Talented young creatives have been recognised at the City of Greater Bendigo's 2025 RAW Arts Awards at a special presentation held at The Capital last night.
The RAW Arts Awards showcase and foster the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region 25 years of age and under, with this year's awards attracting 103 applicants.
The winner and a highly commended entry are recognised in four categories: Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts and Short Film.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the RAW Arts Awards evening and accompanying exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity for young talent in the region to showcase their work.
"The RAW Arts Awards is such a special event in the calendar and a chance for young people to present their work to a wider audience, and gain the recognition they deserve," Cr Metcalf said.
"I am so pleased that the RAW Arts Awards program is a stepping stone for many flourishing creatives and helps to foster their talents and artistic pursuits.
"We are so lucky to have these young aspiring creatives right here in Greater Bendigo, and I congratulate all of the winners and those who have contributed to RAW this year and shared their talent, imagination and stories."
Winners in each category received a $1,500 cash prize and a $500 cash prize was awarded to highly commended creatives.
The announcement of winners was interspersed with a showcase of Performing Arts entrants and screening of films submitted in the Short Film category.
The 2025 RAW Arts Awards winners and highly commended applicants are as follows:
Visual arts
Winner: Geordie Williamson
Highly commended: Jorjiah Sjaardema
Literature
Winner: Kayla Barnfield
Highly commended: Matilda Wilby
Performing arts
Winner: Emma Gleeson
Highly commended: Matilda Wilby
Short film
Winner: Tilda Picken
Highly commended: Yasmin Russell
