The awards were established in honour of Shepparton author Joseph Furphy, who wrote Such is Life in 1897, a book portraying his experience in the Riverina.
The literary awards promote the tradition of storytelling, both factual and fictional.
This year, the awards will continue to hold an open category alongside a youth and junior award.
Entries are now open for the three youth categories: Junior Short Story, for writers aged 12 and under; Youth Short Story for writers aged 13 to 18 years; and Youth Poetry for writers aged 13 to 18 years.
The awards are organised by Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with the Furphy Foundation, La Trobe University and the GV Library Group.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Seema Abdullah said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise the talent of young writers across the region.
“The Furphy Literary Awards gives an incredible opportunity for a diverse audience to express their voices through literature and we look forward to seeing many great collections of work arise from our community,” Cr Abdullah said.
“Although the school holiday period across the state has been moved forward the awards provide students with an activity that can still stimulate their minds and improve their writing skills from home.
“We encourage as many students and avid young writers to submit an entry and share their unique story.”
Furphy and Sons managing director Adam Furphy said despite the uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards would still go ahead.
“The Furphy Literary Award is a great opportunity to tell a great story and we encourage you to make a submission,” Mr Furphy said.
“Writing can be a wonderful way of taking your mind to other places and maybe that is just what we all need right now.
“We look forward to receiving your entry and reading what you come up with.”
Each category will have a first place prize of $300, followed by second $100 and third $50.
Applications will be received via online submissions and entries close on Thursday, April 30 at 5 pm.
For more information, visit: www.furphyliteraryaward.com.au