A vibrant celebration of creativity took centre stage as Randwick City Council unveiled the winners of the 2025 Women’s Art Prize. From a bold painting of cockatoos to introspective written pieces and intricate sculptures, this year’s winning artworks showcase the diverse artistic talents of local women.
The highly anticipated announcement took place on Saturday, 8 March, at Randwick Town Hall, where artists and their families gathered to celebrate the achievements of women in the arts. Held annually in honour of International Women’s Day, the competition highlights the importance of women’s contributions to the creative community.
Randwick Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marea Wilson, praised all participants, acknowledging the impressive range of artworks on display.
“Randwick Council is proud to host the annual Women’s Art Prize, a competition that not only celebrates creativity but also provides a platform for women to express themselves through art,” Councillor Wilson said. “This year’s entries were diverse, bold, and inspiring – a true reflection of the talented women in our community.”
A Creative and Colourful Celebration
This year’s Open Category winner, Eleanor Godley, captivated the judges with her oil pastel painting, Cockatoo Circus. Inspired by a flock of cockatoos performing acrobatics on an electric wire in Malabar, Eleanor’s work brings a playful and rebellious energy to the canvas.
“It was so much fun watching them,” Eleanor said. “They’re such crazy birds—destructive yet so organised. I always depict them a bit punkish, with their signature mohawks.”
Having transitioned from photography to painting in recent years, Eleanor describes her work as quirky, naïve, and colourful. She had a strong intuition that she might take home a prize this year. “I woke up early on Saturday with this crazy feeling that I was going to win. I’ve never won anything like this before, so it’s very exciting!” she shared.
With 173 entries spanning paintings, illustrations, sculptures, and digital works, the competition highlighted an incredible range of artistic expression. All artworks were exhibited at Randwick Town Hall from 8–10 March, and the top 50 will be on display at the Lionel Bowen Library Gallery from 18 March to 13 April.
Recognising Women in the Arts
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, March Forward: For All Women and Girls, served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equal rights, power, and opportunities. The Women’s Art Prize is a significant way for Randwick Council to honour this mission, providing a creative space where women can share their stories, perspectives, and talents.
2025 Women’s Art Prize Winners
Youth Category:
- 1st Prize ($1,250) – The Unseen by Ebony Kennedy
- 2nd Prize ($500) – Tomorrow Starts With You by Tahlia McMaster
Local Category:
- 1st Prize ($1,500) – The Way the Sky Rubs Against the Sea by Wen Pei Low
- 2nd Prize ($500) – Gentrification Stole My Fence by Cassie Derrick
Open Category:
- 1st Prize ($1,000) – Cockatoo Circus by Eleanor Godley
- 2nd Prize ($500) – Reweaving HerStory by Melanie Mishra
Councillor’s Choice:
- 1st Prize ($1,000) – Endless Summer at Wylie’s Baths by Clare Tradgett
- 2nd Prize ($150) – FREAK! by Tallulah Eaton Lipman
The People’s Choice Award, valued at $500, will be announced at the end of the exhibition.
The Women’s Art Prize continues to be a beacon for artistic expression, inspiring local women to share their stories and perspectives through creative mediums. Whether through painting, sculpture, or written work, these artists have created pieces that spark conversation and celebrate the vibrancy of the Eastern Suburbs’ artistic community.
