Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize 2026

Ballarat Writers is now accepting entries into the Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize, to be judged this year by acclaimed Australian poet Melissa Watts. Entries must be your own original and unpublished work.

Entries close 31 October 2026

Format: Poetry to 40 lines per entry.  The theme is 'Night'.

Entry Fee: AU$35 per poem (AU$25 for members of Ballarat Writers, $AU15 for each additional poem for members and non-members)

First Prize: AU$1,000
Second Prize: AU$400
Third Prize: AU$100

Results: Finalists and Winner to be announced in November 2026

Full guidelines and details on how to enter are available on our website:
www.ballaratwriters.com/competitions/
 

Contact Details:
competitions@ballaratwriters.com