Attention songsters!

Are you a young Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney or Carole King? Or maybe if you're young, something more your generation, like Lady Gaga? All are successful songwriters who made the big time because of their songwriting skills. If you think you've got the skills, the third annual Lismore Young Songwriters Competition is now open to young songwriters aged 12 and 25 years old.

Lismore City Council's youth and community development officer, Lizette Twisleton said it's a great opportunity for young people to gain experience with live public performance.

"Each year I have been totally inspired by the talent, range and calibre of the entries and I am really looking forward to seeing what comes forward this year," Lizette said.

The closing date is coming up at the end of March, so get your entries happening now and you could win great prizes like studio recording time and musical equipment to kick-start your career. For more information head to your young people's bible, (uh, Facebook,) and search 'Young Songwriters Competition' or visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.