The People's Choice Award: Celebrating the Art That Connects with Our Community

Since 2024, the Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award has recognised the artwork that captures the hearts of visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition.

Unlike the major awards, which are judged by invited arts professionals, the People's Choice Award belongs entirely to the community. Every visitor has the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork, celebrating the piece that resonates most deeply with those who experience the exhibition.

Creative Connections Whitsundays is proud that Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine has sponsored the People's Choice Award since 2024, recognising not only artistic excellence but the powerful connection between artists and the community.

2025 People's Choice Winner

Brigitte Peel — Unity Comes From the Moon & the Sea

For Brigitte Peel, the journey began with the exhibition theme, Tides of Connection.

She spent considerable time developing the concept before putting brush to canvas, exploring connection through the symbolism of the moon, two children from different cultural backgrounds, and collaged nautical charts once used by her parents while sailing the South Pacific.

"The process of developing the concept took me longer than creating the artwork itself," Brigitte said.

Receiving the People's Choice Award was especially meaningful.

"There is something incredibly special about being acknowledged by your wider community and peers. It confirms that your work has created a lasting impression and genuine connection with others."

Her advice to visitors and future exhibitors?

"Take your time. Really observe the detail in each piece. Every brushstroke tells a story. And for artists, embrace the creative process and let your originality shine through."

2024 People's Choice Winner

Linda Forrester — Radiant Depths

Inspired by almost four decades living in the Whitsundays, Linda Forrester's winning artwork celebrated one of the region's greatest treasures—the Great Barrier Reef.

Created for the exhibition theme Whitsunday Wonders: Above and Below the Surface, Radiant Depths captured the sunlight filtering through the water to illuminate the reef below.

"Light is an important part of my work," Linda explained. "I wanted to capture the way sunlight brings the reef, marine life and underwater textures to life."

Winning the People's Choice Award held special significance.

"It reflected the response of the many people who visited the exhibition. It was encouraging to know the work connected with viewers and perhaps reminded them of their own experiences of the reef and the Whitsundays."

Linda encourages both visitors and artists to become involved.

"The exhibition is always worth visiting. It showcases an incredible range of artwork and offers artists the opportunity to share their creativity with a wider audience."

2023 People's Choice Winner

Melissa Stone — A Mother's Love

The inaugural Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition People's Choice Award was presented to Bowen artist Melissa Stone for her moving work, A Mother's Love.

For Melissa, the People's Choice Award is especially meaningful because it reflects the response of the community.

"The People's Choice Award is the one prize artists always want to win. A judge is one person selecting artwork using their own criteria, but the People's Choice reflects how the public sees the artwork, and I really cherish that."

Inspired by the beauty of the Whitsundays, Melissa chose to paint whales as a celebration of the incredible natural environment on our doorstep.

"I'm in awe of the beauty of the Whitsundays and what we have here. As an artist, I love being able to capture that beauty in nature."

Cast Your Vote

The 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition opens on 30 July, showcasing 85 finalist artworks by 66 artists responding to this year's theme, Beyond Beauty.

As you explore the exhibition, don't forget to cast your vote for the 2026 Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award. Your vote could help recognise the artwork that captures the imagination of our community and continue a tradition of celebrating the artists whose work resonates most deeply with visitors.

Every vote helps tell the story of the art that connects us.

View the full list of finalists »

What: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition When:

• Opening Night 6:30pm Thursday 30 July

• Exhibition Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach