IWC has wrapped up the first year of its Reconciliation Art Project with an inspiring public exhibition and afternoon tea during National Reconciliation Week.
The event proudly celebrated the voices and creativity of local primary school students from across the region.
With this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme Bridging Now to Next, students were invited to reflect on what reconciliation meant to them and turn those reflections into powerful visual artworks.
The initiative was supported through sponsors, judges, and the students who created meaningful and thoughtful pieces for the IWC Reconciliation Through Art Exhibition.
The project concluded with a special event at IWC’s Barolin Street centre, where winners were announced following a community vote and judging panel.
- First place went to Ivy of Bundaberg Christian College, who received a Surface Go 4 with stylus and keyboard donated by Queensland Computers.
- Second place was awarded to Jaide of Walkervale State School, receiving an art class prize pack from Kate Victoria Creative.
- Third place was awarded to Carter of Kalkie State School, taking home a voucher from Art Plus Bundaberg.
- The Judges’ Award for strongest response to the theme was presented to Bonnie of Bargara State School.
- A Highly Commended award was given to the BundaWanDi Rangers of Elliot Heads State School for their group poem and overall contribution to the project.
The afternoon also featured a moving poem by the BundaWanDi Rangers, and a strong show of support from the wider community who came together to honour the stories and creativity of our future generation.
Looking ahead, IWC hopes to expand the project in 2026, working more closely with local schools to bring the discussion of reconciliation into classrooms—giving every student the opportunity to reflect, learn and create.
This project is about keeping the conversation going and helping young people understand that reconciliation is not just a moment, it’s an everyday practice.
For schools or community members who would like to be part of next year’s IWC Reconciliation Art Project, get in touch via email: marketing@iwc.org.au.
