Maggie Shaw Writing Competition 2026

Maggie Shaw Writing Competition 2026

Participating in the Competition

Writing asks us to slow down. It requires clarity of thought, courage of expression, and a willingness to shape ideas into something lasting. In this way, writing is both reflective and formative; it shapes the writer even as it shapes the page.

A school becomes most fully itself when students are given opportunities to articulate their thinking, question assumptions, and construct meaning with care. The 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition exists within that vision. It offers young writers the opportunity to refine their craft, strengthen their voice, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

In honouring Maggie Shaw’s legacy, we also honour the quiet dedication that sustains a community. For 36 years, Maggie served Nudgee College with humility and constancy, with a deep belief in the potential of young people. She understood that schools are not merely places of instruction, but places where character is formed and confidence cultivated. It is fitting that a competition bearing her name encourages students to contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of the College.

In 2026, the Competition continues to grow, with restructured divisions designed to recognise excellence at every stage of the writing journey.

Submissions will be assessed by an external panel of highly accomplished judges drawn from the Arts community, ensuring a rigorous and authentic process while connecting our students to the wider world of storytelling and creative practice.

Participation in this Competition is ultimately an invitation: to approach language as something worthy of care. Whether submitting a first short story or a senior piece, each entry contributes to a literary tradition we continue to build together.

I look forward to celebrating the work that emerges from across the College and thank our students and families for the commitment that sustains this initiative. Through such shared investment, our young writers are able to flourish.

Significance of the Award

The Maggie Shaw Writing Competition is a tribute to character, creativity, and the enduring power of student voice.

Named in honour of Maggie Shaw’s extraordinary service to Nudgee College, the award reflects the very qualities she embodied - dedication, humility, and a belief in the potential of every young person. Just as Maggie worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the life of the College, this Competition seeks to bring forward the voices of students whose words might otherwise remain unseen.

By recognising excellence in writing, the College affirms that stories matter. They connect us, challenge us, and allow us to see the world - and one anotherwith greater empathy and understanding.

To receive the Maggie Shaw Writing Prize is therefore not only an academic achievement, but a meaningful contribution to the cultural life of the College. It signals a writer who has demonstrated originality, depth of thought, and the courage to share their perspective.

In honouring Maggie’s legacy, this award ensures that her spirit of opportunity continues to shape the experiences of Nudgee students, reminding us all that the written word has the power to inform, inspire, and endure.

The winners from each division will be formally recognised at the College’s Annual Awards Ceremony in Term 4.

Judges

Rebbecca Timmis

We are delighted to welcome Rebecca Timmis as a judge for the Year 5-6 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Rebecca is an award-winning author-illustrator, web designer and indie game developer based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. She is the creator of 13 children’s books, including the much-loved MerTales and Jawsome junior fiction series. Her stories are bursting with adventure, heart and plenty of laughs, capturing the imagination of young readers across Australia.

Her MerTales series, published by Albert Street Books (an imprint of Allen & Unwin), has grown into a four-book series, bestselling boxset, and even a video game. Rebecca also developed MerTales: Mermaid Rescue, bringing her characters to life in an interactive format.

Rebecca’s writing and illustrating achievements have been widely recognised. Her junior fiction title Jawsome won the Golden Taco Award in the Laugh Out Loud category in 2023, and her work has been shortlisted for the Text Prize, the Aurealis Awards, and the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Earlier in her career, she was also recognised by the Australian Society of Authors with an Illustration Mentorship Award.

Before becoming a full-time author-illustrator, Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Animation) at Griffith University and worked professionally in graphic design and digital media. She later founded Vanilla Web Designs, combining her artistic eye with technical expertise to create customised online solutions for clients across Australia and beyond.

Today, Rebecca continues to inspire young readers and aspiring writers alike with her imagination, dedication, and belief in the magic of storytelling. We are thrilled to have her lend her creativity and expertise to our Year 5-6 writers.

We are pleased to welcome Mark Cusack, Nudgee College Old Boy (Class of 1991), as a judge for the Year 7 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Mark is Marketing Director and Co-Owner of Pistol Creative in Brisbane, where he leads strategy, content development, and integrated communications programs for clients across a broad range of sectors. His professional life has been shaped by language in its many forms: journalism, political communication, stakeholder engagement, and brand storytelling. He began his career in television and radio journalism during the 1990s, working as an on-air reporter responsible for researching, writing, editing, and presenting news. He later served as a professional media adviser to politicians in Brisbane and Canberra, providing strategic communications counsel, media management, and speechwriting support.

Mark subsequently spent a decade in the United Kingdom as a communications manager within the urban regeneration sector, leading media relations, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications. After returning to Australia in 2011, he founded Cusack Communications before cofounding Pistol Creative, where he continues to advise organisations on narrative, message, and impact.

inform, persuade, and connect. His advice to young writers is both simple and enduring: read as much as you write. By feeding the imagination, we strengthen the pen.

As a member of the College’s Old Boys community, Mark brings professional expertise and a lifelong appreciation for the power of clear, purposeful language.

Ainsley Pavey

We are pleased to welcome Ainsley Pavey as a judge for the Year 7 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Ainsley is Executive Director and partner at 55 comms, working with clients across aged care, education and government. She specialises in strategic communications and media training, helping leaders communicate with clarity and confidence in highpressure environments.

Before founding her communications business, Ainsley spent a decade as a senior journalist with The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, after leading courts coverage in Queensland for Australian Associated Press. She reported across court, politics, sport and major international events, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Her work appeared across print and digital platforms and was regularly published in major national mastheads such as Melbourne’s Herald Sun and Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

Ainsley was at the forefront of the transition to digital journalism in Queensland and was recognised as one of the earliest adopters of online reporting, winning one of the first Queensland Media Awards for online journalism. Alongside her journalism background, Ainsley also trained as an actress at the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

to pursue her love of writing and performance. Today, she continues to combine those passions in her professional life. As a mother of three boys and an engaged member of the Edmund Rice community, Ainsley also serves as Chair of the Communications and Sustainability Committee on the Nudgee College Advisory Council.

We are delighted to have Ainsley share her expertise with our Year 7 writers.

We are delighted to welcome Michael Daley, Nudgee College Old Boy (Class of 1999), as a judge for the Years 8-9 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Michael Daley is a senior executive with more than two decades of international experience in finance and investment banking, currently living and working in Europe (Paris, France).

He serves as a Non-Executive Director of the Australian National Young Writers’ Festival and has previously been a Board Observer at Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney. A longstanding patron of the arts, he has maintained a sustained commitment to supporting new writing and emerging creative voices.

Michael has a long-standing engagement with theatre and literature, particularly in supporting platforms that develop original work. Through his board involvement and arts patronage, he has worked closely with organisations dedicated to nurturing emerging writers and fostering creative communities.

His professional and philanthropic interests intersect in the areas of storytelling, culture, and institutional stewardship. He brings to the Competition a perspective shaped by both analytical discipline and a deep respect for the written word as a vehicle for insight and connection.

Michael’s advice to young writers is measured and enduring: write with clarity and conviction. Precision, discipline, and honest observation matter more than decoration. Read deeply, edit rigorously, and trust the integrity of your own perspective.

Maya Linnell

We are delighted to welcome Maya Linnell as a judge for the Years 8-9 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Maya is a bestselling Australian rural fiction author whose novels celebrate farming families, resilient country women, and the strength of close-knit communities. A former country journalist and radio host, she has published eight novels with Allen & Unwin, earning a devoted national readership and frequent appearances on Australian bestseller lists. Her work has been featured in major publications and recognised by readers across the country for its authenticity and warmth.

Drawing inspiration from her rural upbringing and the communities she has lived in and loved, Maya writes with an attentiveness to place, character, and lived experience. Her stories reflect a deep understanding of regional Australia and the quiet complexity of everyday lives. As she often reminds young writers, no one else sees the world in exactly the same way, and it is this individual perspective that gives writing its power and originality.

Beyond the page, Maya is known for her generosity with emerging writers. She has previously visited the Writers’ Circle, offering a question and answer session and a mini masterclass for our students, sharing insights into brainstorming, drafting, editing, and the realities of life as a published author.

Her practical advice and encouragement have had a lasting impact on many of our young writers.

A proud member of the College community, Maya is also a Nudgee mum. Her presence as a judge affirms the importance of imagination, discipline, and authenticity in storytelling. We are grateful for her continued support of creative writing at the College and look forward to the insight and encouragement she will bring to this year’s Competition.

The Honourable

Tim Carmody AM KC

We are honoured to welcome The Honourable Tim Carmody AM KC as a judge for the Years 10-12 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

A Nudgee College Old Boy (Class of 1974), Justice Carmody has devoted his professional life to the service of the law and the administration of justice in Queensland and nationally. He was appointed the 18th Chief Justice of Queensland in 2014, having concurrently served as Chief Magistrate of Queensland and as a Judge of the District Court of Queensland. Prior to this, his Honour served as a Judge of the Family Court of Australia and later as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, retiring from the bench in 2019.

Admitted as a barrister in 1982, Justice Carmody played a significant role in some of Queensland’s most consequential public inquiries. He was a legal officer assisting the Fitzgerald Inquiry into police corruption from 1987 to 1989 and subsequently served as a special prosecutor in proceedings arising from that investigation. He later acted as junior counsel assisting the Inquiry into the Criminal Justice Commission and was appointed the inaugural Queensland Crime Commissioner, overseeing major investigations into organised crime.

In addition, Justice Carmody has contributed to legal education and reform, serving as an adjunct professor of law at the Queensland University of Technology and participating in numerous policy and procedural committees within the courts.

He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2003 for distinguished service to the law and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for his significant service to the law and to the judiciary.

Justice Carmody brings to the Senior Division not only a lifetime of legal expertise, but a profound respect for language, precision, and the careful weighing of ideas. His presence affirms the intellectual seriousness of the Competition and the enduring value of disciplined thought and articulate expression.

Dr Maria Boulton

We are delighted to welcome Dr Maria Boulton as a judge for the Years 10-12 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Dr Boulton is an experienced General Practitioner and healthcare leader who has worked across private practice, hospitals, and occupational medicine for more than two decades. A graduate of The University of Queensland, she completed her medical degree in 2002 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. She is also a Graduate and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, reflecting her commitment to strong governance and responsible leadership within the profession.

In 2016, Dr Boulton co-founded Family Doctors Plus, an innovative practice recognised with the 2017 Telstra Queensland Business of the Year Award. She also coowns Junction Road Family Practice in Clayfield and Health e Medical Centre in Geelong. Alongside her clinical work in preventive medicine, family care, skin cancer management, and occupational health, she has played a significant role in shaping health policy and professional standards across Queensland and nationally. She is the immediate Past President of AMA Queensland and has served in numerous leadership roles within the medical community.

Dr Boulton is also a regular media commentator and public speaker, contributing informed medical perspectives to public discussion and national

conferences. In 2017, she published Mum’s Guide to Pregnancy, a practical and evidence-based resource supporting families through pregnancy with clarity and confidence.

Throughout her career, Dr Boulton has championed clear communication, thoughtful collaboration, and patient empowerment. Her professional life reflects a belief that expertise must be paired with care, and that knowledge carries with it a responsibility to serve others well.

As a judge of the Senior Division, Dr Boulton brings to the Competition a deep respect for disciplined thinking, careful expression, and the ethical use of language. Her presence affirms the importance of clarity, responsibility, and insight in the written word.

We are honoured to welcome Mr Paul Taylor AM as a judge for the Years 10-12 division of the 2026 Maggie Shaw Writing Competition.

Paul was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours in recognition of his significant service to investment management, philanthropy, education, and the arts. He is Head of Investments, Australia at Fidelity International and Portfolio Manager of the Fidelity Australian Equities Fund, bringing extensive expertise in finance, governance, and strategic leadership. Paul holds a Master of Finance from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce and Business from the University of Queensland.

Beyond his professional career, Paul is a respected advocate and generous supporter of Australia’s arts and cultural sector. He currently serves as Chair of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees (QAGOMA), one of the nation’s leading and most dynamic galleries. A Trustee since 2017 and long-standing Foundation Committee member, Paul has championed initiatives such as the Gallery’s major digital campaign to Unlock the Collection and has supported the acquisition of significant works across visual art. His philanthropy has been recognised with Creative Partnerships Australia’s Philanthropy Leadership Award and the naming of the Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery at GOMA.

Paul is a long-standing supporter of the Brisbane Writers Festival, helping bring leading international authors to Brisbane each year. Through this support, Paul has played a meaningful role in strengthening Queensland’s literary culture and ensuring young readers and writers have access to world-class voices and ideas.

Competition Timeline

The Maggie Shaw Writing Competition has been scheduled to provide students with ample time to craft, refine, and submit their work, while ensuring a thorough and considered judging process.

Competition Launch

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 (Week 1 - Term 2)

The competition will officially open, and students will receive all relevant materials, including guidelines and submission instructions.

Submission Period

21 April - 12 June 2026 (Week 8 - Term 2)

Students are encouraged to use this time to develop their pieces thoughtfully, seeking feedback where appropriate and embracing the drafting process.

Judging Period

12 June - 13 July 2026

All entries will be evaluated by our external judging panel using clear marking criteria to ensure a fair, rigorous, and authentic assessment process.

For detailed requirements - including writing prompts, word limits, and submission guidelines - please refer to the individual Year Level pages within this Competition Pack.

Submission Process

Entrants are asked to carefully follow the submission guidelines outlined below.

How to Submit

All entries must be submitted electronically to the Competition Director via Google Doc or PDF at wduffield@nudgee.qld.edu.au by the due date.

Before You Submit

Please ensure that your piece:

• Includes a clear title

• Demonstrates a meaningful connection to your division’s assigned theme

• Has been carefully proofread for clarity, grammar, and presentation

• Meets the requirements outlined in your division guidelines

Students are strongly encouraged to read the relevant division guideline prior to submission, as this document contains important information regarding word limits, formatting expectations, and judging criteria.

Years 5-6 Guidelines

The Years 5-6 division of the Maggie Shaw Writing Competition invites our youngest writers to step confidently into the world of storytelling. This category celebrates imagination, curiosity, and the courage to bring ideas to life through words. Students are encouraged to embrace creativity, experiment with language, and craft a narrative that captures the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

Theme

“A door that should never have been opened”

Every great adventure begins with a moment of curiosity. Perhaps the door leads to another world, reveals a long-hidden secret, unlocks a mystery, or sets an unexpected chain of events into motion. Students are encouraged to let their imagination guide them - think suspense, discovery, wonder, and the consequences of stepping into the unknown.

Word Count

Maximum 500 words

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by our external judging panel using the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality

The story presents imaginative ideas and demonstrates fresh, independent thinking. Judges will look for narratives that captivate and surprise the reader.

Structure & Organisation

A strong piece will feature a clear beginning, middle, and end, with events that unfold logically and build toward a meaningful climax.

Use of Language & Sentence Variety

Students are encouraged to use varied sentence structures and descriptive language to create mood, tension, and imagery. Writing should feel purposeful and engaging.

Engagement & Voice

Effective stories draw the reader in. Judges will consider the strength of the writer’s voice, tone, and ability to sustain interest throughout the piece.

Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Careful proofreading is essential. Writing should demonstrate attention to accuracy and presentation.

Connection to Theme

The theme should be central to the narrative and clearly explored, rather than briefly referenced.

Adherence to Word Count

Students should remain within the 500-word limit and use the space effectively to develop their ideas.

For more information about our Year 5-6 judges, please view the ‘Judges’ section of the Competition Pack.

Year 7 Guidelines

The Year 7 division of the Maggie Shaw Writing Competition challenges students to explore curiosity, problemsolving, and adventure through storytelling. At this level, writers are encouraged to experiment with perspective, develop compelling characters, and craft narratives that draw the reader into unexpected journeys.

Theme

“When the map was wrong”

Sometimes, the best stories begin when plans go awry. Perhaps a map leads your characters to a surprising location, a hidden treasure, or a challenge they did not anticipate. Students are invited to explore adventure, mystery, and discovery, focusing on how the journey unfolds when expectations do not match reality.

Word Count

400-600 words

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by our external judging panel using the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality

The story presents imaginative ideas and demonstrates fresh, independent thinking. Judges will look for narratives that captivate and surprise the reader.

Structure & Organisation

A strong piece will feature a clear beginning, middle, and end, with events that unfold logically and build toward a meaningful climax.

Use of Language & Sentence Variety

Students are encouraged to use varied sentence structures and descriptive language to create mood, tension, and imagery. Writing should feel purposeful and engaging.

Engagement & Voice

Effective stories draw the reader in. Judges will consider the strength of the writer’s voice, tone, and ability to sustain interest throughout the piece.

Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Careful proofreading is essential. Writing should demonstrate attention to accuracy and presentation.

Connection to Theme

The theme should be central to the narrative and clearly explored, rather than briefly referenced.

Adherence to Word Count

Students should remain within the 400-600 word limit and use the space effectively to develop their ideas.

For more information about our Year 7 judges, please view the ‘Judges’ section of the Competition Pack.

Years 8-9 Guidelines

The Years 8-9 division of the Maggie Shaw Writing Competition invites students to deepen their storytelling skills through sophisticated narratives that explore tension, anticipation, and the power of a moment. Writers at this level are encouraged to develop complex characters, layered plots, and evocative settings that draw readers into the story.

Theme

“Before the clock struck midnight”

Some moments change everything - but only if you notice them in time. This theme challenges students to write about a pivotal moment, decision, or event that occurs before a crucial deadline or turning point. The story should explore urgency, choice, and consequence, capturing the tension of what happens before the clock strikes midnight.

Word Count

600-800 words

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by our external judging panel using the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality

The story presents imaginative ideas and demonstrates fresh, independent thinking. Judges will look for narratives that captivate and surprise the reader.

Structure & Organisation

A strong piece will feature a clear beginning, middle, and end, with events that unfold logically and build toward a meaningful climax.

Use of Language & Sentence Variety

Students are encouraged to use varied sentence structures and descriptive language to create mood, tension, and imagery. Writing should feel purposeful and engaging.

Engagement & Voice

Effective stories draw the reader in. Judges will consider the strength of the writer’s voice, tone, and ability to sustain interest throughout the piece.

Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Careful proofreading is essential. Writing should demonstrate attention to accuracy and presentation.

Connection to Theme

The theme should be central to the narrative and clearly explored, rather than briefly referenced.

Adherence to Word Count

Students should remain within the 600-800 word limit and use the space effectively to develop their ideas.

For more information about our Year 8-9 judges, please view the ‘Judges’ section of the Competition Pack.

Years 10-12 Guidelines

The Years 10-12 division of the Maggie Shaw Writing Competition challenges senior students to produce sophisticated, insightful, and thought-provoking narratives. Writers at this level are encouraged to explore complex themes, develop multi-dimensional characters, and experiment with narrative techniques that deepen meaning and engagement.

Theme

“Beneath the surface”

Not everything is as it first appears. This theme invites students to explore hidden truths, untold stories, or the internal landscapes of characters. Whether addressing personal, social, or imaginative contexts, writers are encouraged to examine what lies beneath appearances - the motives, secrets, or realities that shape actions and perceptions.

Word Count

Maximum 800-1000 words

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be assessed by our external judging panel using the following criteria:

Creativity & Originality

The story presents imaginative ideas and demonstrates fresh, independent thinking. Judges will look for narratives that captivate and surprise the reader.

Structure & Organisation

A strong piece will feature a clear beginning, middle, and end, with events that unfold logically and build toward a meaningful climax.

Use of Language & Sentence Variety

Students are encouraged to use varied sentence structures and descriptive language to create mood, tension, and imagery. Writing should feel purposeful and engaging.

Engagement & Voice

Effective stories draw the reader in. Judges will consider the strength of the writer’s voice, tone, and ability to sustain interest throughout the piece.

Grammar, Spelling & Punctuation

Careful proofreading is essential. Writing should demonstrate attention to accuracy and presentation.

Connection to Theme

The theme should be central to the narrative and clearly explored, rather than briefly referenced.

Adherence to Word Count

Students should remain within the 800-1000 word limit and use the space effectively to develop their ideas.

For more information about our Year 10-12 judges, please view the ‘Judges’ section of the Competition Pack.