The annual Literary Awards promote and extend the tradition of storytelling, both fiction and narrative non-fiction. Entries were open for the four youth categories of Junior Short Story, Junior Poetry for writers 12 and under, Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry for writers aged 13 to 17.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated all participants and highlighted Council’s ongoing support for young creatives.
“It is inspiring to see so many young voices come forward and submit an entry for this year’s awards. There are so many creative young people in our community and Council are proud to continue supporting this important initiative, which provides a platform for emerging writers to express themselves and be recognised,” he said.
“Congratulations to each of the finalists and winners of the 2025 Awards. These young writers have dedicated their time and creativity to bring their imaginations to life and share their stories with the community. I encourage everyone to head to the website and read their stories.”
Furphy Literary Award Director, Sam Furphy, said the awards continue to showcase the creative spirit of young writers in the region.
“Each year, we are impressed by the originality and passion that young people bring to their writing. The Awards are a celebration of storytelling and a chance for emerging voices to be heard. It is a privilege to support a program that encourages imagination and expression,” he said.
The winning entries from each category will be available to read on the Furphy Literary Award website during the week commencing Monday 28 July 2025. The Shortlist for each category will also be listed. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters are listed below.
Furphy Literary Award Director, Adam Furphy, said this year’s entries reflect the creativity and insight of young writers, encouraging everyone to read their stories on the website.
“Young writers continue to impress us with their ability to capture emotion, explore ideas, and reflect the world around them. It’s important that we give these voices the space to be heard, which is why we are proud to showcase the finalists’ work. I encourage everyone to visit the website to read and support these emerging storytellers,” he said.
For more information visit the Furphy Literary Award website.
About the Furphy Literary Award
The Furphy Literary Award is named in honour of Australian writer Joseph Furphy and celebrates Australian storytelling. Joseph Furphy was the author of a number of works written under the pen name of Tom Collins, the most famous of which ‘Such is Life’ was published in 1903.
There are four Junior/Youth categories, which were open to young people from Greater Shepparton and surrounding regions.
2025 Furphy Literary Award winners – Junior Poetry
| Place | Author | Title |
| First | Errol Rose | The Lark |
| Second | Sky Narrazee | More Than Roses |
| Third | Errol Rose | In the tree |
| Third | Errol Rose | Kusama |
2025 Furphy Literary Award winners – Junior Short Story
| Place | Author | Title |
| First | Jane Pearce | The Ocean's Orphan |
| Second | Evelyn Hamson | Fly, Fly Away |
| Third | Sky Narrazee | The Adventures of Super Kid: Super Kid vs The Mime |
| Third | Lill Narrazee | Pondpark’s Quietest Hero |
2025 Furphy Literary Award winners – Youth Poetry
| Place | Author | Title |
| First | Georgia Cowen | A Stair Set in Stone |
| Second | Eliza Cowen | Those Who Wrote the Map |
| Third | Aniq Alam | The Highway |
2025 Furphy Literary Award winners – Youth Short Story
| Place | Author | Title |
| First | Asha Birchall | A Cup of Kindness |
| Second | Batul Mgoter | My World |
| Third | Diya Sonlall | The Forgotten Library |
