Pawsome Stories entries are now closed!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story – we can’t wait to read them all.

At RSPCA Victoria we know it takes people of all ages to help create a kinder future for animals. We want to educate, build awareness and create the next generation of animal welfare advocates by engaging with school aged children in fun and interactive activities. That’s why we’re bringing back our fourth annual Pawsome Stories writing competition!

TO ENTER: 

If you’re in grades 3-6, we want to hear from you! Share your one-page story and show animals you care in one of the following 2023 categories:  

  • Fiction: The day my pet saved the world 
  • Non-fiction: Why caring for animals is important? 

Length: For handwritten, one double sided A4 paper, for typed, one page with size 12 font. 

Parents/guardians can submit on behalf of individual students, or teachers may enter their whole class.

Entries are now closed! Thank you to everyone who submitted a Pawsome Story.

PRIZES: 

All submissions will be in the running for some a-meow-zing prizes!  

  • Student entries, you and a friend could win a unique animal education experience  
  • Teacher entries, your class could win a unique animal education experience! 
  • For winners, we have a selection of Dymocks vouchers, trophies and toys. Plus, you’ll be invited to our award ceremony happening Thursday, 19 October! 

Entries will be judged by a guest judging panel.

MEET THIS YEAR’S MARVELLOUS JUDGES: 

  • Cameron Macintosh
  • Melissa Keil
  • Sally Rippin
  • Dr Liz Walker, RSPCA Victoria CEO

Cameron Macintosh

We’re tail-waggingly happy to welcome Cam back for his fourth year as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Cam is the author of more than 120 books published around the world, including the popular Max Booth Future Sleuth series, which follows the adventures of Max, and his robo-dog, Oscar, as they investigate objects from the ancient past.

When he isn’t writing, Cam loves travel, old guitars and ‘80s comic books.

We’re tail-waggingly happy to welcome Cam back for his fourth year as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Cam is the author of more than 120 books published around the world, including the popular Max Booth Future Sleuth series, which follows the adventures of Max, and his robo-dog, Oscar, as they investigate objects from the ancient past.

When he isn’t writing, Cam loves travel, old guitars and ‘80s comic books.

Melissa Keil

We’re thrilled to welcome Melissa back for her second year as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Melissa is the author of the Barkly Mansion series, The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl, and Life in Outer Space. She has been recognised in numerous awards including the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, and the teens’ choice Gold Inky Awards.

Melissa loves buying comic books, watching YouTube, and hanging out with her dog, Hugo.

We’re thrilled to welcome Melissa back for her second year as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Melissa is the author of the Barkly Mansion series, The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl, and Life in Outer Space. She has been recognised in numerous awards including the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, and the teens’ choice Gold Inky Awards.

Melissa loves buying comic books, watching YouTube, and hanging out with her dog, Hugo.

Sally Rippin

Sally Rippin is joining us for her second time as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Sally has written over 100 books for children and young adults, many of them award-winning.

Her widely popular books include the Billie B Brown, Hey Jack and School of Monsters series and have sold more than ten million copies.

Sally has a dog called Billy who sleeps most of the day, but is perfect company when she is writing.

Sally Rippin is joining us for her second time as a Pawsome Stories judge!

Sally has written over 100 books for children and young adults, many of them award-winning.

Her widely popular books include the Billie B Brown, Hey Jack and School of Monsters series and have sold more than ten million copies.

Sally has a dog called Billy who sleeps most of the day, but is perfect company when she is writing.

Dr Liz Walker

Our own Dr Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, joins Pawsome Stories to award the CEO Prize!

She was inspired to become a veterinarian through a deep love of animals that started with her childhood companions, Hamish the Cocker Spaniel and Melody, the lovable but slightly grumpy cat.

Her two cats, Mumicat and Redicat, love to curl up beside her while reading her favourite books – animal stories, of course!

Our own Dr Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, joins Pawsome Stories to award the CEO Prize!

She was inspired to become a veterinarian through a deep love of animals that started with her childhood companions, Hamish the Cocker Spaniel and Melody, the lovable but slightly grumpy cat.

Her two cats, Mumicat and Redicat, love to curl up beside her while reading her favourite books – animal stories, of course!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Entrants must be enrolled in either Grade 3, 4, 5 or 6 (Primary School or Home School) and residents of Victoria.

Story/essay should be two A4 pages (double sided) if handwritten, or one A4 page if typed using size 12 font. 

Competition entries are to be submitted by the upload link found at www.rspcavic.org/pawsome-stories by 11:59pm Friday 15 September 2023. Handwritten essays will also be accepted, simply take a picture of the handwritten essay and upload it as usual. 

Winners will be judged by a guest panel and announced via award ceremony on Thursday 19 October 2023, and in writing via email. 

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as some special CEO awards and participant certificates.