Aussie talent shines in 2025 People First Bank Photographic Awards

From backyard moments to breathtaking landscapes, Australian photographers have taken centre stage with winners announced for the 2025 People First Bank Photographic Awards.

Now in its 37th year, the annual competition continues to shine as one of Australia’s longest-running photography awards, this year attracting 4,108 entries from 1,462 photographers – a 57% increase from last year.

Motherhood Against the Elements – a striking black-and-white image of a mother battling the wind to hang laundry – has earned New South Wales photographer Jypsie Cronan the $15,000 Open Category prize.

“It is such a massive achievement in my photography journey so far,” Ms Cronan said.

“I've been doing photography seriously as my career for 10 years, and to place in a huge competition like this and be exhibited amongst incredible talent is just such a privilege and an honour.”

“I really hope that it inspires other photographers to just enter even if they think their work isn’t good enough. I honestly didn’t think my work would get a second glance and it won!”

In the Theme Category “Community”, South Australia’s Isabella Rogers claimed a $15,000 prize for her tender image Nana and Darcy, capturing the warmth and companionship between her grandmother and her dog.

Other winners included:

• Rachael Ryan (Tilpa, NSW) – A Sea of Horns, Mobile Phone Award.
• Ketut Suwitra (Melbourne, VIC) – Pear Houses, Illustrative Category for digitally manipulated images.
• Sheila Peake (Agnes Water, QLD) – Colours of the Sossusvlei Desert, CEO’s Choice.

Emerging photographers from Queensland and Western Australia also shone in the Youth Categories, reinforcing the competition’s national reach.

Maria-Ann Camilleri, People First Bank Chief Customer Officer, said the surge in entries reflects Australians’ enduring love of photography.

“These awards celebrate creativity, connection and the unique ability of photography to tell stories that move us,” Ms Camilleri said.

“They shine a light on talented photographers from every corner of the country and the incredible diversity of perspectives they bring.”

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

The winner and finalist images can be viewed online at peoplefirstphotoawards.com.au.

Media enquiries

Andrew Fox | People First Bank
0419 714 204 | fox.a@heritage.com.au

Gabrielle Picar-Garcia
0409 594 764 | heritage.news@heritage.com.au