What’s happening?
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School student Isabelle Refalo has taken first place in the Years 9 and 10 poetry category of the 2025 IEU-QNT Literary Competition. Her poem, Blood-stained poppy, stood out among more than 1500 entries across Queensland.
Why it matters
Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition is Queensland’s oldest ongoing writing contest, run jointly by the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ). It plays a key role in nurturing young writers across both public and private schools.
By the numbers:
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1500+ entries were submitted in 2025 from schools across Queensland.
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66 years running, making it the state’s longest continuous writing competition.
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9 winners were named across various categories in 2025, with Isabelle taking the Years 9 and 10 poetry prize.
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Judge Rebecca Cheers praised Blood-stained poppy as a “very fine poem” that explored a floral metaphor rich with historical meaning. “I like its plaintive, ambiguous tone, and the way it feels a bit haunted,” she added.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the competition helps students sharpen their writing skills and creativity. “The judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year,” he said.
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The Literary Competition was launched in 1959 by IEU-QNT’s predecessor to promote creative expression in young Queenslanders. It remains open to both students and staff from all school sectors, encouraging a wide range of voices.
ETAQ President Carley Elliott noted the consistently high quality of entries across genres, including poetry, short stories, and non-fiction prose. “All schools provided a high quality of entries for judging,” she said.
Local impact
Isabelle’s win brings recognition not just to her, but to Mackay Northern Beaches State High School and the wider Mackay community. Her success shows the depth of young talent emerging from regional Queensland.
What to look for next?
As literary opportunities continue to grow, Queensland schools will again be invited to take part in the 2026 competition, expected to attract even more budding writers from across the state.
