Writers and rhymers wanted

POETS and scribes have been encouraged to pull out their pens and enter the Narre Warren Lions Club inaugural literary competition.
The competition aims to promote literacy and creativity and is open to teenagers aged 14 to 18 years and adults from both Casey and Cardinia.
The competition has two sections – short stories of up to 2500 words and poetry of up to 26 lines.
Entries must be submitted by 31 August 2006.
Viv Teitel, chairperson of the Narre Warren Lions Club Literary Committee said the competition would enable people to improve their written literacy skills and provide an avenue for the expression of their creativity.
She organised the competition with Narre Warren Lions Club vice-president Wendy Poyzer and said they hoped to make the competition a yearly event.
“The community needs a writing competition of its own in the Casey-Cardinia municipality,” she said.
“There’s a lot of competitions for young people, but not so many for older people.
“We are hoping to attract as many participants as possible. The more entries that come in, the more successful it will be and then we can keep it running next year.”
There is a limit to two entries per section and the fees are $10 per adult and $7 per teenage entry.
Monetary awards will be presented to first prizewinners, vouchers to second prize and certificates to highly commended entries.
Casey councillor Lorraine Wreford has donated $250 from her ward funds, which will be the first prize for the adult short story competition winner.
A presentation of prizes will be held at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick on the afternoon of Saturday, 28 October. Application forms are available from all Casey and Cardinia Library branches, certain community houses and schools.
Multiple entries and community groups or seniors or Healthcare cardholders get a 25 per cent discount per entry.
Entries and fees must be posted to Literary Competition Narre Warren Lions Club, PO Box 4268, Narre Warren South, 3805.
For further details phone Viv Teitel on 8790 6891.