Competition Overview
Get creative for a great cause! We’re looking for local artists to help us spread the word about staying safe on our roads—for us and our furry neighbours. Create a drawing, painting or collage to illustrate that sharing the road safely keeps everyone "hoppy" and whole. Whether you're a beginner, a budding Picasso or a seasoned pro, show us how we can all Drive Kangaroo Aware.
The competition is open to:
- All artists aged 5 and above. Categories – primary and high school and adult.
- Residents of the Hawkesbury local Government area.
Competition Theme: Drive Kangaroo Aware
- Create a drawing, painting or collage that includes one of the kangaroos or wallabies found in the Hawkesbury area – eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, common wallaroo or red-necked wallaby. Design an image only. No text is required on the artwork.
Portray imagery that incorporates at least one of the following.
- Remind drivers to slow down
- Poor driver visibility in fog and rain
- Pay attention to yellow kangaroo warning signs
- Kangaroos travel in family groups
- Kangaroos have their own distinct pathways that intersect with our roads
There is increased kangaroo movement:
- in autumn and winter at peak traffic times
- at sunrise and sunset
- during a full moon
Submission Guidelines
Artwork Requirements:
- A4 or A3 size
- Orientation – landscape
- An original drawing, painting or collage
Artwork entries must be a drawing, painting or mixed media work (collage), made from any traditional media including pastel, oils pastel, pen, pencil, charcoal, acrylics, watercolour, oils, mixed media, collage, or other materials.
- Digitally created artwork will not be accepted.
- Entries must be created solely by the entrant and must be the entrant’s original creation.
Submission Limit: Each artist may submit one artwork only.
Artwork name and reflection
- Provide a name for your artwork
- Write a short explanation of why this cause matters to you. Your reflection should be between 50-150 words and be included in the submission form. This will help the judges understand more about you and your work.
- Parents or teachers may help younger children fill in this section.
Submission Format:
- Create a clear digital copy of your artwork that is under 5MB in size. Local libraries offer scanning services for free.
- Photos or scans of the artwork submitted should be 2480x3508 pixels at 600dpi (recommended) and in a well-lit environment if taken as a photo. If you have any problems, email Anne at kangaroos@hen.org.au
- The file should be uploaded via the online submission form https://form.jotform.com/kangaroos/community-art-competition
- Provide your name and your artwork name on the submitted file, e.g. “Peter Brown - The Midnight Bound.jpg”
- The digital copy will be judged, and winning entries will be used to create road safety posters for the community.
How to Submit:
- Entry will be open from 9:00 am AEDT on 02/02/2026 and closes at 5:00 pm AEDT on 2/03/2026 (“Entry Period”). Entries received outside of the Entry Period will not be accepted.
- To enter, you must, during the Entry Period: (a) Visit https://form.jotform.com/kangaroos/community-art-competition and fully complete the online entry form; and (b) upload a photo or scan of the entry (“Artwork”) up to a maximum file size of 5MB.
- Parents, guardians or sponsors must submit their contact details. If you are a teacher, you must obtain consent from the parent or guardian of the entrant prior to submitting the entry. The Organisers are not responsible for obtaining any such consents.
- Entrants may not enter the competition more than once.
- By entering, you agree that the Organisers may publish the entrant’s name, age, written reflection, and their Artwork online and at any events to be held by the Organisers.
Judging Criteria
The judging panel will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria.
We want to see heart and a clear message.
- Creativity: Originality and imagination.
- Theme: How well does it reflect the "Drive Kangaroo Aware" message?
- Visual Impact: Is it eye-catching and does it tell a story?
Prizes
- Winning designs will be featured in our upcoming road safety campaign. Artwork will be printed on signs displayed throughout the community and exhibited at the Drive Kangaroo Aware Hawkesbury Show stand.
- Four (4) winners will receive a gift card of their choice to the value of $250. (No cash prizes).
- A digital presentation of all entries will be created.
- Honourable Mentions: Recognition on social media and the campaign website.
Key dates
Submission Deadline: Monday 2nd March 2026 5pm
Judging Period: Monday 2nd March - Friday 13th March 2026
Announcement of Winners: Friday 13th March 2026
Exhibition: Hawkesbury Show 24th - 26th April 2026
Contact Information: For any inquiries, please contact: Anne Marks
Email: kangaroos@hen.org.au
Website: www.hen.org.au