Congratulations to What Matters? winners

Hundreds of Tasmanian students from Years 5 to 12 have taken part in the What Matters? Writing competition, with the Tasmanian award ceremony held today.

As part of the competition, students were asked to respond to the question ‘what matters?’ and express their views on any matter they care about.

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, congratulated the 445 young people from 59 schools that entered the national competition. 

“Our young people displayed passion and creativity when writing about their chosen topics,” Minister Palmer said. 

“Competitions like What Matters? encourage students to develop their literacy, communication, and creative and persuasive writing skills.

“It allows students to explore current issues and make informed commentary on matters affecting them, which they have done with talent, energy and enthusiasm.

“An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is to lift literacy outcomes for all students.” 

Liberal Member for Clark, Simon Behrakis, attended this year’s State award ceremony in Hobart. 

“There were a wide range of themes covered by students in this year’s entries, including animal companionship, caring for the planet, women’s rights, safety and security and being present,” Mr Behrakis said. 

“These themes reflect the incredible diversity of concerns and aspirations our young generation carries within them.”

Prizes have been awarded in four categories: Years 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12. Each Category Winner receives $350 and each Category Runner Up receives $200.

An Overall Tasmanian Winner has been selected from the Category Winners, and receives an additional prize provided by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP).

Additional awards have been presented for Highly Commended entries. 

The competition is presented by the Whitlam Institute (within the Western Sydney University) and DECYP.

Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future commits an additional $3 million to extend literacy to all children in Years 3 to 6 by 2026.

To view the full list of Tasmanian award winners visit www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/awards-scholarships-students/what-matters-tasmania