The winners of the 34th Annual Mil-Pra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) Exhibition & Art Prize have been announced following the exhibition launch and awards presentation at Liverpool Powerhouse on Saturday evening.
Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun congratulated this year’s winners, with Michael Fardon’s The Didge Player receiving the Mayor’s Choice Award, Bernadette Hardy’s Bodies of Water that Hold Us receiving the Maria Lock Award, Peta Link’s Big Mob Celebrations receiving the Mil-Pra AECG Award, and Hayley Clarke’s Grounded, Gathered, Renewed receiving the Liverpool Powerhouse Aboriginal Scholarship Prize 2026.
Mayor Mannoun said the annual exhibition remains one of the region’s most important celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.
“For 34 years, the Mil-Pra AECG Exhibition and Art Prize has provided an invaluable platform for First Nations artists, students and schools to share stories, celebrate culture and showcase extraordinary creativity,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“The depth of talent on display this year was remarkable. Congratulations to Michael Fardon, Bernadette Hardy, Peta Link and Hayley Clarke on receiving these prestigious awards.
“Each of the winning works reflects the strength, diversity and richness of First Nations artistic practice, while offering audiences unique perspectives on culture, community, identity and connection to Country.
“The range of entries allows visitors to experience many different artistic voices and cultural perspectives. It also provides an important opportunity for local schools and young people to engage with First Nations culture in meaningful and respectful ways.
“Through these works we see resilience, heritage and hope. We see the vision of emerging and established artists alike, and the legacy being passed proudly to the next generation of First Nations leaders and storytellers.
“Liverpool City Council is proud to support this exhibition, together with our community partners and sponsors, and proud to invest in acquisitive awards that ensure significant First Nations artworks become part of Liverpool’s permanent story.”
Mayor Mannoun also acknowledged the Mil-Pra Regional AECG, Liverpool Powerhouse, sponsors, volunteers and community partners whose ongoing commitment has sustained the exhibition for more than three decades.
“I thank KARI, the Dharug Strategic Management Group, David Harding and Dr Nabila Ansari, the South West Sydney Women’s Centre, Liverpool Women’s Health Centre, Bonnie Support Services, Ms Charishma Kaliyanda MP and the NSW AECG Inc. for their invaluable support of First Nations artists, students and communities,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“I also want to acknowledge the dedicated team at Liverpool Powerhouse, whose ongoing commitment to championing First Nations arts and culture continues to make this exhibition a success year after year.”
“This exhibition continues to demonstrate the power of art to bring people together, strengthen community and celebrate the enduring strength of First Nations culture. I encourage everyone to visit and experience these remarkable works for themselves.”
