Queensland author, Mary Parker, won the 2025 award with her short story, "Make Believe". Mary attended the OMSSA award presentation in Tathra NSW to receive the prize. Mary’s story will be published in the next edition of Island Magazine @islandmagtas.

Lachlan Alexander was awarded Runner Up for his story, "Signal Loss", will be published on the Olga Masters Short Story Award site.

The 2025 Headland Writers Festival opening night was a blast - A great vibe, a full house and some truely awe inspiring performances.

Bruce Nash, one of this years judges and a local author, announced the winner and runner-up of this year’s Olga Masters Short Story Award and presented Mary with a beautiful bouquet of Buckajo Flowers.

After a warm Welcome to Country from Aunty Glenda Dixon and the award presentation, the incomparable Omar Musa and renowned American cellist and composer Mariel Roberts Musa delighted the crowds with spoken word and music. Omar's electrifying performance had the audience spellbound.

Omar Musa - an author, visual artist and poet from Queanbeyan - was also a panelist during the 2025 Headland Writers Festival literary sessions.

Photo right: 2025 Olga Masters Short Story Award winner, Mary Parker receiving the award from local author and Award judge, Bruce Nash. All photos by Marcus Ward Curran @marcuswardcurran