Not just a winged insect symbolically representing transformation, hidden knowledge, and navigating through darkness. But a live presentation of spellbinding tales – written by locals, and told by locals!
The Moth is a New York mainstay, created by an author who wanted to recreate sultry summer evenings in his home state where moths were attracted to the light of his porch. In a way, we’re all moths attracted to the light of Mullumbimby!
Over the last few months the good folk from Creative Mullum have teamed up with The Echo to reignite their dormant chrysalis.
For years The Echo ran a popular short story competition. It was briefly revisited during Covid, fell into the annals of local history. Things change, we get too busy, life pushes on, and sometimes we forget to stop and smell the roses, or even the moths!
So, as part of a shire-wide creative ignition, The Echo Short Story Comp has been reimagined, this time with a hook of ‘The Hitchhiker’ as an included totem or theme.
There are currently over 100 stories entered into the adult and Under-18s combined. It’s a remarkable effort. The moths have hatched, and they are flying to the light!
The judges for this competition are local author and writing mentor Alan Close, Echo general manager Simon Haslam, and author and writing coach Mandy Nolan.
When the competition closes at the end of February, the judges will be busy selecting the chosen few who will read their stories for a live audience.
Live readings
The Mullum Moth will be hosted by Mandy Nolan and will fly free at The Top Pub in Mullum on Monday, 30 March. With a first prize of $1,000 sponsored by The Top Pub for the adult section and IGA sponsoring the under-18 prize of $500, this is the beginning of what we hope is a flourishing storytelling scene! We certainly have the talent.
It will be judged on the night by guest judges (TBA) with encouragement from the audience. This show will sell out, so grab your tickets for $15/20 now on www.creativemullum.org.au.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
