Local artist takes top prize again at 2026 Community Art Exhibition Awards

Harry Young has again taken out the major honour for Most Outstanding Artwork at the City of Joondalup’s 2026 Community Art Exhibition.

Young’s concrete sculpture entitled Remember Me was selected for the top prize from close to 200 artworks on display at Westfield Whitford City.

Judges commented that: “This artwork is technically outstanding for its chosen medium of concrete and made stronger for its conceptual pairing with ideas of site and place."

“The artwork is a domestic scale monument that represents the Perth Entertainment Centre, which was demolished in 2011."

“Engaging with nostalgia and our local memory of infrastructure, the artwork is interestingly placed in this shopping centre context, and among a greater context of Perth’s urban development and renewal projects.”

Young claimed the Most Outstanding Artwork prize in 2025 for his concrete sculpture named Forbidden Skate Ramp, and he also picked up the 2013 Artist in Focus award, which led to a solo exhibition with the City.

He has received a cash prize of $4,000 and as a multiple winner of the highest Community Art Exhibition honour he further cements his name amongst the esteemed list of past recipients.

The Community Art Exhibition is a highlight of the City's cultural calendar, bringing together artists from across the local community and showcasing a diverse range of creative works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics and mixed media.

This year's panel of independent judges were:

• Sam Bloor, a Perth-based visual artist.
• Sherry Quiambao, an Australian/Filipina multi-disciplinary artist based in Perth.
• Anna Louise Richardson, a Western Australian artist and curator.

Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston said the exhibition continued to celebrate the creativity, talent and diversity of the City's visual arts community.

"The Community Art Exhibition provides an important opportunity for local artists to share their work, connect with new audiences and contribute to the cultural life of our city," Mayor Kingston said.

 "This year's exhibition showcases an outstanding collection of artworks that reflect the creativity, perspectives and experiences of our community.

"I congratulate all of this year's award recipients and thank every artist who contributed work to the exhibition as their creativity helps make Joondalup a vibrant and culturally rich place to live."

The exhibition remains open at Westfield Whitford City until Saturday 25 July, with all artworks available for purchase.

Visitors can also vote for their favourite artwork in the Popular Choice Award, proudly presented by Westfield Whitford City, with the winning artist to receive a $500 Westfield Gift Card. The winner will be announced following the close of the exhibition.

2026 Community Art Exhibition Category Winners

Most Outstanding Artwork ($4,000 prize) ‘Remember Me’ by Harry Young

Remember Me, Harry Young, 2026. Winner: Most Outstanding Artwork

Highly Commended Award ($1,500 prize) ‘Beach Walk’ by Suzanne Logue

Judges’ comments: “This work features a dynamic composition and bold use of colour to draw the viewer in. Its sense of movement and graphic approach to representing a landscape slips between a realistic and surreal take on the natural world.”

Beach Walk, Suzanne Logue, 2026. Winner: Highly Commended 

Celebrating Joondalup Award ($1,500 prize) ‘Space for Us’ by Jessica Stricklan

Judges’ comments: “This bold work is conceptually strong and technically executed to a high level. Engaging and thought provoking, it captures a story of migration and finding space in a new community and place. Entitled Space for Us, it speaks to the rich blend of community that makes up Joondalup and reflects on Australia’s ever evolving cultural identity."

Space for Us, Jessica Stricklan, 2026. Winner: Celebrating Joondalup Award

Student Award ($750 prize) ‘Buried Alive’ by Heath Forsyth

Judges’ comments: “This artwork is a fresh approach to a portrait, and the artist displays a technical precision and engaging composition to create a feeling of unease. Its dark subject matter is gritty and compelling, drawing the audience in to find out more about the scene.”

Buried Alive, Heath Forsyth, 2026. Winner: Student Award.