“Australian Life” Photography Competition To Host Free Exhibition Of All 20 Finalists

20 finalists from the prestigious “Australian Life” photography competition have had their images selected for public display. From 25 September to 11 October, the public will be able to attend the free outdoor exhibition at Sydney Square, beside Town Hall on George Street.

The winning images, captured by both amateur and professional photographers, aim to represent the spirit, diversity, and resilience of modern Australia, portraying not just special moments, but also everyday people, and chance encounters. 

Among the subjects of the finalist images are a Nigerian Australian adorned in traditional Edo (Benin) bridal attire; an Australian native White’s seahorse; a portrait of “Cat Man”, a feral cat trapper on Kangaroo Island; and more than a few Aussies enjoying their quintessential summer pastime: the beach.

Each was selected by a panel comprising The Guardian photojournalist Carly Earl, film and television producer Melissa Azizi, and Yorta Yorta photographer Joseph Mayers, from a pool of over 2,400 entries.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore On The Importance Of The “Australian life” Competition

“For 24 years, Australian Life has been a platform for photographers across the country to share compelling visual stories that capture the unique character of our country and its people,” said Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore.

“We open Australian Life to photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels, making it one of the country’s most inclusive photography prizes.”

The Lord Mayor has commemorated the 20 finalists’ images on both their diversity and their shared depiction of Australian identity.

“These finalist images reveal moments that are deeply personal, uniquely Australian and universally relatable. Together, they create an exhibition that portrays the people, places and experiences that shape Australia’s identity.”

The winner of the competition will be announced at the opening of the exhibition and will receive a $10,000 cash prize, the 2025 winner capturing a stunning image of young drovers on a dusty Queensland stock route.

In the meantime, visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite image, with The People’s Choice Award being announced on 9 October. The winner will receive an OM SYSTEM camera package valued at $5,300.