Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies has congratulated local artists and thanked all sponsors
who supported the final Wheatbelt Art Prize held in Merredin.
The weekend event at Cummins Theatre offered a combined prize purse of $5 000, and attracted
art, photography and sculpture of a high very calibre.
Started by former Nationals Member for Merredin Brendon Grylls in 2006, the Wheatbelt Art Prize
has continued to gather momentum at every staging since.
Ms Davies said the event had grown over the years and it had been a pleasure to create the
platform for local artists to exhibit and sell their works.
“There is a very talented artistic community throughout the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt and it has
been a personal passion of mine to create more opportunities for exhibitions – whether it be
through the Wheatbelt Art Prize, or sponsoring existing art shows in the electorate,” she said.
“Seeing the world through another person’s perspective, encouraging creative thought and
expression and building skills and opportunities for the arts community has always been important
to me.”
Ms Davies thanked the sponsors who had generously supported the event, and this year’s judge
Stephen Castledine, of Castledine + Castledine based in Kalamunda.
“Without the backing of sponsors and support of our volunteer event managers Kath Brown and
local artist Robert McCaffrey the event would simply not happen,” she said.
2024 WINNING ARTISTS
• Wheatbelt Art Prize (sponsored by Hon Mia Davies MLA, McKenzie Family Funerals &
RSM Australia): Fiona Sharp “New Dawn”
• Runner-up (sponsored by Collgar Renewables): Jo Millington “Mallee Magic”
• Youth Award (sponsored by Lachlan Hunter): Jada Moore “Soul of Light”
• Photography Award (sponsored by CBH Group): Kate Caughey “Still Shining”
• Shire of Merredin Acquisition Prize ($1000): Rosemary Lambert “Evening Stroll”
