1st Prize Crystal Dowling (VIC) – Maladaptive daydreaming   

“Maladaptive Daydreaming offers a visceral and profound portrayal of human experience, powerfully raising awareness of the condition and its impact on mental health. The artist’s intricate use of colour, the depiction of the eye as a window to the soul, and the movement conveyed through flowing tears, draw the viewer into an emotional dialogue. Grounded by a wooden base, the piece gains texture and depth, creating a layered and compelling visual experience”. Suzy Dunne – Judging Panel 

2nd Prize Roslyn Gear (NSW) – Pet Therapy   

“Roslyn has brought together a complex interplay of the competitions themes and lived experience through thoughtful composition, colour and depth. Somehow enabling the work to be both serious and delightful all at once”. Niki Read – Judging panel 

3rd Prize Ty Hardin (NSW) – NOT A NUMBER  & Holly Walton (VIC) – Amongst the Bush 

This was a very powerful and strong poem and an incredible way to do things. Congratulations  Ty! 

Holly’s use of colour and textured brushstrokes is so energising. You can see from her artwork that her connection to nature is vibrant and comforting. When I look at her artwork, I can feel the calm and ease she experiences when she goes into the bush. It makes me want to head out bushwalking to do some birdwatching for my own mental health and well-being. 

People’s Choice Award

Simi Ghinisberg (NSW) 
These are the Sounds I make 

Simi’s work is a film  that documents her many ways of communicating through the ‘sounds she makes’ signing, miming, using conversation cards and technology/ipad. Inclusive communication has meant better health outcomes for Simi. Making her artwork has also led to many good things for Simi who is healthier, safer, experiencing better wellbeing and quality of life . 

Bridget Kelly (NSW) Speak.  

“I love the vibrancy in the work, and the strong, sophisticated sense of design Bridget has. The work makes me feel alive and energised – it actively helps my well-being feel improved. Thank you, Bridget, and well done!’ Gabrielle Mordy, Judging Panel  

Clare Hooper NSW My Places in Drummoyne  

“I admire how Clare has brought the importance of community, place, nature, pets and social activities to life in her painting with so much joy, movement and feeling”. Niki Read – Judging panel 

Declan Kavanagh-Bugel (VIC) – Playing guitars, crying  

“For me, that piece of art I pick of Declan’s – the visual music is very rocky and the whole style of his character is very urban and that’s what I like about it. Very unique kind of style.” – Digby Webster, Judging Panel 

Kylie Scott (NSW) Kylie’s Hope Clinic 

‘”I love how she includes all the people she wants in her clinic. I can relate to lots of doctors and supporters helping me along the way, If this was a real thing it would be a big deal for everyone, because everyone needs medical help at some point in their lives. It was very fun to be a judge.” Lauren Kerjan, Judging Panel  

Shai De Vletter-Sont (NSW) – Inner Spiral  

“The artwork employs strong symbolism and conceptualism – meeting the brief with originality.” – Suzy Dunne, Judging Panel