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Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards 2024

The Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards honour the life of Torres Strait Elder Ellen José (1951 - 2017).

Final out about

Award background

Ellen was a pioneer in Australia's urban Indigenous art movement and a radical activist and social justice campaigner.

Her contribution to the arts and Bayside was outstanding and inspirational in raising awareness of reconciliation.

Established in 2018, the Ellen José Student Reconciliation Awards are aimed at Bayside primary and secondary school students, bringing awareness of reconciliation to our young people, who are the future of Australia, through art and writing.

Entrants are asked to interpret "As a young person, what does reconciliation mean to you?" in their artwork or writing piece.

Now in their fifth year, the awards reflect Ellen José’s inspirational commitment to building awareness of reconciliation in Bayside and beyond.

The Ellen José Memorial Foundation supports the Awards. 

Award entries 

Primary school students are invited to create an artwork interpreting "As a young person, what does reconciliation mean to you?".

Up to $500 in prize money will be awarded in each category.

An education resource to support teachers has been produced by Council and can be accessed online. 

Learn more about the educational resource.

The Awards are an initiative of the Ellen José Memorial Foundation and delivered in partnership with Bayside Council. To enter, please scroll down and complete the form below. 

Important dates

  • Applications close on Friday 19 April 2024, 5pm
  • All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application by 24 May 2024
  • The exhibition of 20 Finalist pieces will be held from 27 May to 29 July 2024 at Bayside City Council Corporate Centre, 76 Royal Ave, Sandringham VIC 3191
  • Winners will be announced at the Flag Raising Ceremony on Saturday 25 May 2024.

Art award for primary school students

Primary school students are invited to create an artwork that responds to ‘As a young person, what does Reconciliation mean to you?’

There are two categories: Prep to Year 3 and Years 4 to 6

  • Artworks must be completed on a single A3 sized piece of paper with no additional pieces hanging beyond the edges
  • Students currently attending a primary school within the Municipality of Bayside are eligible to enter
  • Maximum of 1 entry per student
  • Entries must be submitted with a jpg photograph/scan of the work via our online application form by 19 April 2024, 5pm

Make an art award for primary submission

Writing and art award for secondary school students

Secondary school students are invited to create an artwork, write an essay or construct a poem that responds to ‘As a young person, what does Reconciliation mean to you?’

There are two categories: Years 7 to 10 and Years 11 to 12

  • The written piece can take the form of a poem or an essay and must be no longer than 500 words 
  • Artworks must be completed on a single A3 sized piece of paper with no additional pieces hanging beyond the edges
  • Entries must be submitted as a Word document via our online application form by Friday 19 April, 5pm 
  • Students currently attending a secondary school within the Municipality of Bayside are eligible to enter 
  • Maximum of 1 entry per student.

Make a writing and art award for secondary school submission

Enquiries

For any enquiries or if you require assistance in entering multiple works, please contact the Community Engagement and Education Officer: artslearning@bayside.vic.gov.au or telephone 9599 4720.