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Winners Announced!
Transcript
Hello, hello!
I'm Shirley from Deaf Australia. I’m Sean Sweeney from Sweeney Interpreting - you've probably seen our promotion all over.
Did you know that Deaf Australia is organising the Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition for young children and school students who love to write? The competition is open now, but it's closing soon, and guess what? There are prizes!
What are the prizes?
The prize? Money!!! If you want some extra cash, then you should definitely get involved in this competition.
Yes, money right before your eyes!
That's right! Cash prizes right there, and it's extremely exciting!
And who's sponsoring this competition?
It's my own business, Sweeney Interpreting, that's proudly sponsoring this fantastic competition for Deaf Australia.
But why are we doing this?
Well, I'm sponsoring this because Dot Shaw is dear to my heart - she's my grandmother. Her legacy is all about encouraging literacy for deaf people, something she passionately advocated for throughout her life. Now, Deaf Australia is honouring her hard work by establishing this competition.
Yes, that's absolutely right. So, on behalf of Deaf Australia, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for your generous sponsorship. We encourage all of you to start writing and make this competition a resounding success.
Come on, get involved! Who knows, you might just win some money!
Yes, money right before your eyes!
Perfect, isn't it?
Goodbye, bye!
Visual descriptions
Visual description opening slide: Blue and purple gradient background with white text. White Deaf Australia and Dot Shaw Young Writer's Competition logos at the center top. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as an older lady wearing big glasses. The photograph is edited to be purple, blue, white and black and in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Above is a sticker graphic reading "2023". To the right is a Sweeney Interpreting logo. Title reads "Exciting Updates from Shirley & Our Sponsor: Sweeney Interpreting."
Visual description video: Shirley Liu of Deaf Australia and Sean Sweeney of Sweeney Interpreting are both on screen chatting about the upcoming DSYWC 2023. Shirley is wearing a dark green casual t-shirt and has her hair pulled back into a bun. Sean is wearing a bright orange t-shirt and glasses, and has a big beard. They are both looking very exciting and animatedly signing during their conversation. Behind them is a lot of Sweeney Interpreting merchandise and posters.
Visual description poster: Graphic with information about the DSYWC 2023. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as a young girl, looking to her left. The photograph is edited to be purple and yellow in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Content reads: "Theme for 2023: A World Where Everyone Can Sign Everywhere. Submit your story to the writing competition for a chance to win a cash prize!* Competition prizes: Primary - 1st Place $100, 2nd Place $50. Secondary - 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150. Upper Primary - 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100. Upper Secondary - 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $200. See more on our website [QR Code]. Competition closing date is: Tuesday 31 October 2023. Eligibility: Deaf or hard of hearing students (prep to year 12) who lives in Australia. [Sweeney Interpreting logo]. Special thanks to our sponsor Sweeney Interpreting for generously donating all of the cash prizes for the competition!"
Visual description closing slide: Graphic features white Deaf Australia logo on a green and blue gradient background. Text reads “Deaf Australia is a Deaf-leg advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. Contact us: [email icon] [email protected], [website icon] www.deafaustralia.org.au, [Instagram and Twitter icons] @deafaustralia, [Facebook icon] DeafAustraliaInc”
Watch Auslan Video
Background and History
Dorothy Evelyn Shaw was an inspiring Deaf lady who advocated for the development of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children’s literacy and literary skills.
After many years of dedication, Dorothy was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal in 1989.
When Dorothy died in 1990, donations in lieu of flowers for her funeral were passed on to Deafness Resources Australia (DRA). After such a generous gesture, the Board of DRA decided to establish a short story writing competition for young Deaf people, in memory of Dorothy Evelyn Shaw.
The Dorothy Shaw Young Writers Competition (DSYWC) was managed by DRA until its merger with Deaflink Inc in May 1995. This resulted in the formation of Australian Communication Exchange Limited (ACE). ACE then managed the competition.
In 2006, ACE transferred ownership of the DSYWC to Deaf Australia (formerly known as the Australian Association of the Deaf (AAD)) so that it remains true to its heritage and purpose. As well as being involved in the establishment of DRA, Dorothy Shaw was also Deaf Australia-AAD’s founding President.
Aims
Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition
- To encourage Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people to express themselves creatively through writing and story telling
- To promote the development of literacy and literary skills among Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people.
Teacher’s Guide Pack
Before downloading the Teacher Guide Pack for the DSYWC, please take a moment to review the following outline, which provides a comprehensive overview of the contents. This guide is designed to support teachers in preparing their students for the competition, offering valuable tips, techniques, and resources to enhance their writing skills. With this guide, you can empower your students to unleash their creativity and produce exceptional pieces of writing that showcase their unique voice and talent.
Meet Your 2023 Judges
Judge #1: Catherine Miller
Transcript
Hello there! Who am I? I’m Catherine. I was asked to be the judge for the Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition this year. I’m thrilled about this because I was the judge for last year’s competition as well. I've read lots of different stories – some were funny, some were sad, and some even gave me goosebumps. Now, I'm super excited to read all your new stories this year. The theme for this year is “A world where everyone can sign everywhere.” We've shared some ideas with you to help you come up with your own awesome stories to submit So, come on. Let's get started! Write your story and send it in. I can hardly wait to read what you come up with. Goodbye.
Visual descriptions
Visual description opening slide: Blue and purple gradient background with white text. White Deaf Australia logo at the center top. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as an older lady wearing big glasses. The photograph is edited to be purple, blue, white and black and in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Above is the Dot Shaw Young Writer's Competition logo in white. Below is a white button with purple text that reads "Meet Judge #1: Catherine Miller".
Visual description video: Catherine has shoulder length brown hair and is wearing a black sweater with a white cat on it. She is signing in an excited manner towards the camera and smiling the whole video.
Visual description second slide: Blue and purple gradient background with white text. White Deaf Australia logo in upper right hand corner. Dot Shaw Young Writer's Competition logo is in the center top. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as an older lady wearing big glasses. The photograph is edited to be purple, blue, white and black and in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Below the text reads "Find out more on our website: deafaustralia.org.au/dot-shaw-young-writers-competition"
Visual description closing slide: Graphic features white Deaf Australia logo on a green and blue gradient background. Text reads “Deaf Australia is a Deaf-leg advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. Contact us: [email icon] [email protected], [website icon] www.deafaustralia.org.au, [Instagram and Twitter icons] @deafaustralia, [Facebook icon] DeafAustraliaInc”
Judge #2: Melissa from AuslanRocks
Transcript
Hello, I'm Melissa! Deaf Australia asked me to be one of the judges for Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition. I'm very excited to see you children start writing stories. What's the topic? "A World Where Everyone Can Sign Everywhere." Wow! I love that topic! I'm really looking forward to see your imagination in your writing. Come on, let's start writing and submit! For more information, check on Deaf Australia's website at Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition. Good luck!
Visual description
Melissa is wearing a white sweater and glasses. She standing in front of a white wall with a macrame hanging pot plant. She is signing in an excited and friendly manner towards the camera.
Judge #3: Rhiannon Gonlag
Transcript
Hey! How are you? I'm Rhiannon Gonlag [shows sign name]. I'm a judge on the Dot Shaw Young Writer's Competition. I'm really looking forward to reading your submissions! What is the deadline for submitting? 31st of October. Thank you and good luck!
Visual description
Rhiannon is sitting against a colorful wall. They have short curly hair and have sunglasses on their head. They're wearing a white button down shirt. They are signing towards the camera in a friendly manner.
Transcript
Wow! Imagine a world where everyone can sign everywhere! Can you picture that? Well, that's the theme for this writing competition. Please get involved if you want to win prizes. Go for it! This competition is organised by Deaf Australia. It just crossed my mind, are you a member of Deaf Australia? Yes? Great! If not, consider becoming a member and supporting this fantastic organisation. Who's sponsoring this? It's my business. Fantastic! I'm looking forward to seeing your stories. Remember, the closing date is 31st October, okay? Please hurry to get involved. Great, goodbye!
Visual descriptions
Visual description opening slide: Blue and purple gradient background with white text. White Deaf Australia logo at the center top. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as an older lady wearing big glasses. The photograph is edited to be purple, blue, white and black and in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Above is a sticker graphic reading "2023". Below is the Dot Shaw Young Writer's Competition logo in white followed by a sticker graphic that reads "is proudly sponsored by: Sweeney Interpreting [logo]."
Visual description video: Video features Sean Sweeney from Sweeney Interpreting signing towards the camera about the DSYWC 2023 in an exciting and happy manner. He is wearing a bright orange Sweeney Interpreting t-shirt, glasses and has a big beard. He is surrounded by Sweeney Interpreting merchandise and posters.
Visual description poster: Graphic with information about the DSYWC 2023. There is a graphic image of Dot Shaw in the center of a photograph of her as a young girl, looking to her left. The photograph is edited to be purple and yellow in an organic circle shape. There are white graphic star shapes around the photograph. Content reads: "Theme for 2023: A World Where Everyone Can Sign Everywhere. Submit your story to the writing competition for a chance to win a cash prize!* Competition prizes: Primary - 1st Place $100, 2nd Place $50. Secondary - 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150. Upper Primary - 1st Place $150, 2nd Place $100. Upper Secondary - 1st Place $250, 2nd Place $200. See more on our website [QR Code]. Competition closing date is: Tuesday 31 October 2023. Eligibility: Deaf or hard of hearing students (prep to year 12) who lives in Australia. [Sweeney Interpreting logo]. Special thanks to our sponsor Sweeney Interpreting for generously donating all of the cash prizes for the competition!"
Visual description closing slide: Graphic features white Deaf Australia logo on a green and blue gradient background. Text reads “Deaf Australia is a Deaf-leg advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. Contact us: [email icon] [email protected], [website icon] www.deafaustralia.org.au, [Instagram and Twitter icons] @deafaustralia, [Facebook icon] DeafAustraliaInc”
Special thanks to Sweeney Interpreting for sponsoring our prizes below!
Prizes*
*Sponsored by Sweeney Interpreting
Primary (Prep - Year 2)
Upper Primary (Year 3 - Year 6)
Secondary (Year 7 - Year 9)
Upper Secondary (Year 10 - Year 12)
1st Prize: $100 2nd Prize: $50
1st Prize: $150 2nd Prize: $100
1st Prize: $200
2nd Prize: $150
1st Prize: $250
2nd Prize: $200
The 2023 DSYWC Competition is Open Now!
Discover inspiration and delight in the exceptional stories of our previous competition winners, offering a glimpse into their imaginative prowess and providing a source of enjoyment for all who read them. See the links below to immerse yourself in their remarkable works and experience the power of their storytelling.