12 January 2026
Fitzroy Valley District High School left its mark on the national arts stage in 2025, with students earning top honours in major competitions across Australia.
The Young Australian Art & Writers Awards, a prestigious national program supported by the Children’s Charity Network and OzKids, invited four Fitzroy Valley District High School students to make the 6,000km round trip to Melbourne for the 2025 awards gala, rounding out an exceptional year for the school’s arts program.
'The Snake in the Gloomy Cave' by Lyla Boland.
Year 7 student Lyla Boland was named Young Australian Indigenous Writer of the Year 2025 for her piece, The Snake in the Gloomy Cave, inspired by her own artwork.
Year 6 student Anthony Collard was named Young Australian Indigenous Artist of the Year 2025 for his artwork, The Emu at the River.
Ocean Myers took home the Judges Art Award for her piece Community Celebrations, while fellow students Grayson Green and Ikeem Brown claimed first place in the Junior and Senior categories respectively, with their works, The Balga and Flying over the Kimberley.
A further six students received regional writing and art awards, and 13 students had their stories published in the OzKids printed edition.
'The Emu at the River' by Anthony Collard.
Regional Writing Award winners:
- Hailey Fredericks James – Year 10
- Helouise Oscar – Year 7
- Daisy Brooking – Year 3
Regional Art Award winners:
- Surahanni Pindan – Year 10
- Zileah Gordon – Year 10
- Genesis Nagomara – Year 8 (Wangkatjungka Remote Community School)
The school’s success didn’t stop there, with an impressive 13 Fitzroy Valley students selected as finalists in the City of South Perth Art Awards.
Harley Green won first prize in the First Nations Artist category, while Ocean Myers received a Highly Commended in the Secondary School Artist category.
Students Mila Philips and Kazziah Gordon also had their artworks selected from more than 5,000 entries to be included in the Australian Conservation Foundation’s 2025 Wild at Art exhibition.
Fitzroy Valley students were also recognised in both the primary and secondary categories of YOH Fest 2025, competing against public and private schools from across Western Australia.
Principal Jannette Hindmarsh said the achievements reflect years of dedication from both students and staff.
“I’ve had the privilege of observing these students and their teaching over time, and watching their skills grow has been inspiring,” said Ms Hindmarsh.
“Their creativity, resilience, and pride in their identity shine through in their work. Seeing them gain recognition at this level is a reminder of what’s possible when we nurture talent and provide opportunities for our young people to thrive.
“This achievement is not just about art – it’s about voice, representation, and the power of education to uplift and connect.”
Works from the students at Fitzroy Valley District High School can be viewed on the OzKids website.