The inaugural Illawarra Images Photography Prize 2026 called on local photographers of all ages to show us what speaks to them about the people, places, events and everyday moments of our region. Judges commented on the high overall quality of the images, and the pride and love for the Wollongong region that was evident in the photographs.
Winners were judged in three age categories 6 -12 years, 13-17 years and 18+ years and were announced at an exhibition launch and prize giving on 7th September in History Week. Prize money of $2000 provided by Friends of Wollongong Library was presented. An exhibition of the winners and selection of the shortlisted photographs is on display at Wollongong Library from 8th September. These and other selected entries will be catalogued and added to the library’s Illawarra Images collection.
To view images and their captions, go to the slideshow below or
click on individual images within the gallery.
Winners & shortlist
P53950 Mr Risi by Oliver Risi 1st prize 18+ 
P53951 Harry Climbing Wallyard Arete by Samuel Phillips 2nd prize 18+ 
P53952 Building Boom Wollongong by Kay Carvan 3rd Prize 18+ 
P53953 My stadium signal by Khatiya McCulloch 1st prize 13 -17 years 
P53954 The Shadow by Sinead O’Brien 2nd Prize 13 -17 years 
P53972 Radiant rowers by Millie Pearson 3rd Prize 13 – 17 years 
P53956 Kid’s Eye View by Brydie Gardiner 1st Prize 6 – 12 years 
P53957 Girl walking by Cooper McCormack 2nd Prize 6 – 12 years 
P53958 Grandma in the city by Annabelle Causa 3rd prize 6 – 12 years 
P53959 The street we share by Thishan Kotugodage 
P53960 Dark Scarp 26 by Harley Brown 18+ 
P53962 The Servo by Oliver Risi 18+ 
P53964 The Southern Breakwater by Marion Redmond 18+ 
P53965 Rowers on the Illawarra Lake by Susan Strickland 18+ 
P53966 Sea Cliff Bridge closed for Friends of Palestine protest by Chris Ware 18+ 
P53967 Run Club by Greg Fisher 18+ 
P53968 Woonona Station with a very friendly driver by Barbara Anne Feehely-Mariyung 18+ 
P53969 The Collector by Wendi Leigh 18+ 
P53970 Winter Swim by Robert Herriot 18+ 
P53971 Cycling Without Age by Paul Taylor 18+ 
P53973 Breakwater conversation by Bea Pierce 18+ 
P53963 Bootmaker’s Coffee shop by Lin Hampton 18+ 
P53987 The last light by Jackson Baldassari 13-17 years
Longlist
