2026 Du Rietz Art Awards winners announced

Published on 14 September 2026

A packed crowd at the Gympie Regional Gallery celebrated some of Australia’s best artistic talent as the winners of the 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards were revealed from a record field of 264 entries.

The awards were presented at the 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards Opening Night and Awards Announcement on Friday 11 September, with this year’s major award winners sharing more than $14,000 in prize money across four categories.

2026 Du Rietz Art Awards winners:

• 2D Major Acquisitive Award ($6,500) — Sponsored by Countrywide Metals
  Winner: Emma Thorp, When the light sneaks in
• 2D Highly Commended Award ($1,500) — Sponsored by CAA Consulting
  Winner: Megan Ruby Lee, Last Light
• 3D Major Acquisitive Award ($3,500) — Sponsored by Budget Steel
  Winner: William Versace, PlayStation Geode
• Locals Award ($3,000) — Sponsored by Gympie Office Supplies
  Winner: Lorelle Murray, Disoriented

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the awards celebrated the artists behind each work and the time and effort that went into creating it.

“All the artists who submitted work to this year’s Du Rietz Art Awards have put a lot into getting their work to this point—their ideas, time, skill and often their own experiences. For the finalists and winners, having that work recognised in front of a packed crowd at the Gympie Regional Gallery is something they can be extremely proud of,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“The Du Rietz Art Awards have grown so much since they began in 2019. Artists from across Australia want to be part of the competition, our local artists exhibit their work alongside other talented artists, and our community gets to experience a national art prize right here in Gympie.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists, and to every artist who submitted work as part of this year’s record 264 entries. You have all contributed to an outstanding year for the Du Rietz Art Awards and helped establish them as one of Queensland’s premier art prizes.”

Mayor Hartwig said while the major awards had been decided, the People’s Choice Award gave residents the opportunity to have their say and choose their favourite work from this year’s 96 finalists.

“The judges have selected their winners, but now it’s our community’s turn. I encourage everyone to visit the Gallery, explore the exhibition and cast a vote for the work that stands out to them,” he said.

This year’s awards were judged by artist and cultural practitioner Bronwyn Davies; artist and Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator Joseph Breikers; and University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery Manager Megan Williams.

Visitors can vote for their favourite finalist in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner to be announced on the Gympie Regional Gallery Facebook page on Saturday 3 October.

The 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards are proudly sponsored by Countrywide Metals, Budget Steel, Gympie Office Supplies, CAA Consulting, David and Sally Gartshore, Annette Reilly, Dr Heinke Butt, and Drs Calin and Mihaela Negru-Radu.

The exhibition is open at the Gympie Regional Gallery, 39 Nash Street, Gympie, until Friday 9 October. Entry is free.

The Gympie Regional Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am–4pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm.

To find out more, visit Du Rietz Art Awards | Gympie Regional Council

ENDS

IMAGE CAPTION: Locals Award Winner - Lorelle Murray