Professional and amateur photographers are invited to showcase their work in one of the nation’s biggest competitions for visual storytellers.
From a dimly lit suburban pool room to kids riding dirt bikes through a farm, the City of Sydney’s Australian Life contest exhibits photographs which capture a unique snapshot of life in our country.
In photography’s answer to the Archibald Prize, the winning adult entry takes home a $10,000 cash prize while the under 18 winner receives $2,000 and an OM System camera pack worth around $2,500.
“Last year’s competition showed us a global world reflected in Australian eyes,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“We saw Taylor Swift fans in Kardu Yek Diminin Country, Elvis impersonators playing rugby league in country NSW and wedding guests pausing their celebrations to watch the Matildas take on France in the Women’s World Cup,” the Lord Mayor said.
Out of the hundreds of entries expected, a panel of expert judges will select 20 images from photographers over 18 and 10 pictures from snappers aged 12 to 17.
The shortlisted photographs will be on display in an outdoor exhibition at Circular Quay from 24 July to 17 August. Winners of the competition will be announced at the opening event on 24 July.
Photographs must have been taken in the past 12 months and AI isn’t allowed to be used.
The public can vote for the people’s choice award once the exhibition opens, with the winner receiving an OM System camera pack worth almost $5,400. Nominations close on 10 August.
Among the 2025 judges is last year’s competition winner, Hank Paul. Paul won the 2024 prize with his image, Penalty Shootout, which depicted wedding guests watching the closing moments of the Women’s World Cup.
It’s the second year the competition has offered a category for teenagers, with Amalia Tawa taking out the top spot in 2024 thanks to her image Sumyta.
Australian Life is part of the City of Sydney’s year-round Art & About program of events and temporary art projects in unusual spaces.
Australian Life sponsor OM System has donated prizes for the competition.
Entries for the Australian Life competition close at 11:59pm on Sunday 2 April 2025.
For more information, including terms and conditions, visit https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/opportunities/enter-australian-life-photography-competition
For media inquiries and images, contact Nicky Breen.
Phone 0436 599 861 or email nbreen@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Paul Mackay.
Phone 0436 816 604 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For more stories, visit City of Sydney News
