Koorong National Short Story Competition 2026

Your Story.
His Story.

Bring the ancient words to life. Retell a timeless biblical story in your own voice — and win big.

🏆 Win a $200 Koorong Gift Card

📅 Entries close 29 August 2026. Winners announced on the Koorong website on 28 September 2026. Don't miss your chance!

Choose Your Theme

Your short story must be a creative retelling of one of these two beloved biblical narratives:

David & Goliath

A shepherd boy. An unbeatable giant. An impossible battle. Retell this iconic story of courage, faith, and the underdog who changed everything — in your own world, your own words.

Ruth

Reimagine the story of Ruth. A foreign widow. A faithful promise. A story of loyalty that changed generations. Retell this timeless journey of love, redemption, and belonging — in your own world, your own words.

Age Groups & Prizes

One winner per age group — every voice deserves to be heard.

Ages 8–12

🎁 $200 Koorong Gift Card

Ages 13–18

🎁 $200 Koorong Gift Card

Submission Format

🚫 AI-generated submissions will not be accepted. All entries must be your own original, human-written work.

Requirement	Specification
Maximum Word Count	2,000 words
Font	Times New Roman
Font Size	12pt
Line Spacing	Double spaced
Paragraph Recognition	First line indentation (no blank lines between paragraphs)

Competition Rules

✍️

One Entry Per Person

Each participant may submit one entry only.

🔒

Original & Unpublished

Your story must be original, unpublished, and entirely your own work.

©️

You Keep Your Copyright

Participants retain full copyright of their submitted work.

👨👩👧

Staff Eligibility

Not open to direct Koorong staff. Family members of staff are welcome to enter.

📣

Winner Notification

Winners will be contacted directly and announced on the Koorong website.

📅

Closing Date

All entries must be received by 29 August 2026.

Terms & Conditions

One entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified.
Entries close at 11:59 PM AEST on 29 August 2026.
This competition is not open to direct employees of Koorong. Family members of staff are permitted to enter.
Submissions must be original and unpublished works that belong solely to the participant.
Participants retain full copyright of their submitted work.
Winners will be notified directly and announced on the Koorong website on 28 September 2026.
Koorong reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the competition guidelines.
By entering, participants agree to these terms and conditions.

Ready to Write Your Story?

Pick up your pen, open your heart, and bring a biblical classic to life. We can't wait to read what you create.

Entries close 29 August 2026

Short Story National Koorong Competition

Your Story.His Story.