2026 Bayside Local History Awards - The Ron Rathbone OAM Major Prize

The Ron Rathbone Local History Competition encourages people to explore Bayside’s rich, diverse and vibrant history.

Submissions for the 2026 OAM major prize award is now open, with a prize of $6,000.

The aim of the Bayside Local History Awards is to encourage and recognise outstanding original research into Bayside’s history

Entrants may submit a work on any aspect of the history of the Bayside Council area including: its suburbs or places; its industries, organisations or businesses; its local schools or churches; its clubs or societies; its natural features; its people or events.

Please carefully read the Guidelines and Conditions of Entry to ensure you submit an eligible paper. You can also see more information, including judging criteria here.

Entries close 5pm, Friday 18 September 2026.

Do you give permission to make your entry available on Bayside Council's online platforms?
One file only.
64 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf doc docx.

Declaration

  • I have read the Ron Rathbone Local History Competition Guidelines, and I agree to abide by the conditions of entry.
  • The research work submitted is my own work
  • I understand that while I retain copyright of my own work, a copy of my work may be placed in the Local History Collection of Bayside Library Service.
  • The winners’ names and the titles of their works may be published in media sources as it is an open competition with a public award ceremony.
Check the box to confirm the details in the above declaration.