2026 Winners

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Years 7/8

Jaide

Kalkadoon Country – Mount Isa area

Ajarku Muruu – All One Country
Artwork
Theme: Reconciliation

Description
My name is Jaide, I’m a proud Kalkadoon girl and a contemporary Indigenous artist. This painting tells the story of reconciliation and how we are all part of One Country even though we all come from different places and backgrounds.

The large community symbol in the centre of my painting represents Australia and all Australians coming together. I painted it in blue to represent the Australian flag and placed the Southern Cross in the middle to show that we are all united under the same stars. Around it are lots of different coloured people and people symbols to represent the many cultures, nationalities and communities that make up our country.

The four community symbols around the painting represent the different landscapes and places that people call home all across Australia. The green community symbol represents the rainforest and bush, which is surrounded by leaves and flowers. The blue community symbol represents the islands and coasts, it is surrounded by lines and waterholes representing the ocean. The red community symbol represents the desert and outback, with red mountains around it. Lastly the aqua community symbol represents the rivers and waterways that flow through Country. All of these places are connected to the centre by travelling lines, showing people travelling from their own communities and coming together as one.

The kangaroo and emu represent Australia’s coat of arms, with their footprints symbolising us always moving forwards towards reconciliation and never backwards. The people footprints leading towards the centre represent each person’s own journey through life and the path we all walk together.

The handprints represent our connection to Country, community and each other. The sun at the top of the painting represents hope and the brighter future we can create together through reconciliation, respect and unity.

Tremendously vibrant work is expansive, radiant and shining with humanity, unity and belonging. Depicting many peoples and pathways coming together using incredible colour and pattern, there is a powerful sense of hope, pride and togetherness under the Southern Cross. Rich with shared identity and a true celebration of reconciliation.

Ms Kate Chaney MP

Thank you for sharing your story of reconciliation so beautifully.

Mr Tom Venning MP

Years 9/10

Charlotte

Wiradjuri/Australia

Roots of Connection
Artwork
Theme: Country and Connection

Description
My art expresses the valuable relationship between people and their connection to Country. These important relationships create a strong sense of identity, belonging, and individuality. The tree can be perceived as a human standing firm and tall on the land, whereas the dotted lines represent roots, which grow through the whole of Country. The roots keep the tree stable and give it strength, much like how the roots of our ancestors help us grow and guide us. I intentionally made the roots visible above the ground since this connection should not be buried, it should be shown with pride for all to see. The dotted pathways express travels and stories, and demonstrates that connection runs far and deep through the land.

The sun represents life, warmth, hope, and guidance, as though the sun is watching over and showing protection. I used bright yellow and orange colours to create a feeling of warmth and strength, demonstrating the comfort and healing that can come from connection to Country and community. The sun also represents the passing of knowledge and stories from older generations to younger generations, like light being shared across the land.

Through this artwork, I wanted to express that Country is more than just land. It holds spirit, history, stories, and identity, similar to how the roots of a tree run deep beneath the Earth. The connection between people and Country continues to support, guide, and strengthen future generations.

Does the tree represent people or a place? Perhaps both. A strikingly elegant work beautifully expressing time, strength, Country and identity. The glowing sun draws us into the full emotion of the work, with the roots reminding us we are grounded by story and place. A restrained use of colour communicates profound ideas with clarity. A quiet, powerful piece.

Ms Kate Chaney MP

A visually striking and colourful picture, well done!

Mr Tom Venning MP

Years 11/12

Lyla

Gumbaynggir

My Family
Artwork
Theme: Family and Community

Description
My family Coolamon (dhiyaan bin.guwi) portrays my mother and her children. She is the centre because in my eyes, she is the centre of the world, followed by my siblings from oldest to youngest being the last colour of the artwork. I remember when I was finding something to weave, I had no idea what to do or what gave me meaning in life. It took me around two weeks to figure out that the artwork was in my everyday life, my family. When this came to me, there was an instant relief because my family means a lot to me, and I knew I would keep this Coolamon for a very long time.I sat down and planned out how I was going to represent my family. Once I figured it out, I could use natural raffia for the base and paper raffia to represent each member of my family. There were no set colours for each member, but I focused on how each colour meets with the next, showing a connection. After completing the family Coolamon, I found a true meaning in it, symbolising the connection we will have even from afar and the protection my mum will provide.

A deeply personal and beautifully made work that transforms weaving into a story of love, protection and belonging. The wonderful choices of colour and form to represent family connection is beautifully crafted and moving, given a handmade Coolamon carries such deep, emotional meaning. The symbolism of the mother at the centre creates a touching focal point, expressing care, strength, and continuity. This is a heartfelt artwork that honours family as both anchor and home.

Ms Kate Chaney MP

I like the journey you went on to create this beautiful artwork representing your family.

Mr Tom Venning MP

All Years 7/8 entries

All Years 9/10 entries

All Years 11/12 entries