Cossack art awards
Statement
Hon Julie Freeman (6:23 pm): I would like to finish my day today on a positive note. Over the winter recess, I had the wonderful experience of travelling through the Pilbara with my husband in our ever-reliable camper trailer. It surely is the quintessential Western Australian winter holiday, chasing the sun in our incredible north. Along the way, our trip had the good fortune to coincide with the Cossack Art Awards, and I was delighted to be at the gala awards night. Proudly launched by the City of Karratha, the Cossack Art Awards has grown from small beginnings in the Pilbara into one of Australia's richest and most respected regional art prizes. What started as a local celebration of creativity has now become a nationally recognised event showcasing incredible talent from across the Pilbara and beyond, while putting the unique Pilbara region on the cultural map.
The backdrop for the art awards is the historic town of Cossack. Settled in 1863, Cossack was the first port in the North West and was critical to the development of the pastoral industry in the region. The awards take over this beautiful heritage-listed town every year during July and August. Located about 50 kilometres from Karratha, Cossack comes to life with hundreds of artworks displayed across historic buildings. Each year, the event features an artist in residence and a full public program, giving locals, visitors and emerging artists the chance to connect, learn new skills and be inspired. The awards celebrate two-dimensional artworks by Australian residents aged 16 years and over, and this year's awards had almost 300 entries and $100,000 in prize money was distributed across the categories of works on paper, open theme, emerging young artists, Pilbara landscape, painting by Pilbara Indigenous artist, North West flora and fauna, portraits, best artwork by Pilbara artist and best overall artwork. I would like to congratulate the winner of the best overall artwork award, Anita Phillips, for her work This rumble tumble land I love. To quote the judges:
We were unanimous in selecting this striking artwork. Accurately depicting the Pilbara landscape and beautifully creating the sense of place as it comes to life on the canvas, the skilful use of expressive brush strokes works in conjunction with a palette that is so unique to this land.
This event is a real highlight for the region. It is something to be very proud of. I would like to acknowledge the support of generous sponsors and supporters and the army of workers without whom regional events like these just could not happen. The 2025 Cossack Art Awards is a brilliant celebration of Pilbara culture and creativity, and a visit to Cossack to coincide with this event should surely be on every Western Australian's winter bucket list.
