MRRWF25 x Road Safety Commission WA Flash Fiction Competition
You See, We See
MRRWF25 x Road Safety Commission WA Flash Fiction Competition invited festival attendees to pen a flash fiction story inspired by the Road Safety Commission WA’s “You See, We See” campaign message.
The campaign highlights the consequences of illegal road behaviours — such as mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, drink driving, drug driving, and speeding — through police enforcement. It also shows the other side of the story: that enforcement exists to save lives.
The competition as judged by guest festival authors – Gillian O’Shaughnessy and Chris Flynn and offered prizes of $1,000 (1st), $500 (2nd) and $250 (3rd) to the winning 3 entries. Winners can choose a voucher from a bike store or car shop in their local area.
MEET THE WINNERS
First prize Winner: PETE MITCHELL
Pete Mitchell is a self-published author based in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia. His writing is steeped in the culture, contradictions, and natural beauty of the land he calls home. With an unashamedly Australian voice, he draws inspiration from both the city and the bush—infusing his stories with a strong sense of place, moral tension, and adventure. His work has resonated with readers around the world.
Learn more at: petemitchell.com.au
2nd Prize Winner: KT. Downs
KT. Downs is a Coral Coast author, on Yamatji Country, in Western Australia. She writes short stories, memoir, flash, and is working on a novel. K.T.’s short stories appear in the anthologies Ourselves, the little journal: Romance, Raine Square Story Dispenser, LWS Anthology 2025. Competition outcomes include longlist Not Quite Write 2025, twice Highly Commended in Big Sky (2022, 2024), and twice winner of KSP Flash 50.
Learn more on Insta @kt_downs.
3rd Prize Winner: Vanessa McKay
Vanessa McKay is an author of contemporary fiction and non-fiction. Her latest work, The Creative Writer’s Toolkit, was honoured with an Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY).
Beyond her own literary pursuits, Vanessa is passionate about nurturing new writers through workshops and retreats designed to inspire and guide emerging talent. Her commitment to the writing community extends from the page to personal mentorship, helping others discover and develop their creative voices.
Learn more at: vanessamckay.com
READ THE WINNING FLASH FICTON STORIES
Click the images below
