General News
20 February, 2026
Join the hunt for 100 vials
ONE hundred small vials, each filled with a unique piece of prose, will soon be hidden across Warrnambool as part of a real life word search.
Residents of all ages will soon have the chance to take part in a scavenger hunt for the vials, which will feature unpublished pieces from 100 writers.
This literary scavenger hunt is the winning idea of the latest round of Cheers to Ideas.
A Warrnambool City Council program, Cheers to Ideas provides funding for fun placemaking initiatives.
Collins Booksellers owner and Warrnambool Storytelling Festival president Michaelie Clark said the idea behind the scavenger hunt, dubbed “Warrnambool Words,” arose from discussions among the festival committee members.
“It was an idea that was raised ahead of relaunching the festival and everyone loved it, so we then looked at how we might put it into action,” she said.
“That’s when we submitted it to Cheers to Ideas.”
The first batch of vials will be hidden on May 1, with further drops to occur throughout the month.
“We’ll be giving clues throughout,” Ms Clark said.
“People won’t have to dig holes or get into bushes or anything like that.
“They will be visible enough for people to find if they’re looking out for them.”
The contributors will be predominantly published writers either from the Warrnambool area or connected to Warrnambool, with inclusions from playwrights, artists and other creatives to also feature.
In lieu of payment to writers, a $10 donation will be made to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation for each contribution.
Ms Clark said that each vial was special, as it contained an unpublished piece of work, so finders would possess the only copy.
“There could be some big names in there, and with all of them being original works that only this person will own, I think that’s very special,” she said.
“We want people to feel joy and to take notice of the huge talent that we have that has stemmed from our community.
“And to feel inspired, not only directly by the words but also inspired to support the local arts scene.
“So it ties in really well with the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival being re-launched this year.”
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain congratulated Michaelie and the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival committee on their winning idea.
“It’s fun, it gets you out exploring Warrnambool and it highlights some of the incredibly talented writers in our region, so I think it’s a brilliant idea and at council we’re very proud to support it,” he said.
“Cheers to Ideas is all about providing a little bit of funding to help locals make great ideas a reality, and create something the wider community can enjoy.
“If you’ve got an idea that could use up to $2,000 to bring it to life, we want to hear from you.”
The next round of Cheers to Ideas funding is now open for submissions.
For more information and to apply visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au and search “Cheers to Ideas”.
For more information on Warrnambool Words and the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival, visit www.warrnamboolstorytelling.com.au or follow the Warrnambool Storytelling Festival on social media.
