Idiom 23 Literary Magazine will get a new look this year as Dr Jeannette Delamoir takes over the role as editor from Dr Geoff Danaher and founding editor Liz Huf.

Published by Central Queensland University students and staff since 1987, the magazine has become a popular choice for emerging writers, not only from the region but from all over Australia.

Submissions from as far as Ireland, Russia and USA are received regularly on an international small magazines network.

“The magazine has always presented a rich array of writing talents, but the new look also reflects the visual creativity of local folks. The layout is being designed by Janice Pye of ApplePye Graphic Design Studio – who just happens to be studying at CQU. We’re looking forward to incorporating some great photographic images from students taking the Contemporary Photomedia course,” communications lecturer Dr Delamoir said.

“This issue will have a striking cover combining gorgeous images taken locally by CQU photographer Duncan Bourne and the design skills of university graphic designer Dave Downer”, she said.

Well known Queensland writers Mark Svendsen, Jena Woodhouse, Betty Birskys and Julius Maciuel have contributed a great deal to Idiom 23 over the years.

Some of the talented regional writers who submit short stories and poetry to the competition regularly are Isabel Hoch, Kristin Hannaford, Louise Waller, Cameron Borg, Muriel Courtenay, Jean Renew and Anthony Beavis.

Founding editor Liz Huf was short-listed in the 'Johnno Award' for 2003.

Queensland Writers’ Centre 2003 “Johnno Award” for an individual or group’s contribution to writing ‘largely unrecognised by the industry and wider public’ went to the Just Us Theatre Ensemble, North Queensland. Short listed were Sam Watson for his contribution to the development of Indigenous writing and Liz Huf (long time Idiom 23 editor) for her commitment to the recognition of writing excellence in Central regional Queensland. Ms Huf said she felt very honored to be short-listed. Previous winners have included Paper Tiger Media in 2002 and author Nick Earls in 2001.

“We always work as a team to hold our writers’ workshops and our ‘Poets in the Pub’ events”, she said.”Our Pumpkin Island getaways with visiting tutors have probably been our most memorable incentives for emerging authors”, Ms Huf said.

Entries for the Bauhinia Literary Awards close July 30.

The magazine’s Bauhinia Literary Awards, run annually, have been a huge success. Judges including Professors Hart and Shapcott, Associate Professor Wally Woods and Dr Ann-Marie Priest have commented on the excellent quality of contributors’ work.

This year the closing date has been extended to Friday, July 30. There is $1800 prize money over all, in open, regional and student short story and poetry sections.

Entry forms for the competition can be obtained from Leonie Healey, Faculty of Informatics & Communication on ph: 07 4923 2516 or email: l.healey @cqu.edu.au.

Photos: New editor Dr Jeannette Delamoir (right) discusses Idiom with founding editor Liz Huf.