Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson has been awarded the Koorie Heritage Trust's Award for Excellence in Any Media for her work, Porronggitj gupma Ngaramilli baa Bunyia Beenyak under Barri-morrgal - The Brolga Dancing by the Eel Trap, Under the Moon.

"Porronggitj, or the Brolga as it is known by in English language, plays an important role in Wadawurrung Songlines for its graceful dancing under the moon," she said.

"Today, our women perform a dance that calls back the Brolga after it was scared off during the first stages of settlement through mining and people moving into what is now known as the Goldfields of Ballara.

"A sensitive bird that our women resonate with as a life force for calm and peace. When the water is altered or dries up, the Brolga leaves and is only just returning now.

"Pictured next to Yaramlok Yaluk (Yarrowee river) that has a traditional woven eel trap (Buniya Beenyak) nestled in amongst the rocks and other water birds of Wadawurrung Dja (Country)."

Koorie Heritage Trust revealed five additional award winners across five categories. Each received a cash prize from a total pool of $30,000.

The 3D Award (sponsored by Viva Energy Australia) won by Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung) for her work Waima - to carry; the Emerging Artist Award (sponsored by RMIT) won by Alena Landers (Djugun) - Made, Unmade, Remade; Reconciliation Award (sponsored by Lendlease) won by Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung) - How I See You: Kunuwarra & Swan; Aboriginal Melbourne Award (sponsored by City of Melbourne) won by Chloe Jones (Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba) - That's not yours; and the Encouragement Award (sponsored by KHT) won by Richard Young, (Gunditjmarra / Gunnai - Multi Clan) - Lake Condah.

Deanne Gilson (Wadawurrung), Porronggitj gupma Ngaramilli baa Bunyia Beenyak under Barri-morrgal - The Brolga Dancing by the Eel Trap, Under the Moon, 2025 synthetic polymer paint, charcoal from Marlene Gilson's fire, 23 karat gold, copper leaf, canvas. (Image:Christian Capurro)

This year's judging panel for both the 13th Koorie Art Show and 8th Koorie Art Show Young Mob comprised of Aunty Glenda Eccles (Wadawurrung), Aunty Patsy Smith (Taungurung) and Dr Christian Thompson AO (Bidjara).

''The diversity of artwork mediums and clans represented was very compelling, and it was truly wonderful to see traditions clearly passed down through the generations. There was a clear overarching message contained in the works - Culture is Country and of Country. The crucial nature of waterways, as well as imagery and symbolism of Country, welcomed us into the gallery spaces,'' the judging panel said in a joint statement.

Koorie Heritage Trust chief executive Tom Mosby expressed how impressed he was with this year's artists and their work.

"Congratulations to all our award recipients," he said.

"This year's works are rich, considered and deeply connected to culture, Country and kin."

The 13th Koorie Art Show features more than 120 works - including 55 first-time entrants - highlighting the vitality and ongoing evolution of contemporary First Peoples' art in Victoria.

This year's exhibition includes 35 three-dimensional works (with 10 woven pieces), more than 100 two-dimensional artworks spanning painting, drawing and photography, and two video works.

An open-entry, non-acquisitive award exhibition, the Koorie Art Show invites emerging, mid-career and established First Peoples artists, designers and craftspeople to share their voices, stories and perspectives.

From digital illustration and printmaking to textiles, ceramics and painting, the exhibition offers a compelling snapshot of the diversity, innovation and cultural strength shaping First Peoples' creative practice in Victoria today.

Reconciliation Award (sponsored by Lendlease) Madi Mercer (Wadawurrung) How I See You: Kunuwarra & Swan, 2025, raffia. (Image: Koorie Heritage Trust 2025)

The Koorie Art Show is the only exhibition in Victoria dedicated exclusively to showcasing the work of Koorie and Victorian-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Koorie Heritage Trust is also proud to present the 8th Koorie Art Show Young Mob exhibition and Awards. A record 38 aspiring artists aged 5-16 have entered this year, each eligible for a range of art-store voucher prizes.

Their works reveal emerging talent and present a vibrant array of engaging, thoughtful creative expressions.

This year's Koorie Art Show also marked a significant milestone for Koorie Heritage Trust : 40 years since the organisation's founding in 1985 and 10 years in its Birrarung Building home at Fed Square.

Together, these anniversaries celebrate four decades of cultural leadership, community connection and the continual growth of First Peoples art in Victoria.

The Show continues Koorie Heritage Trust's commitment to nurturing and promoting Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and artists. All submitted works are presented in a salon hang and are available for sale. The Koorie Heritage Trust People's Choice Award will be announced at the close of the exhibition.

The Koorie Art Show is proudly supported by Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, the Australian Government's Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, RMIT University, Lendlease, Viva Energy Australia, ANZ Bank and Fed Square.

13th Koorie Art Show opened on Saturday the 6th of December 2025 and runs until Sunday 22 February 2026, Koorie Heritage Trust, Birrarung Building, Fed Square.

For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.