Media Release
The National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health held the Health Matters! Art Competition ceremony on 26 February, celebrating all winners and artists of the 60 artworks submitted.
The art competition prompted individuals with intellectual disabilities from all over Australia to create art that represents what mattered most to them in health care.
All of the entries have contributed to the development of the Centre’s Co-Designed National Research Priorities report, launching in May 2026.
The Centre received an overwhelming number of entries and over 1000 people voted in the people’s choice category.
Professor Julian Trollor, the Centre’s Director, said the art competition gives a deep insight into the health care issues that matter most to people with intellectual disability.
"Not only are all of the entries into this competition incredible works of art, they also tell an important story," Prof Trollor said.
"These artworks are more than creative expression - they are lived experience on in artform.
"Each piece tells us something about what it feels like to navigate the health system - the fears, the barriers, the hopes and the moments of good care.
Prof Trollor said the competition is a great example of excellence in research co-design with people with lived experience.
"The artworks will help our research team learn what people with intellectual disabilities think is important in health research so they can identify the national health research priorities of people with intellectual disabilities.
"In order for healthcare solutions to be meaningful and have a long-term impact, they must be guided by people with intellectual disability."
Lead researcher, Associate Professor Mary-Ann O'Donovan, Centre for Disability Studies, affiliate of the University of Sydney, congratulated all the winners.
"We were overjoyed with the response to the art competition. It not only demonstrates the diverse talents of people with intellectual disability across Australia but shows ways in which we can be fully inclusive of people with intellectual disability with different communication needs," Associate Prof O’Donovan said.
"The artwork shows the areas of health that people with intellectual disability feel are important. It is essential that government listen to what people with intellectual disability have to say about health in Australia."
Winners are listed below
1st place: Crystal Dowling (VIC) - Maladaptive daydreaming
"Maladaptive Daydreaming offers a visceral and profound portrayal of human experience, powerfully raising awareness of the condition and its impact on mental health. The artist’s intricate use of colour, the depiction of the eye as a window to the soul, and the movement conveyed through flowing tears, draw the viewer into an emotional dialogue. Grounded by a wooden base, the piece gains texture and depth, creating a layered and compelling visual experience.” Suzy Dunne - Judging Panel
2nd place: Roslyn Gear (NSW) - Pet Therapy
"Roslyn has brought together a complex interplay of the competitions themes and lived experience through thoughtful composition, colour and depth. Somehow enabling the work to be both serious and delightful all at once." Niki Read - Judging panel
Equal 3rd place: Both Ty Hardin (NSW) - NOT A NUMBER
"This was a very powerful and strong poem and an incredible way to do things. Congratulations Ty!" Digby Webster - Judging Panel
Equal 3rd prize: Holly Walton (VIC) - Amongst the Bush
"Holly’s use of colour and textured brushstrokes is so energising. You can see from her artwork that her connection to nature is vibrant and comforting. When I look at her artwork, I can feel the calm and ease she experiences when she goes into the bush. It makes me want to head out bushwalking to do some birdwatching for my own mental health and well-being." - Judging Panel
People’s Choice Award: Simi Ghinisberg (NSW) - These are the sounds I make
Simi’s work is a film that documents her many ways of communicating through the ‘sounds she makes’ signing, miming, using conversation cards and technology/ipad. Inclusive communication has meant better health outcomes for Simi. Making her artwork has also led to many good things for Simi who is healthier, safer, experiencing better wellbeing and quality of life.
Highly commended
Clare Hooper (NSW) - My Places in Drummoyne
"I admire how Clare has brought the importance of community, place, nature, pets and social activities to life in her painting with so much joy, movement and feeling”. Niki Read - Judging panel
Declan Kavanagh-Bugel (VIC) - Playing guitars, crying
"For me, that piece of art I pick of Declan’s - the visual music is very rocky and the whole style of his character is very urban and that’s what I like about it. Very unique kind of style.” Digby Webster, Judging Panel
Shai De Vletter-Sont (NSW) – Inner Spiral
"The artwork employs strong symbolism and conceptualism - meeting the brief with originality” - Suzy Dunne, Judging Panel
Kylie Scott (NSW) Kylie’s Hope Clinic
"I love how she includes all the people she wants in her clinic. I can relate to lots of doctors and supporters helping me along the way, If this was a real thing it would be a big deal for everyone, because everyone needs medical help at some point in their lives. It was very fun to be a judge.” Lauren Kerjan, Judging Panel
Bridget Kelly (NSW) - Speak
"I love the vibrancy in the work, and the strong, sophisticated sense of design Bridget has. The work makes me feel alive and energised - it actively helps my well-being feel improved. Thank you, Bridget, and well done!” Gabrielle Mordy, Judging Panel
The Health Matters! art exhibition can be viewed here.
Media contact: Alana Mew - 0419 929 722
