This competition, organised by Mrs Terry Underwood, asks students what image comes to mind when they think 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?
Perhaps you hear the unique sounds of a didgeridoo as you learn about Aboriginal Dreamtime.

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

The five senses are free in the Outback to experience and explore, to treasure and cherish. 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?
Entries should tell us about these experiences.

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 the Aviation Museum.

First prize winners and a parent / guardian were flown to Alice Springs for the ceremony, and provided with 5 nights accomodation.

Prizes
Student prizes at Primary and Secondary Level
1st prize $ 300.00 in each section
2nd prize $ 200.00 in each section
3rd prize $ 100.00 in each section

School prizes at Primary and Secondary Level
1st prize $ 450.00 in each section
2nd prize $ 300.00 in each section
3rd prize $ 150.00 in each section