How to enter

Respect Stories Competition

PLEASE NOTE: The Respect Stories competition has now closed. Winners will be announced in September 2022, and the winning entries will be published in the national Respect Stories book.

Do you have a passion for writing? Do you love to draw? Are you between the ages of 10 and 14 years old? Then this competition is perfect for you!

You have up to 1,000 words to write a short story, poem or essay to show what respect means to you. It’s ok if writing isn’t for you – you can also submit illustrations. This competition is your opportunity to shine, and to have your work published in a national Respect Storybook!

Need some inspiration to get started? Think about who taught you the meaning of respect or think about times in your life your friends, family or even strangers have shown you respect.

In addition to being published, winners will also receive a $500 VISA gift card prize for themselves and one for their school library. Stories will be judged by a panel of experts, with eight written and two illustrative prizes to be given nationally.

Submitting your entry

Follow these steps to submit your entry today:

  1. Write your story, poem or essay, or draw your illustration about respect
  2. Read the competition Terms and Conditions
  3. Complete the Entry Form at the end of the Terms and Conditions — don’t forget to get it signed by a parent or guardian
  4. Email your written piece or illustration AND your signed entry form to respect@dss.gov.au by 11.59pm AEST, 14 August 2022.

Your submission will not be valid without this entry form – so don’t forget to attach.

If you are submitting an illustration, please also include a written explanation of up to 200 words about your work. Please submit a high-resolution photograph, scan or electronic copy of the original artwork (hard copies of original artworks will not be accepted).

Entry form and terms and conditions

Entries open at 9:00am AEST on Tuesday 31 May 2022 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 14 August 2022. Winners will be announced in September 2022.

For more information on the Respect Stories competition, please download the helpful FAQs below!

Respect Stories FAQ

Respect Stories FAQ

If you still have questions, please direct to respect@dss.gov.au