What’s happening?
A Bundaberg Christian College student has been honoured with a top award in Queensland’s longest-running literary contest. Samantha Brammer won the Years 7 and 8 poetry category at the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ) annual Literary Competition presentation held on 6 August.
Her winning poem, The Colour of Silence, impressed the judges for its maturity and careful handling of a difficult theme.
Judge Ynes Sanz described the entry as “an articulate and mature work which tackles the formidable subject of suicide with thoughtful eloquence, building to a concluding section which is restrained and beautifully crafted.”
“The poet has the courage to write about disturbing content but the mature restraint in their writing allows us to keep reading and reflect on something important,” Ms Sanz said.
Why it matters
The Literary Competition was established by IEU-QNT’s antecedent union in 1959 to encourage literary development and freedom of expression among young people. Now in its 66th year, it remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland.
ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1,500 submissions were received this year, covering poetry, short stories, and non-fiction prose.
“Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools,” Ms Elliott said.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke praised the standard of entries.
“The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state,” Mr Burke said.
“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all those who entered the 2025 Literary Competition,” he said.
Local Impact
For Bundaberg, Samantha’s win in the Years 7 and 8 poetry category is recognition of the creative talent within regional Queensland schools. Bundaberg Christian College is now listed among schools across the state producing award-winning young writers.
By the numbers
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1,500+ submissions were entered in 2025 across poetry, short stories, and non-fiction prose.
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66 years since the Literary Competition began in 1959.
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17,000+ members are represented by the IEU-QNT across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Zoom In
Samantha’s poem, The Colour of Silence, stood out for its sensitive treatment of a confronting subject. Judge Ynes Sanz highlighted the poem’s balance between courage and restraint, making it possible for readers to reflect deeply on the issue.
Zoom Out
This year’s Literary Competition recognised winners across multiple age groups and genres. Highlights included:
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Open – Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West
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Years 11 and 12 – Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore; Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill; Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac
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Years 9 and 10 – Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs; Poem: Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View
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Years 7 and 8 – Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove; Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg
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Years 5 and 6 – Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston; Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
What to look for next
The Literary Competition will continue to provide opportunities for students and staff across Queensland and the Northern Territory to showcase their writing, with winners, placegetters and Highly Commended Award recipients celebrated each year.
