The Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition, a significant cultural and literary tradition, has a rich history that stretches back over a century. Originally launched in 1921 by the Queensland Musical, Literary and Self Aid Society for the Blind (QMLSAS), this competition was designed to encourage and support the literary talents of blind and low vision individuals. The inaugural theme was "Self Reliance," with the first prize awarded in each category being One Guinea, a generous sum at the time.
Two notable figures associated with the competition’s early years were Harold and Edwin Dickinson. Both brothers were active members of QMLSAS and deeply involved in the literary and musical world. While Harold was an accomplished writer, he often humbly acknowledged that Edwin was the more literary of the two. Edwin’s name continued to be synonymous with the competition, even after his passing in January 1956, a testament to his lasting impact.
In 1966, the QMLSAS changed its name to the Queensland Society of Blind Citizens, marking the beginning of a series of transformations. In 1986, the organisation received royal assent and became known as the Royal Queensland Society for Blind Citizens. The next few decades saw several mergers and name changes, ultimately resulting in the formation of Vision Australia in 2006, when the Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland and Vision Queensland joined forces.
Despite these changes, the essay competition, a cornerstone of the QMLSAS’s legacy, continued to thrive. Since 2014, the competition has been proudly managed exclusively by Braille House, ensuring its continued support for writers of all ages in the blind and low vision community.
The competition’s name was eventually changed to the Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition in honour of the Dickinson family's contributions to the blind community, particularly the work of Dr Mercy Dickinson, a trailblazing figure in the field of blindness education and advocacy.
Mercy Griffin Dickinson’s story is one of remarkable achievement. Losing her sight at the age of seven, she overcame numerous barriers to become University of Queensland’s first blind graduate in 1939. Her intellectual prowess and determination were clear from an early age, and in 1953, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study teaching techniques for the blind in New York.
Mercy played a key role in the founding of the Queensland Training and Placement Centre for the Blind and was deeply involved in the development of services that would benefit the blind community. Her work as a volunteer proofreader, braille teacher, and Chair of the Australian Braille Authority, along with her advocacy for greater services for the blind, left an indelible mark on the community.
Mercy’s close friendship with Dr. Ellice Dart, another pioneering figure in the world of blindness education at UQ, helped further strengthen the push for greater access to education for blind students. In her memoir As I’ve Seen It, Mercy recalled her frustration upon arriving at the university in 1937, only to find a lack of braille textbooks, a challenge she was determined to overcome.
The Dickinson Memorial Literary Competition now serves as a tribute to the legacy of the Dickinson brothers and Mercy’s tireless efforts. It remains a platform for blind and low vision individuals to express themselves through writing, keeping the spirit of "Self Reliance" alive, as originally envisioned in 1921.
As you explore the competition’s history, we invite you to read some of the outstanding submissions that won the 103rd event. These works, from heartfelt reflections to inspiring stories, continue to showcase the remarkable talents of the blind and low vision community.