First Banjo Writing Awards Winner Publishes Book

Winner of the first Banjo Paterson Writing Awards competition Heather Bird has published her collection of stories, poems and short pieces titled Weeping Cherry and Mango Juice. Many stories have been read on radio, won commendations in writing competitions or published in newspapers, literary magazines and various anthologies. They display a part of the writing scene with humour and insight, and provide a laugh or two, while other pieces display more of a serious note.

Heather won the Banjo Paterson Writing Awards in 1991 with her wonderful short story A Sash with Tassels. It is about a city woman who travels to the country to receive second prize in a writing competition. It is reproduced in the book and she has donated a copy to Orange City Library as thanks for the Award providing a start to her writing career.

The Banjo Paterson Writing Awards continue to attract interest from all over Australia and overseas. They are held in conjuction with the ABC Central West Banjo Paterson Children's Writing Awards. Since 2008 the Yvonne Zola Encouragement Award has been given to an entrant in the Children's Awards in memory of the late Yvonne Zola, a local teacher and champion of childrens' writing. And just a reminder, you have until Friday April 15 to get your entires in for this competition.