This year's Northern Beaches Young Writers Competition has produced hundreds of literary bright 'sparks'.

Northern Beaches Council congratulates all the winners and finalists, who were announced this week.

Now in its twelfth year, the challenge this year was to write a short story based on the theme ‘spark’. 

Mayor Michael Regan said he was amazed at the depth of talent and passion of young writers on the Northern Beaches.  

“2021 saw nearly 500 stories submitted by talented students from kindergarten to grade 12.

"After the past tumultuous year and a half, it was great to see such a diverse range of very uplifting, creative interpretations of the 'spark' theme.

"Our young writers found inspiration in sparks of joy, the sparkle of diamonds and fireworks, as well as sparks of embers, reflecting the terror of bushfires.

" I would like to acknowledge and thank the judges who had the very difficult job of whittling the field down to 24 entries as well as the many teachers, school librarians and parents who inspire a love of literacy in our young people.

"And of course, I want to thank the hundreds of students who lit a spark under their imagination to produce such an amazing mix of thought-provoking, funny and touching stories."

All 24 winning stories are available as an eBook from the Libraries’ website.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 8495 6943