More than 40 entries were received in The Good Oil 2025 Writers’ Award. The award is an initiative of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in partnership with Garratt Publishing.
The theme of this year’s award is Pilgrims of Hope. Now in its fourth year, the award aims to support and encourage the development of emerging and published writers.
The judging panel of Monica Dutton, Karen Tayleur, Ann Rennie and Michael McGirr bought their considerable experience in publishing to the task. In basing their decisions on the entries that best explored the theme, Pilgrims of Hope, they were impressed by the quality of the writing.
The judges awarded first prize ($600), second prize ($400), third prize ($200) and one highly commended ($100).
In addition, Garratt Publishing is providing mentoring to the winner of the Writers’ Award and is sponsoring a new Encouragement Award ($250).
Congratulations to Lauren Thomasse for her winning entry, Pilgrims of hope. Lauren holds a PhD in resilience and is an experienced teacher of more than 20 years. Passionate about travel, she delights in discovering new places and listening to the stories of others, weaving insight and curiosity into both her professional and personal life.
Helen Bachmann received the Encouragement Award for her entry, Holding on to hope.
Second prize was awarded to Si Paros for Voice to the Voiceless – a pilgrimage of hope and justice across continents.
Third prize was awarded to Sonia Elizabeth Gomez Lopez for God Has Brought Me Here: A Pilgrim of Hope.
Bill Farrelly was highly commended for The beggar who loved to sing.
What the judges said about Lauren Thomasse’s winning entry, Pilgrims of Hope:
“This is a luminous story which introduces us to Amina, a new arrival to Australia. Through Amina, the writer takes us to meet the wider community and the people she helps on the streets of Melbourne. From there, we are challenged to see the whole world through the lens of hope.”
“This profile piece is the epitome of good clear writing that connects emotionally with the reader. Behind Amina’s story is the theme of hope, not simply as feeling but as persistent and daily practice.”
What the judges said about Helen Bachmann’s entry, Holding on to hope (Encouragement Award):
“This reflection is a unique and personal insight into contemporary issues of discrimination endured among Aboriginal people. This highly personal and thought-provoking piece provides a lens on this significant issue of abuse and alienation.”
“This entry shares the rare and challenging experience of an urban Aboriginal woman and her pain of being called ‘not black enough’ by Indigenous people. It deals simply and powerfully with the complex issue of identity, belonging, hope and faith.”
What the judges said about Si Paros’s entry, Voice to the Voiceless – a pilgrimage of hope and justice across continents (second prize):
“The juxtaposition of the often ‘forgotten’ Australian Indigenous outback community against the ‘forgotten’ case of a man convicted of murder in the US was a delicate balancing act skilfully executed by the author.”
“Hope is evident in every aspect of this highly engaging piece, along with a clear understanding that hope is not static and necessitates involvement in action and advocacy.”
What the judges said about Sonia Elizabeth Gomez Lopez’s entry, God Has Brought Me Here: A Pilgrim of Hope (third prize):
“I was engrossed by the depth of the story and the simplicity of faith with which the writer meets the complexity of her life. The writer keeps finding hope in the many twists and turns that life brings.”
“The author’s faith brings her a sense of solace and strength through the many hardships she has endured, and this is a continual theme.”
What the judges said about Bill Farrelly’s entry, The beggar who loved to sing (highly commended):
“Fantastic use of an experience we all know well and the deep humanity at the heart of it, a humanity that wriggles and shirks but ultimately passes its test of truth. The writing was simple and truthful and therein lay its power.”
“A beautifully nuanced account of a homeless person, celebrating both his beauty and his rough edges. His relationship with the writer grows slowly but unmistakably and becomes a source of both grace and sorrow.”
The CEO of Garratt Publishing, David Hughan, said the publishing house was proud to partner with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in The Good Oil 2025 Writers’ Award.
“We believe this award will inspire and encourage a new generation of writers,” David said. “Publishing has always been a powerful agent of change – words can shape our world, and we hope these words help lead us to a better one.
“We warmly congratulate and thank each entrant for their courage and creativity in submitting their work. For the Australian Church to grow and flourish, it must continue to hear from new and diverse voices.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Sisters for their vision, commitment and continued support of Catholic voices in Australia and beyond.”
Pilgrims of hope by Lauren Thomasse and Holding on to hope by Helen Bachmann were published in this month’s edition of The Good Oil. The second and third prize-winning entries and the highly commended entry will be published in future editions. Thank you to everyone who submitted entries.
The Good Oil’s editorial vision is to nourish the spirit, stimulate thinking, promote social justice, and encourage reflection and dialogue about issues of the day from a Christian, Catholic, Good Samaritan perspective.
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