and industry experts. Finalists must be available to read their story at the Mullum Moth live storytelling night in early April 2027.
Questions? Email marketing@creativemullum.org.au.
Enter here
Fill in the form below, paste in your story and choose your entry type. Payment is taken securely through the form.
Presented by The Echo and Creative Mullumbimby · Mullum Moth night sponsored by Top Pub Mullum
Creative Mullumbimby acknowledges the Bundjalung people and the Widubul-Wiabul people, Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies where we live, create and gather. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.