The winning entry, titled 'My Main Street,' was created by Grade 6 student Annabelle Ford, who was presented with a professionally printed copy of her book during the award ceremony last Friday 24 November.
Goulburn Valley Grammar School, the host of this year's ceremony, also received a $200 voucher for its book collection, further promoting the love of reading within the school community.
The book competition is an initiative of the Greater Shepparton Early Years Language workgroup which is part of Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start program. This is the tenth year the workgroup has run the competition, which is open to all Grade 5 and 6 students attending a school in Greater Shepparton. The workgroup wanted to include a local story as part of the book bag program and to celebrate young local talent.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, conducted the presentation and expressed his enthusiasm for the competition's success.
"The Greater Shepparton Story Writing Competition continues to showcase the incredible creativity and storytelling skills of our region’s youth. Congratulations to Annabelle Ford for her outstanding achievement,” he said.
Annabelle Ford's story 'My Main Street' will now be featured in the local book bag program for the next 12 months. These books will be distributed to children attending their three-and-a-half year Maternal and Child Health visits, with the aim of fostering a love for literature from a young age.
Council's Manager Early Years, Sally Rose, said the quality of the entries received was very high.
"Annabelle's book ‘My Main Street’ is a testament to the creativity thriving in our community. Reading is such an important and enjoyable activity and the program hopes to encourage a love of books and reading amongst children and their families,” she said.
An independent panel of three judges, consisting of an Early Years educator, a speech pathologist and a children's librarian, carefully deliberated over this year's record number of 37 entries from 14 different schools. 'My Main Street' stood out for its appealing rhyming, well-described and realistic content and engaging illustrations. The narrative takes readers on a stroll along the main street of Tatura, Hogan Street, capturing the essence of local life.
Each of the 37 entries are currently on display at the Shepparton Library, allowing the community to appreciate the wealth of young talent in Greater Shepparton. Congratulations to Annabelle Ford and all participants for contributing to the cultural and literary vibrancy of Greater Shepparton.
Pictured above, left to right: 2023 Greater Shepparton Story Writing Competition Winner, Annabelle Ford and Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali.
