Youth can win by writing ‘What Matters?’ to them

Now in its 20th year, the Whitlam Institute’s annual What Matters? Writing Competition is now inviting entries for 2024.
Providing a platform to empower young people in Years 5 to 12, to raise their voices and have their views heard, the competition was inspired by Gough Whitlam’s commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia’s future.
Arkana College Kingsgrove student Taskiya Gould was the Year 5/6 2019 winner with her essay, ‘Loneliness Matters’.
Now 15, she said the experience of entering the competition and winning had benefited her in a variety of ways.
“It boosted my confidence and has opened doors to various educational opportunities and meeting many new friends,” she said.
“It has also motivated me to do well in my academic life and try new things.”
She is encouraging other young people to enter the competition to improve their writing and share their views.
“Everyone who enters this competition benefits in one way or another, whether it be writing outside of your comfort zone or expressing your opinions in ways you haven’t before,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter about winning, the most important thing is you give it a go and are happy with your final piece of writing.
“I plan on entering again this year; what matters to me more than ever this year are current events in world politics, specifically in the Middle East.”
The overall winner will receive a major cash prize of $1,500 and students will be in the running to win other cash prizes, book packs, writing workshops, virtual experiences and more.
Submit entries, which close on Friday, May 17, at: whitlam.org/what-matters.