Who will you paint for the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize?

What do Sid Harvey, Jamie Lyon, Jan Logan, Chris Latham, Nira Stove, Shannon Davey, Laura Gourley, Julie Fragar, Daft Punk and Jason Stoltenberg have in common?
They could all be the muse of your masterpiece entry in the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize.

You might choose to paint a local legend, an award-winner, a favourite neighbour, teacher, scientist, farmer or bus driver – any familiar, friendly or even frowning face from across our wonderfully diverse district.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Dr Bec Thistlethwaite with Ellie and Tess.

Think Col ‘Mad Dog’ Gillham, Roxanne Whitton with Marvin her potty-mouthed parrot, Shanna Whan, Darrell Tiemens, Daft Punk, Dr Bec Thistlewaite, Clifford Toomey, your mum, your dad, grandma or grandpa.
The options are endless because there are so many extraordinary stories and faces waiting to be painted.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Rugby stars Sid and Martha Harvey. The prize is open to artists from anywhere, as long as the portrait is of someone with a connection to the Narrabri Shire.
“This is all about celebrating the people who live in, have shaped, or remain deeply connected to the Narrabri Shire,” said Angie Jones, one of the masterminds behind the 2026 Narrabri Portrait Prize: Local Lives.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Jayden and Lillie Hamblin.

“They might live here, have grown up here, worked here, raised a family here, the Narrabri region needs to be part of their story.
“I am really looking forward to seeing who people paint and hearing the stories behind the portraits.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Narrabri Fish Farm owner Rick Cunningham holding a Murray cod.

“It could be someone we walk past in the street every day, but we don’t know there’s more to their story. Everyone has a story.
“It’s been really interesting to hear the ideas people are coming up with, people who have a connection to the Narrabri region and their portrait will see them coming back home.
“I’ve also been asked lots of great questions, and yes – they can be dead or alive.”

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Iconic jewellery designer, the late Jan Logan pictured with Georgie Haire and Sandy Tapscott.

Artists are invited to submit painted, drawn or mixed media portraits of people with a strong connection to Narrabri and the region.
“I’ve also been asked if using sequins is OK; mixed media is very welcome, so bedazzle away, but no photography, sculpture or digital-only works.”
Angie said it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional artist or an aspirational artist, “just get into it and have a go”, with entries due in September.

Who will you paint for the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize? The late John Collett, World War II veteran.

In October, during Narrabri Shire’s CREATE festival, selected finalists will be displayed at the Tourist Hotel as part of a public exhibition celebrating regional storytelling through portraiture.
“Some portraits will be for sale, but they also don’t have to be,” Angie said.
The Tourist Hotel has long been a champion of local artists, hosting CREATE collaborations and exhibitions that showcase and celebrate local talent.

Who will you paint for the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize? NOSH cook-off winners Cody and Sam Huff.

An example is Narrabri’s award-winning artist Deb Michell-Smith, known for ‘obsession with red dirt, big skies and the people who live it’.
Deb said she’s excited about the launch of the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize: Local Lives.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Clifford Toomey.

“Portraiture has a unique ability to tell stories, celebrate character and capture the people who help shape our communities,” she said.

Artist Deb Michell-Smith with her portrait of Stacey Ford from Fossil Downs Station, WA. With the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize, the prize is open to artists from anywhere, but the portrait needs to be of someone with a connection to the Narrabri Shire. “This is all about celebrating the people who live in, have shaped, or remain deeply connected to the Narrabri Shire,” said Angie Jones, one of the masterminds behind the 2026 Narrabri Portrait Prize: Local Lives.

“The new prize will shine a spotlight on the faces and stories of Narrabri Shire, creating a lasting visual record of the people who live, work and contribute to our region.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? The late Allan Anderson.

“As an artist who loves painting people and sharing their stories through portraiture, I’m thrilled to see a new opportunity like this emerge in regional Australia.
“Supporting local artists, local stories and local people is something worth celebrating.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Frank Pike.

“I encourage artists to consider entering and helping build what I hope becomes a much-loved annual event for the Narrabri Shire.”
As well as a $2,000 major prize, there is also a $500 People’s Choice award up for grabs – a chance for attendees to have their say.

Who will you paint for the Narrabri Portrait Prize? Col ‘Mad Dog’ Gillham.

With a similar fun, feel-good vibe to the popular Packing Room Prize at the Archibald, Narrabri’s People’s Choice promises to get everyone talking and championing their favourite faces.
The Archibald is Australia’s most prestigious portrait award, held annually at the Art Gallery of NSW, and its Packing Room Prize always draws lots of attention.

Founder of Sober in the Country Shanna Whan AM, with loyal blue heeler Daveo, painted by talented local artist Deb Michell-Smith. Deb said she is excited about the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize and encouraged artists to consider entering and supporting what will hopefully become a much-loved annual event.

It is chosen by the gallery staff who unpack and hang portraits,And speaking of the Archibald, it’s worth shining a light on one of Narrabri Shire’s brightest artistic success stories: former Wee Waa High School student Julie Fragar, who famously took out the prestigious prize in 2025.The Archies are known for highlighting figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times.

Who will you paint for the inaugural Narrabri Portrait Prize? You might choose to draw a local legend, an award winner, a favourite neighbour, teacher, scientist, farmer or bus driver — any familiar, friendly or even frowning face from across our wonderfully diverse district. The options are endless because there are so many stories and faces waiting to be painted. The prize is open to artists from anywhere, as long as the portrait is of someone with a connection to the Narrabri Shire. Pictured, Roxanne Whitton with Marvin, her potty-mouthed parrot.

With no shortage of local heroes and incredible stories etched into the faces of our region, the shire is already buzzing with entry ideas for Narrabri’s very own prestigious portrait prize, celebrating who we are and the people and lives who shape us.