The My Place television series, based on the classic picture book by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, is a ‘time machine’ which takes audiences back into the past. It depicts the history of one Australian community through the eyes of the diverse children who lived there, highlighting the ways that First Nations people and immigrants from many countries have shaped our national story. 

Drawing on this theme of diversity, the 2021 My Place Competition prompts students to reflect on and celebrate the diversity in their own communities. In 2021, we are asking Australian children: tell us about your place.

Jointly presented by ABC Education and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the 2021 My Place Competition is open to primary students in Years 3 – 6 and special education students of all ages. Participants are invited to submit a short story via the competition page between 16 August – 17 September 2021, with the following word limits applying:

Year 3 and 4 – Up to 500 words

Year 5 and 6 – Up to 750 words

Special Education – No word limit

The 2021 My Place Competition will celebrate the diversity of Australia’s shared history, including our rich Indigenous and multicultural heritage. Students could incorporate their knowledge of First Nations people or the contributions of migrant groups in their entries. Narratives could also explore themes of change and continuity in students’ communities throughout history.

We are very pleased to confirm that My Place author Nadia Wheatley will be joining us for a student webinar ahead of the submissions date. Nadia’s session on ‘Writing about place and time’ was a highlight for teachers and students alike during last year’s competition.

Can’t wait to get started? Why not begin by reading last year’s winning entries. Further details about judging, prizes and support materials will be released in the coming weeks. Follow ABC Education and the ACTF to stay up to date.

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