Key Points

  • What Matters? Writing competition is for students in years 5-12.
  • Tasmanian and National awards and prizes.
  • Entries close Friday, 15 May 2026
What Matters? Writing Competition with 3 cartoon hands holding a pencil, and stars over a light blue background.

About the ‘What Matters?’ writing competition

Got something to say? Want to change the world, or at least get people thinking?

The What Matters? Writing Competition is your chance to speak up, stand out, and share what YOU care about most.

Inspired by Gough Whitlam’s belief that young people should help shape Australia’s future, this competition invites students from Years 5–12 to answer one big, important question: What matters?

Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, What Matters? is the perfect opportunity to empower our young people to raise their voices on issues that are important to them. To know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint.

Entries in the 2026 What Matters? Writing Competition close on Friday, 15 May 2026.

How to enter

  • In up to 600 words, write about anything you care about. Big or small, personal or global. Your voice, your style, your take. Entries must be original and can be fiction or non-fiction, persuasive writing, poetry or prose.
  • Submit your entry online via the What Matters? Writing Competition website. Students can enter through their school, or from home via the website.
  • Teacher or parent/guardian contact information will need to be provided at the time of submission.
  • Entries close on Friday, 15 May 2026.

National awards and prizes

The What Matters? writing competition is run by the Whitlam Institute (within Western Sydney University).

There are some amazing prizes to be won for students and their schools. Prizes are awarded for Overall Winner, Category Awards and Sponsored Awards. Check out the What Matters? prize pool on the Whitlam website for more information.

Discover the 2025 winning entries by accessing the Whitlam Institute’s website.

Tasmanian State Awards and Prizes

Tasmanian students who enter the national competition are automatically entered into What Matters? Tasmania. Like the national competition, prizes are awarded in four categories: Years 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12.

Category Winners receive $350, and $200 is awarded to each Category Runner Up.

An Overall Tasmanian Winner is selected from the Category Winners. They will receive an additional prize provided by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

Judging criteria for the Tasmanian State Awards are based on the national competition:

  • Important – the entry addresses an issue of significance to the student
  • Original – the entry offers a noteworthy insight or conveys an original perspective on that issue
  • Writing craft – the entry displays quality of writing, creativity of expression
  • Authenticity – the entry conveys genuine concern or interest in a subject
  • Grammar, spelling, punctuation and referencing – external sources are acknowledged or cited where used

For more information about the Tasmanian State Awards, contact DECYP Learning Events learning.events@decyp.tas.gov.au.

2025 Tasmanian State Award Winners

Year 5 & 6 Category

Year 7 & 8 Category

Year 9 & 10 Category

Year 11 & 12 Category

Overall Tasmanian

On this page
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  1. Key Points
  2. About the ‘What Matters?’ writing competition
  3. How to enter
  4. National awards and prizes
  5. Tasmanian State Awards and Prizes
  6. 2025 Tasmanian State Award Winners

Learning

  1. Literacy: reading and writing
  2. School terms and holidays
  3. Find your local school
  4. Vocational Learning
  5. Enrolling in school
  6. Early years learning
  7. Primary school to year 12
  8. Career pathways for students
  9. Attending school
  10. Supporting student need
  11. Learning programs and centres
  12. Aboriginal Education Services
  13. LGBTIQA+ equality in Tasmanian government schools
  14. LGBTIQA+ equality and inclusion in education
  15. International students studying in Tasmanian Government schools
  16. Awards and scholarships for students
    1. Alma Lily Stackhouse Scholarship
    2. Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarships
    3. What Matters? writing competition
    4. The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize
    5. Tasmanian Training Awards
    6. WorldSkills Australia competitions
  17. Information for schools and educators

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