Winners of new Footscray Hospital photography competition announced

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The winners of the New Footscray Hospital (NFH) Photography Competition – Of Place: Connections to Nature and Wellbeing were celebrated at an awards night in the hospital’s new community centre.

The competition’s theme invited entries that responded to the natural elements found in the Melbourne’s western suburbs that bring a sense of calm to hospital patients and visitors.

The photography competition was led by Footscray Community Arts (FCA), the official arts partner for the new Footscray Hospital, and marked the final public art opportunity for the project.

Daniel Santangeli, CEO and Artistic Director at Footscray Community Arts, said the announcement of the winning photography works was a proud moment for the project and the community.

“This has been a rewarding partnership with Plenary Health and project partners to curate public art for the new Footscray Hospital – including this community-based photography competition – and it’s been incredible to see the response from the west.

“The winning photographs reflect the creativity, diversity and experiences of the west, and we’re looking forward to seeing these works  become part of the new hospital.”

Selected photographs from the competition will be displayed throughout the new Footscray Hospital, helping to create a calm, restorative and welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff.

Plenary Health New Footscray Hospital Project Chair, Kelvyn Lavelle said, “Through our partnership with Footscray Community Arts, it’s been fantastic to see community photographs become part of the new Footscray Hospital.

“Congratulations to the prize winners and thank you for everyone who entered and has contributed to public art within the new hospital, supporting the health and wellbeing of patients and visitors.”

The judging panel was led by Footscray Community Arts, events producer Sally Walshe (Lady Mohawk) of Show Your Westside, and the NFH artwork evaluation panel.

The photography competition forms part of the hospital’s integrated public art and curatorial theme ‘of place’, with artworks that will be soothing and immersive, playing an important role in providing hospital users with a sense of cultural safety.

The awards were presented by Plenary Health, the consortium delivering the New Footscray Hospital, alongside Footscray Community Arts, Western Health, the Victorian Health Building Authority, and Sally Walsh.

Prize winners:

• Youth Prize (Primary) $250
  Louis Dugas – Stepping Stones
• Youth Prize (Secondary) $250
  Alec Skladzien – Cheetham Fairy Wren
• Third Prize $500
  Solas Winters – Glorious Moments
• Second Prize $1000
  Maria Kocsis – Tiny Worlds
• First Prize $2000
  Simone Panepinto – Harmony in Nature

First prize winner Simone Panepinto said: “It is so rewarding to know that my photo might bring joy in a place where people are often going through difficult moments. Bird photography brings me a sense of joy and calm – it’s a really lovely, safe place for me – and I hope all of those feelings are shared through this image.”

Second prize winner Maria Kocsis said: ““Photography has always been a personal and intimate practice for me, but this past year I’ve been trying to share it more. Winning this award means so much – it made me feel like my work is truly seen and appreciated.”

Third prize winner Solas Winters: “Having my photograph selected as a winning entry is incredibly meaningful. It represents a personal milestone in my artistic journey, but beyond that, it means my work will live on in a way that serves others. Knowing that my image will be part of a space where people seek respite, reflection and calm fills me with immense pride.”

Youth prize (secondary) winner Alec Skladzien said: “I’m glad that my photo will bring joy to people who need it most, and I’m happy that I can share my art with the world.”

And last but not least, Youth prize (primary) winner Louis Dugas said: “It’s amazing – I’m very proud. I’m excited that my photo will be shown throughout the hospital.”