Published 30 August 2024, updated 19 September 2024
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding winners of this year's History's Mysteries Young Writer's Competition, which drew an impressive 66 entries from talented young writers across the Greater Bunbury region. The competition, aimed at fostering creativity and historical inquiry, was a resounding success with over 100 attendees gathered for the award night to celebrate our young writers' achievements.
The competition featured entries from three age groups: Years 5 and 6, Years 7 and 8, and Years 9 to 12, showcasing a wide range of perspectives and narratives on this year's objects themed from Bunbury's whaling days in the 19th century. Each category was rigorously judged by our esteemed panel, Museum Team Leader and Curator Tiriata Carkeek, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr Amanda Gardiner, History's Mysteries organiser Anna O’Connor, and Youth Development Officer Lorinda Mouton. Our judges were blown away by the imagination and originality showcased in the stories. From hilarity to heartbreak, romance to revenge, every conceivable style and genre was represented. They were in awe of the amount of research that had gone into some of these stories, and the level of historical detail was phenomenal. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these dedicated judges for their expertise and thoughtful deliberation.
The award night was made even more special by the presence of our esteemed guest presenters: Youth Advisory Council representative Scarlett Brown, City of Bunbury CEO Alan Ferris, and Bunbury Mayor Jaysen De San Miguel.
Highlighting the winning entries, each category winner's story was brought to life through captivating readings by talented storytellers Lyla Homer, Lachlan Kelly, and Jonathon Dyer. Their passionate delivery captured the essence of each young writer's narrative, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2024 History's Mysteries Young Writer's Competition! Your dedication to exploring history through storytelling is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavours in the future.
2024 Winners
Aiden Van Dyke for One Last Hour, South West John Calvin Christian College
Sunday Sharp for The Wreck of the Samuel Wright, Bunbury Baptist College
Roy Dekker for The Blister’s Death, South West John Calvin Christian College, and Zachary Bosveld for Landon’s Wild Adventure, South West John Calvin Christian College
Highly Commended:
Lauren Olde for An Evil Plot, South West John Calvin Christian College
Liam Frontino for The Captain’s Sabotage, South West John Calvin Christian College
Katalina Chalker for The Monsters, Australind Senior High School
Jensen Barbour for Harpoons & Shackles, Bunbury Catholic College
Emily Schmidt for Drowning, Grace Christian School and Ryley Spaanderman for Beast, South West John Calvin Christian College
Highly Commended:
Hudson Graham for For Hope of Saving the Whales, Homeschool
Kelsey Sprigg for Trip Down Memory Lane, Bunbury Catholic College
Sara Bergsma for An Ivory Tooth, South West John Calvin Christian College
Wynonah le Roux for The Song of the Sea, Bunbury Catholic College
Matthew Visser for Friendship Piece, South West John Calvin Christian College and Owen Harrison for The Sails of Madeline, Bunbury Baptist College
Acacia Van der Heide for My Heart Breaks in the Crows Nest, South West John Calvin Christian College
Highly Commended:
Miah Adams for Day 2 in the United States, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
Crystal Veurink for Another Brick in the Ocean Floor, South West John Calvin Christian College
Generously sponsored by Southern Ports, all prizes were made possible through their generosity and continuing support of community initiatives.
The winning stories from the 2024 competition are currently on display at the Museum alongside the artefacts that inspired the tales.