Frequently asked questions
Submissions can be made in one of the following formats:
◉ Visual Art: 1 work with a maximum size of 1000 mm (h) by 1000 mm (w), which must be accompanied by a brief description or transcript of no more than 200 words
◉ Text: 400 words maximum; including stories, essays or poems
◉ Photography: 10 images maximum, which must be accompanied by a brief description of no more than 200 words
◉ Video: requested minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 (known as 720p), 2 to 4 minutes in length, which must be accompanied by a brief description or transcript of no more than 200 words
◉ Audio: 2 to 4 minutes in length, which must be accompanied by a brief description or transcript of no more than 200 words
Participants can choose from the following themes:
◉ Country and Connection: Explore the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land and waters, and traditional practices.
◉ Identity and Culture: Reflect on what identity and culture means to you.
◉ Family and Community: Share stories of strength, resilience and cultural pride within your community.
◉ Reconciliation: Share your thoughts on reconciliation and its significance.
Visit the Yarning website and check out our ‘How to enter‘ page. On the ’How to enter’ page, you will see instructions on submitting your entry through the online form. Once you complete the form and submit your entry, you will only be contacted if there is a problem, or you have not met the terms and conditions.
The Yarning competition is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia.
Entrants must be attending school in one of the following year groups: Years 7/8, Years 9/10 or Years 11/12.
Anyone under the age of 18 will need parent or guardian consent. The Consent and release agreement is part of the entry form.
No, we can only accept one entry per person.
The judging process will be conducted in two stages: shortlisting and final judging.
Judging will be based on the following criteria (and weighting):
Storytelling (25%): The ability to engage and captivate the audience.
Originality and creativity (25%): Unique perspective(s) and imaginative storytelling.
Relevance to theme (25%): Reflective of the chosen theme in a meaningful and thought-provoking way.
Presentation and organisation (25%): The entry is presented as a finished, professional piece of work, demonstrating care and effort in its creation.
More information about judging and judging criteria can be found on the Judging page.
Yes. The inaugural competition was in 2025.
Send us an email to yarning.reps@aph.gov.au describing your issue and we will get back to you within 3 business days.