RAW Arts Awards
Since 1997, the RAW Arts Awards have celebrated the creativity of young artists, writers, performers and film makers.
The RAW Arts Awards, a City of Greater Bendigo Initiative, are committed to fostering the talents and artistic pursuits of young people in the region.
Awards are given to entrants in 4 categories:
- Visual Arts
- Literature
- Short Film (previously called Digital Media)
- Performing Arts
On this page we have the books prepared as mementos of the RAW Arts Awards, 2020 to 2025, as well as a list of past winners.
Applications are now open for the 2026 RAW Arts Awards.
Awards are open to young people (25 and under on June 4, 2026) living, studying or working primarily in Greater Bendigo.
There are four categories: Visual Arts, Short Film, Literature and Performing Arts, with prizes of $1,500 and $500 awarded in each category.
To enter:
- Download and read the RAW 2026 guidelines for full eligibility details and category guidelines.
- Complete the application form; printable copy is included in the guidelines, or online by Monday May 4, 2026.
Submit your entry for judging:
- Short Film, Literature and Performing Arts entries must be received by Monday May 4.
- Visual Arts entries must be delivered to Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo on Tuesday June 2.
The 2026 RAW Arts Awards Announcement and Showcase will occur at The Capital on Thursday June 4 at 6pm.
Anyone entering RAW is encouraged to discuss their application with the Arts Officer, email [email protected] or call +61 3 5434 6478.
2025 RAW Arts Awards Catalogue
2024 RAW Arts Awards Catalogue
2023 RAW Arts Awards catalogue
2022 RAW Arts Awards catalogue
2021 RAW Arts Awards catalogue
2020 RAW Arts Awards catalogue
Past winners
The RAW Arts have been running since 1997. See below for details of winners arranged by category.
Visual arts
- 2025: Geordie Gem Williamson: "White Noise - OCD with Yasmin Arkinstall", Oil on Stretched Linen Canvas
- 2024: Sofie Sawka
- 2023: Bethany Mansfield
- 2022: Leah Sigley
- 2021: Lilly Skipper
- 2020: Tahlia McCuskey
- 2019: Eve Fetherstonhaugh
- 2018: Michael Watson
- 2017: Star Wanyama
- 2016: Indi Wild
- 2015: Vanessa Pieper
- 2014: Sarah Edwards
- 2013: Matilda Purcell
- 2012: Gemma Simpson
- 2011: Morgan McCormick
- 2010: Christopher Tay
- 2009: Ben Wheeldon
- 2008: Rebecca Gillies
- 2007: Carly Day
- 2006: Karen Annett-Thomas
- 2005: Kane White
- 2004: Carly Day
- 2003: Danielle Kerlin
Between 1997 and 2003 awards were given every second year and awarded in three age categories:
2001:
- 12-15 years: Shane Sells
- 16-20 years: Shannon Mills
- 21-26 years: Skye Leoni
1999:
- 12-15 years: Jessie Dole
- 16-20 years: Suzanne Hemphill
- 21-26 years: Joanna Bartels
1997:
- 12-16 years: Carla Milich
- 17-20 years: Suzie Marshall
- 21-25 years: Jennifer King
Literature
The literature section began as “Not the Miles Franklin Awards", and was renamed the “RAW Literary Scholarship” in 2003.
- 2025: Kayla Barnfield
- 2024: Phillipa Pearse
- 2023: Anna Dunnicliff-Wells
- 2022: Samantha Johnston
- 2021: Jobe Thomson
- 2020: Alia Melgin-Hill
- 2019: Maggie Pratt-White
- 2018: Ashlyn McDonald
- 2017: Elyse Moore
- 2016: Caitlin Bissett
- 2015: Shantara Johnstone
- 2014: Gemma Simpson
- 2013: Tawney Leithhead-Craigie
- 2012: Emily Tatti
- 2011: Emily Tatti
- 2010: Tobias Mambwe
- 2009: Amber Holmes
- 2008: James WF Roberts
- 2007: Nicholas Walsh
- 2005: Erin Wyatt
- 2004: Lisa Martin
- 2003: Tilby Vernon
Between 1997 and 2003 awards were given every second year and awarded in three age categories:
2001:
- 12-15 years: Ben Wheeldon
- 16-20 years: Lyndon Morely
- 21-26 years: Tora Spanberger
1999:
- 12-15 years: Estmund Mambwe
- 16-20 years: Corey Hague
- 21-26 years: Ben Milne
1997: Glenn Morris and Esther Coultas
Short Film
This award was originally called the Burning Shorts – Short Film Awards. The title was changed to RAW Arts Awards, Digital Media in 2008 and in 2022 the title was changed to Short Film.
- 2025: Tilda Picken, "Stand There"
- 2024: Coen Gould, "Hunted"
- 2023: Sara Hancock
- 2022: Ben Martin
- 2021: Leroy Miller
- 2020: Mitchell Cook
- 2019: Jasper Turpie
- 2018: Luke Rowlatt
- 2017: Adam Hartshorn
- 2016: Adam Hartshorn
- 2015: Michael Bowley
- 2014: Isaebella Doherty
- 2013: Michael Bowley
- 2012: Bailey Cook
- 2011: Tobias Mambwe
- 2010: Isaebella Doherty
- 2009: Patrick Hayes
- 2008: Bob Wrigley
- 2001: Jeremy Silver
Performing arts
- 2025: Emma Gleeson, music
- 2024: Liam Duivenvoorden, music theatre
- 2023: Ryan McPartlane
- 2022: Tara Muscatello
- 2021: Jade Cuskelly, music and theatre
- 2020: Charlie Davis-Tope, music
- 2019: Jessica Chalmers, music: singing
- 2018: Nay Ye Thwey Aung, music
- 2017: Maree Whillance, music
- 2016: Evangeline Matthews, music: violin
- 2015: Zebulun Lea, music: saxophone
- 2014: William Archibald, music: guitar
- 2013: Sarah Seery, dancing: classical ballet
- 2012: Mishalle Santos, music
- 2011: James Earl, music
- 2010: Sophie Cheeseman, music theatre
- 2009: Emma Cheeseman, dance
- 2008: Edwin Spark, music
- 2007: Cathleen Rosier, music
- 2006: Errin Arnel, classical dance
- 2005: Brett Ludeman, drama/theatre
- 2004: Jason Strahon, music: brass
- 2003: Janelle Hopman, music
YoBendigo / Ambedo Award
- 2024: Ben Martin, Setho - HOTME$$ Ft. Juiceboxx (Short Film)
- 2023: Samantha Johnston, Gluttony (Literature)
- 2022: Levity Camilleri Pose/Poise (Literature)