The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards (Dorothea's) seek to capture the imaginations of school students across Australia, inspiring them to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of poetry in their pursuit of literary excellence.

Our poets are encouraged to take inspiration from wherever they may find it, however if they are looking for some direction, they are invited to use this year’s optional theme to inspire their entries.

“All the beautiful things” has been selected as the 2025 theme.

As always, it is an optional theme. Students are encouraged to write about topics and experiences that spark their poetic genius.