One of the hardest but most pleasurable jobs in the Clarence Valley is judging The Long Way Home writing competition – that’s according to the judges. But the verdict is in.

The Long Way Home’s Claire Aman said the theme this year was ‘let go,’ prompting writers of all ages to come up with a fabulous bunch of stories – poignant, hopeful, quirky.

Maggie McDade, winner of the open section; Aidan Menzies Nadia Smith and Claire Aman at Grafton High School; Evie Rae Gulmarrad Public School winner of primary school section. Photos courtesy Clarence Valley Independent

‘In the end, the stories that stood out were the ones that made us pause while they gestured quietly to something deep and indefinable.’

Maggie McDade won the open section for her story ‘Neighbour.’ Maggie says the past few years she’s walked her neighbourhood a lot with her two girls, and has become quietly fascinated with the comings and goings of people exercising, familiar faces, action, extraordinary and ordinary events. The idea for ‘Neighbour‘ came from this place.

‘The Long Way Home provides such an important platform for storytelling in our Valley,’ she says. ‘This journal gives us the chance for us to share what we know, what we see, and what we imagine. Thank you to Claire and the team for giving us this opportunity.’

Grafton High School showed its writing excellence, with Nadia Smith winning the high school section and Aidan Menzies highly commended. Jacquiline Diaz, who is home schooled, was also highly commended.

The winner of the primary school section was Evie Rae from Gulmarrad Public School. Highly commended for their stories were Oscar Woods from Grafton Public, Alyssa Dixon from Tucabia Public, and Locklen Baker from Harwood Public.

Maggie wins $100 cash, while the students receive book vouchers provided by Grafton Book Warehouse.

Clarence Regional Library’s Roweena Shakespeare, who helped judge primary school entries, said it was wonderful to read so many stories. ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this feel-good competition,’ she said. ‘Evie Rae’s ‘Tale of a Dandelion’ is magical and delightful. Congratulations to everyone who transported us to other places, spaces and realms. Credit to all who entered their joyful and heartfelt stories.’

The stories will be published in November, along with all of the shortlisted stories, in The Long Way Home’s new collection: Stories from the Clarence Valley 2022 – Let Go.

Started in 2018, The Long Way Home competition grows more popular each year. Most of the valley’s schools now enter regularly, and many local writers set their sights on being published. The book is illustrated and designed in the Clarence, and printed in Grafton by local printer Yoohoo McPhee.

‘The Long Way Home is a community project, open to anyone with a connection to the Clarence Valley. We don’t get paid or make a profit, so we’re grateful for the generous support of South Grafton Community Bank and First National Real Estate Yamba,’ said Claire.

To find out more, head to www.thelongwayhomestories.com. The Long Way Home can also be found on Facebook.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 14 September 2022.