Community chooses its favourite in 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards

Published on 08 October 2026

Visitors to the 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards exhibition have had their say, choosing Phil Rolton’s Tasmanian High Country as the winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award.

A total of 320 votes were cast across the 96 finalist works, an increase of more than 25 per cent on 2025. Rolton will receive a $1,250 prize as the People’s Choice winner. 

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the strong response to the People’s Choice Award reflected the continued growth of the Du Rietz Art Awards and community interest in the exhibition.

“The People’s Choice Award is a great part of the Du Rietz Art Awards because it gives everyone who walks through the Gallery doors the chance to have their say and vote for the piece that catches their eye,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“It’s great to see more visitors getting involved and taking the time to vote this year, and congratulations to Phil on taking out the People’s Choice Award.

“If you haven’t made it to the exhibition yet, there are still a few days left to come along and see the finalist works for yourself before it closes on Friday.”

The 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards attracted a record 264 entries from artists across Australia.

The 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards People's Choice Award is proudly sponsored by David and Sally Gartshore, Annette Reilly, 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 our more visit: Du Rietz Art Awards | Gympie Regional Council 

ENDS

Image Caption: Phil Rolton, 'Tasmanian High Country'