The Stringybark Open Award 2025

is now closed.

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THE JUDGES

David Vernon is a full time writer and editor.  While he is known for his non-fiction books about birth: Men at Birth, Having a Great Birth in Australia, Birth Stories and With Women, he has turned his hand to writing science articles for newspapers and magazines as well as scribbling the odd short story or two, many which have been published. He established the Stringybark Short Stories Awards in 2010 to promote short story writing. He was the Chair of the ACT Writers Centre for six years. He shares his land with kangaroos, echidnas, chickens and two Border Collies. He recently completed an Australian history book, A Good Yarn — seven mysteries that captivated Australia, thanks to attending Varuna. David’s website is: www.davidvernon.net however owing to the time he spends on publishing it is desperately in need of updating.

Stephen Senise is a member of the Australian Society of Authors and the Australian Crime Writers Association. His research on the Whitechapel murders has become the benchmark for a better understanding of Jewish immigration into London's East End during the late-Victorian era. As studies intersecting social science and true crime, Stephen's books have been internationally reviewed and praised by leading case experts. His political journalism has featured in capital city dailies across the country including the Australian Financial Review, The Australian, The Age, the Courier Mail; and on ABC radio. Stephen has a BA (Hons) in English literature with a special focus on Australian writing and the novels of Martin Boyd. He is an alumnus of Punchbowl Boys High School.  

Justine Blunden is an avid reader and occasional writer. Her cat Cookie can’t read or write, but never passes up on the opportunity to help out, clambering over keyboards and papers alike. Justine reads to be transported to other realms, loving in depth world building and strong inspiring characters. Her favourite genre is adventure fantasies, and she often loves to pop on an audiobook when going for a run. No better motivation to keep fit than the idea of orcs chasing you through the suburbs! As a writer, Justine has written many short stories and hopes to find the time to one day explore longer format writing. 

Alice Richardson has always had a love for reading and, at 75, she published a children’s book. Alice joined a Writer’s group where she have been encouraged and guided by her peers. Alice has had stories published in several anthologies and achieved Highly Commended in two competitions. She loves to read other people’s stories, and felt privileged to be invited to join the judging team for Stringybark Publishing’s 2021 Short Story Anthology, ‘The Mirror’.

Writing is often challenging, but always rewarding when reading the final proof, feeling satisfied with your creation. The greatest gift given any writer is to hear, “I enjoyed your story.”  She also love singing and with her guitar man, they perform at nursing homes and retirement villages. To keep physically fit, Alice does Box Fit three times a week and she loves it! Her latest effort is a manuscript for TV or movie. Had it assessed and just polishing it up now.