2025 People First Bank Photographic Awards now open

21 July 2025

 

Whether it’s captured on a camera or phone, one powerful photo could earn you part of a $50,000 prize pool in the 2025 People First Bank Photographic Awards – now open to photographers of all ages and experience levels across Australia.

This free, national competition celebrates creativity, storytelling and community – and it’s one of the most inclusive and rewarding photography contests in the country.

Top prizes include:

  • $15,000 for the Theme – ‘Community’ category: What does community look like, feel like or mean to you?
  • $15,000 for the Open category: Any subject, any style
  • $5,000 for the best mobile phone image
  • $5,000 for the Illustrative category: digitally enhanced or manipulated images
  • $5,000 for the CEO’s Choice
  • Plus, a range of Youth and Regional awards

With dedicated Youth categories for ages 9 and under, 10–13 and 14–17, and the Alwyn Kucks Regional Award for work that captures regional subjects or landscapes, the awards are designed to spotlight emerging and established talent alike.

Maria-Ann Camilleri, Chief Customer Officer at People First Bank, said the awards continue a proud tradition of encouraging creativity and connection through photography.

“The awards invite people to share their unique perspective on the world around them,” Ms Camilleri said.

“It’s about celebrating creativity, connection and the way photography can tell powerful, personal stories. We have made the competition as accessible and inclusive as possible – all you need is a phone or camera and a story to share.”

Entries close at 5:00pm AEST on 12 September 2025.

Winners will be announced on 17 October, with finalist images showcased in branch exhibits in Toowoomba and Adelaide later this year.

Full details available at peoplefirstphotoawards.com.au.