Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize

Our theme for the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize 2027 is Shaping Regeneration.

The works for the Sunshine Coast Wootha prize 2027 exhibition would consider timber not as a finite resource, but as a living continuum. Wood is not static, it remembers, adapts, and begins again.

Building on this theme, Barung Landcare would like to encourage community dialogue and deepen public connection with its environmental restoration and regeneration work.

We encourage work that considers ‘w**d’ woods as a material source.

Shaping Regeneration invites makers to create work that actively restores ecological and material systems through sourcing, lifecycle, function, and narrative. Submissions should demonstrate how materials, processes, and design can contribute to regeneration, whether through the reuse of overlooked resources, practices that honour ecological systems, or objects designed for longevity and evolving purpose. Regeneration may also be expressed through quieter gestures: forms that suggest new growth, surfaces that reveal hidden histories, or works that invite reflection, delight, and a sense of reverie. Together, these works remind us that renewal is not only a technical challenge, but a creative act.

Welcoming back the Wootha Prize!!

We are pleased to announce that the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize will be returning in 2027.

Start planning your May long weekend!

🌿 Thank you for being part of 2026 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize

If you visited the exhibition, we’d really value hearing from you. The survey takes just a few minutes, and your input directly supports future funding and helps ensure this event continues to grow.

✨ What did you love most?
✨ What stayed with you?
✨ What would you like to see next?

The survey will be open for 7 days only.

👇🏽
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J32NBT6

Thank you again for showing up, supporting the makers, and being part of this community.

🌿 Up close and personal with the winner of the William Bayliss Commemorative Prize

This stunning piece draws you in through its quiet detail and refined craftsmanship — a work that reveals more the longer you sit with it, honouring both material and maker.

Artist: Broc Cattley
Work: Beginnings

"The jewellery cabinet Beginnings is inspired by natural forms, echoing a seed pod as a symbol of life’s origin. It marks a personal transition toward creating work that fulfils and inspires me. Through crafting functional art, I challenge myself to nurture ideas, embrace process, and bring meaningful, intentional creations to life."

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the William Bayliss Commemorative Prize — a truly community-supported award made possible through the generosity of many. Your support ensures this meaningful legacy continues to inspire future generations of makers.

This year’s trophy, beautifully hand crafted by local woodworker Edith-Ann Murray, is a piece in itself — a fitting tribute to the spirit of the prize and the legacy it represents.
Swipe through to view more images.

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The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is a proud initiative of Barung Landcare, and is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, along with our generous prize sponsors and donors.

🎉 Congratulations to the winners of our Wootha Prize raffle!

Gary Myers, 'Morning Light GlasshouseMountains': Winner - Kyle E

Gary Field Timber Sculpture: Winner - Lori

And a last minute Montvale Gin Sample pack donated by Montvale at Montville: Winner - Marilyn F

Thank you to our generous donors to the prize pool, all $1200 of funds raised, will go directly towards Barung Landcare continuing the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize into the future 🙏🏽

🌿 People’s Choice Award — Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize
$500 Prize

Proudly sponsored by Arbortech

Congratulations to Henry McErlean, winner of the 2026 People’s Choice Award for Re-Leaf Seat.

Voted by visitors to the exhibition, this award reflects the connection Henry’s work has made with the public — a beautifully crafted piece that brings the natural world into a functional form, celebrating the organic lines and inherent beauty of timber.

"The Re-Leaf Seat is crafted from salvaged Silver Ash (Flindersia schottiana) and Australian Rosewood (Didymocheton frasieranus). I aimed to bring the natural world and forest into a functional piece, highlighting the organic lines and beauty in the timber. Showcasing how nature and craftsmanship can intersect in an elegant, practical way."

Thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition and cast their vote. Your support helps celebrate and uplift the incredible talent of makers from across Australia.

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The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is a proud initiative of Barung Landcare, hosts of the prize since 2004, and is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council.

🌿 Honorary Mention — Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize

Due to the exceptional standard of entries received this year, the judges awarded an Honorary Mention in each category of the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize — recognising outstanding craftsmanship, creativity and concept across the field.

Furniture Category
Henry Mcerlean — Re-Leaf Seat
The Re-Leaf Seat is crafted from salvaged Silver Ash Flindersia schottiana and Australian Rosewood Didymocheton frasieranus. I aimed to bring the natural world and forest into a functional piece, highlighting the organic lines and beauty in the timber. Showcasing how nature and craftsmanship can intersect in an elegant, practical way.

Sculpture Category
Robert Howard — Coherence
This is my most recent attempt to create this free flowing, curved form which I have developed from what was basically a scribbled line on paper. It is made from a lightweight piece of Huon Pine and I have left it unpolished to preserve its fragile and delicate appearance.

Tiny Treasures Category
Kellie May Mannix — Burrowed Beauty: Pardalote Hollow
Within Burrowed Beauty, a nesting pair of Spotted Pardalote rest in stillness. Hand-carved and gently burned into invasive Jacaranda, the work transforms w**ds to awareness — inviting viewers to slow down and notice the beauty, resilience, and vulnerability held within Australia’s native ecosystems.

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The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is a proud initiative of Barung Landcare, hosts of the prize since 2004, and is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council.

🌿 Last day to visit the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize Exhibition

Don’t miss your final chance to experience this year’s incredible showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.

Cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award — winner announced at 12pm.

The Wootha Prize raffle will also be drawn today.

10am - 2pm
Montvale at Montville
92 Main St, Montville

Coffee and drinks available at Montvale.

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The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize is a proud initiative of Barung Landcare, and is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council.