Tips for a great entry

6 tips for producing a great yarning entry

Whether you are entering a piece of writing, a photographic series, a painting, a music video or something else entirely, there are certain elements that will make your story stand out from the crowd.

Check out our tips and tricks below:

1. Where to begin

Yarning is a storytelling competition that aims to shine light on the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students. If you want to give Yarning a go, start by choosing one of our four 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.  

Remember, your artwork will be assessed on how relevant it is to your chosen theme. 

2. Start small

While you may have lots to talk about on your chosen theme, aim to have a strong focus. Try to narrow your entry down to one story, moment, issue, or aspect of your life or community.  

You don’t need to tell or show us everything; think instead about what the most important or interesting aspect is you want to share. 

3. Make it original

Our judges are looking for originality and creativity. Whether that’s in the way you approach your theme or the story itself, try to share a unique perspective. No one tells your story better than you!

4. If you’re stuck for an idea …

If you can’t decide on an idea, come up with as many answers as you can to the following questions and see what sticks! 

Country and Connection:
⬤ Why is the land and environment so important to you? 
⬤ How do you connect with Country? 
⬤ What do you want people to understand about the deep connection you have with Country? 
⬤ What are some of the ways you and your community care for Country and the environment? 

Identity and Culture:
⬤ What does your identity mean to you? 
⬤ How is your identity shaped by your culture(s)? 
⬤ What makes you feel proud?
⬤ What or who has helped you embrace and understand your culture(s)?

Family and Community:
⬤ What makes you proud to be part of your community? 
⬤ Why is your community important to you? 
⬤ What is something special about your family? 
⬤ What do you want people to know about your family and/or community? 

Reconciliation:
⬤ What does this word mean to you? 
⬤ How do you believe reconciliation can be achieved? 
⬤ What would it look like to have achieved reconciliation? 
⬤ What does reconciliation mean to your community? 

5. Choose the best medium

You should keep two things in mind when choosing your medium. What materials do you like to use, and what would be the best way to share your story? You could do a written story, essay, poem, video, short film (max 4 minutes), photo(s), podcast, song, speech or artwork. 

Look below for tips on each of these:

Visual Artwork

Text

Entries can be in Language. Make sure to send in an English translation though, too.
Your artwork can be maximum 1 metre by 1 metre, accompanied with a brief 200-word description. 
Think about what sort of materials you want to use. You could use paint, pen, pencil, natural elements from the environment, collage, or other found items. 
Make sure you know what story you’re trying to communicate through your piece! 
Keep it original and creative. 
Text, including stories, essays or poems, must be 200 words minimum and 400 words maximum.
Make it interesting! Try to grab the audience’s attention with a snappy opening or build tension and drama throughout your story. 
Get creative. Experiment with different forms, points of view and styles.
Write about something you know or are passionate about.

Photography

You can submit up to 10 images maximum, accompanied by a brief description of no more than 200 words. 
Know what story you want to tell through your photo(s).  
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have access to high quality equipment. It is your story we are keen to see!  

Video

Your video must be 2 to 4 minutes in length, accompanied by a brief description or transcript of no more than 200 words.
Make sure you know the purpose of your video. What story are you trying to tell? 
Try to have a strong plan before you record content, to avoid having to film again.  
It’s better to film more footage than you need so you have more to work with when you edit the video! 

Audio

Audio could be a speech, song, spoken poem or something else. It must be between 2 to 4 minutes with a brief description or transcript of no more than 200 words. 
Think about what you want the audience to come away with after listening to your audio before you record. 
Consider whether you want to layer your audio with multiple elements, such as sound effects and background music. Make sure you are using original or copyright-free materials. 

6. Steer clear of using content you don’t own!

Finally, remember that your artwork must be original. Especially when creating audio or video stories, steer clear of music and images you don’t own. This includes stock footage, or anything generated by AI.
 
If you have any other questions about entering, check out the FAQs. 

Need some inspiration?

View the 2025 Yarning winners