New South Wales writer Steve Moline took first prize for his Open Story in Idiom 23's Bauhinia Literary Awards, announced on Sunday at the Central Queensland Multicultural Fair on Sunday.

Steve, from Wentworth Falls, was commended strongly by the judge for his entry “Her Painting, His Photograph”, while Greg Bogaerts from Kotara Fair, NSW, received second prize with his short story “The Swimmer”.

The judges were also full of praise for regional short story winners Lisa Harbinson of North Rockhampton with her piece “Sweet Wine and Jack" (first) and Stephen Jahnke with “A Beautiful Day”.

Rockhampton and Bundaberg writers highly praised for their exceptional work included Christina Hunt, Rita Treka, Elaine Courtman, Gillian Butler, Neville Tickner and Warwick Edwards who collaborated on a lively bush tale “The Roebuck Jackeroo”.

Buderim poet Marilyn Taskis took the open poetry award with Jim Macnamara, Alexandria, NSW, gaining second prize. Popular Yeppoon poet Kristin Hannaford was applauded for two pieces “Eviction” and “On Broadway, Sydney”.

Two well known Bundaberg writers Muriel Courtenay, and Paul Saxby took first and second prize in the regional poetry section.

Bauhinia Awards administrator Leonie Healey also congratulated the numbers of young people who entered the student sections.

“It was exciting to see entries coming from as far away as Western Australia,” she said.

Kate Sherington from Nerang, Greg Barker from Yeppoon, Kylie Slee, Busselton WA, and Alice Buckingham, Holland Park, won secondary school story and poetry prizes with Pelin Dundar, Westlake, and Alysha Eitel, Goovigen, picking up the primary school awards.

More than 400 entries from all over Australia were received this year and judges Dr Wally Woods, Dr Wendy O'Brien, Dr Geoff Danaher (CQU) and Ms Lindell Lutton (TAFE College) were impressed with the quality of work entered.

Ms Lutton, who is well known for her work with children's literature, said she was continually surprised, not merely at the quality, but at the seriousness of topics chosen by young people today.

Ms Healey also thanked the competition sponsors for their continuing support. Central Queensland University Bookshop, Bassetts Consulting Engineers, The Morning Bulletin, Commonwealth Bank and ABC have supported the competition since its inauguration 10 years ago.

Photo: Bauhinia Literary Awards administrator Leonie Healey (centre) presents awards to Stephen Jahnke (Second prize in Regional Short Stories) and Christina Hunt. (Highly Commended in Regional Short Stories).