About Yarning

About the competition

The Yarning Competition is an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high students across Australia to share their unique stories and experiences. Developed by the Department of the House of Representatives, the competition aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to provide a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament.

The competition is about storytelling – participants are invited to share their perspectives and stories through creative mediums such as visual art, written words, photography, video, or audio, by addressing one of the four themes below.

Eligibility

The competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia who are currently enrolled in secondary school in one of the following year groups:

Years 7/8
Years 9/10
Years 11/12

How to enter

Entries can be submitted online via the entry form.

Submissions are now OPEN for the 2026 competition. Entries will close at 11.59 pm (AEST) on Monday 11 May 2026.

For students under the age of 18, parent or guardian consent is required (see the entry form).

Prepare your entry

Themes

Students choose from any of the following themes for their submission:

Country and Connection

Explore the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land and waters, and traditional practices.

Family and Community

Reflect on what identity and culture means to you.

Identity and Culture

Share stories of strength, resilience and cultural pride within your community.

Reconciliation

Share your thoughts on reconciliation and its significance.

Creative Mediums

Students can choose from any of the following mediums for their submission:

Artwork

A visual artwork (think painting, drawing or illustration). Maximum size of 100 cm x 100 cm.

Text

A piece of writing that can be typed or handwritten and scanned. Maximum 400 words.

Photography

A single photograph or multiple, taken with a digital or analogue camera.
Maximum 10 photographs in a series.

Video

A video work that can be live-action, animated or use mixed media.
Minimum 2 minutes & maximum 4 minutes in length.

Audio

A song, speech, soundscape … you name it, but it has to be audio only.
Minimum 2 minutes & maximum 4 minutes in length.

Need some inspiration?

View our entry tips