Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today congratulated the winners of the 11th annual Aboriginal Artists Exhibition and Competition at an awards ceremony at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery.

Mr Roberts said the Reconciliation Week exhibition and competition, with a prize pool of $16,000 and sponsored by NSW Fair Trading since 2000, was supporting consumer education for Aboriginal people on the Central Coast while providing a showcase for local talent.

“Aboriginal artists in the competition have their talents recognised and local communities gain a better understanding of the role of Fair Trading and how the agency can help them as consumers,” he said.

The first exhibition featured 20 works of art. This year the exhibition showcases more than 90 works.

The Minister said local artist Tony Donovan’s contribution to the local art community and to the competition was being honoured through the major prize.

“This year’s $3,000 Tony Donovan Reconciliation Award has been awarded to emerging Aboriginal artist Colin Wightman for his painting Through knowledge comes understanding,”
he said.

Mr Roberts welcomed the diversity of entries, from professionals, primary school children, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.

All explored this year’s Reconciliation Week theme of Let’s talk recognition.

“The significance of recognition has been thoughtfully captured in each of the works on display,” the Minister said.

“This competition has consistently produced a very high standard of work and the exhibition will be on display at the Gosford Regional Art Gallery until NAIDOC Week in July.

“I urge local residents and visitors to the Central Coast to see this wonderful selection.”

The competition is supported by 12 major sponsors as well as NSW Fair Trading and is a testament to the community’s commitment to reconciliation and respect.

Fair Trading continues its strong partnership with Gosford City Council and the Regional Art Gallery to bring the event to the community.

Sponsors: ARAFMI NSW Central Coast Region; Bridgecoast Finance Group; Central Coast Community College; Central Coast Grammar School; Department of Education and Training; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Gibalee Aboriginal Student Support Unit on the Ourimbah Campus; Gosford City Council and the Gosford Regional Art Gallery; Housing NSW; University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus; Workcover NSW and Phoenix Library Services.

Award Winners – Aboriginal Artists’ Art Competition and Exhibition

The Tony Donovan Reconciliation Award
First Prize – Colin Wightman
Highly Commended – Lana Mlotkowski

The Open Indigenous Award
First Prize – Wendy Pawley
Highly Commended – Vickie Purvis
Commended – Lana Mlotkowski

The Open Indigenous Award (U15)
First Prize – Kaitlynn Cassidy- Curry

The Collaborative Award
First Prize – Peter Baka & Cindy Orcher

The Non - Indigenous Award
First Prize – Cherry Steele
Highly Commended – Jaymee Kokegei

Above: Minister Anthony Roberts and Colin Wightman, First Prize Tony Donovan Reconciliation Award.

Above: Minister Anthony Roberts and the Ganang Spirit Dancers.

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