This competition, organised by Mrs Terry Underwood, asked the students what image came to mind when they thought of the'outback'.

Is it the stock camp, the rodeo, the amazing night skies, the mysterious min min lights?
Is it sharing everything together as a family - mustering, school, trucking?
Do you think of Ned Kelly, Waltzing Matilda or Clancy of the Overflow?
Have you smelt the approaching rain, tasted fine red dust, seen glorious sun rises and sun sets, heard explosive thunder and gently touched new born animals?
Perhaps you hear the unique sounds of a didgeridoo as you learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime.

Students were asked to share their interpretation of 'outback' and reveal their favourite place, animal, person, occasion, or memory. They were also asked why they think the outback is the best place in the world to live?

Entries were invited in three sections.
1. Short story (less than 200 words)
2. Poem (less than 200 words)
3. Art work in any medium (water colours, pencil, charcoal, pastels, oils, collage)

The presentation of prizes was held in Alice Springs in conjunction with the Year of the Outback gathering called "Outback Central 2002" at the Central Australian Aviation Museum.

1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes were awarded to Schools and Students at Primary and Secondary level. First prize winners and a parent / guardian were flown to Alice Springs for the ceremony, and provided with 5 nights accommodation.