The Rotary Club of Hills-Kellyville recently held its annual writing competition, highlighting young literary talent. Year 6 students from The Hills and nearby districts were recognised during a presentation night in late August.
The awards ceremony was held on August 25 at The Lyceum in the Castle Hill RSL, drawing a crowd of 189 students, parents, teachers and community representatives. Among those in attendance were State MPs Mark Hodges (Castle Hill) and Mark Taylor (Winston Hills), Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, district councillors, Rotary district leaders and representatives from Castle Hill RSL.
This year marked a significant double milestone for the club: 50 years since the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville was founded and 20 years since the writing competition began. Both initiatives have grown steadily, and the competition is now a highlight on the local primary school calendar.
The program aims to promote literacy among Year 6 students, encouraging them to express ideas and empathy through storytelling. This year’s narrative theme, “I saw my friend being bullied by some kids in the school playground”, prompted a strong response from students, with judges noting the depth, creativity and sensitivity shown across submissions.
Rotary Club president John van den Burg said the standard of entries made judging particularly challenging. He said the competition continues to play an essential role in the club’s youth programs, reinforcing literacy as a foundation for confidence and lifelong learning.
Students from public schools including Bella Vista, Crestwood, Excelsior, Ironbark Ridge, Jasper Road, Kellyville, Matthew Pearce, Sherwood Ridge and Winston Hills took part, alongside entries from independent schools such as Our Lady of the Angels, Our Lady of the Rosary, Rouse Hill Anglican College, St Angela’s and St Michael’s.
Individual honours went to Kayesha Verma of Crestwood Public School, who placed first, followed by Connor Behrens from Rouse Hill Anglican College in second place and Ella Yoon from Winston Hills Public School in third. In the school awards, Ironbark Ridge Primary School claimed first place, Excelsior Public School second and Winston Hills Public School third.
Students and schools received trophies, certificates and monetary prizes, supported by competition patrons and Five Senses Education. Additional backing from Club Grants NSW, through Castle Hill RSL, helped ensure broad participation on the night, enabling many families and school representatives to attend.
The writing competition is part of a wide range of youth and community initiatives supported by the Rotary Club of the Hills-Kellyville, including school breakfast programs, youth leadership and exchange opportunities, and local and international service projects. After two decades of encouraging young writers, the competition continues to underline Rotary’s long-standing commitment to education and community engagement in The Hills.
