The creativity and community pride of local residents has been celebrated through Murrumbidgee Council’s Local Government Week Postcard competition, with more than 50 entries received from across the council area.

Judged independently by Western Riverina Arts, the competition invited participants to capture what they love most about the Murrumbidgee region through art and photography.

Entries celebrated everything from family adventures and stunning sunsets to Aboriginal culture, local history, agriculture and the unique landscapes that make the region special.

Murrumbidgee mayor Ruth McRae OAM thanked everyone who took part and congratulated the winners.

“The standard of entries was outstanding and it was wonderful to see so many people celebrating what they love about our region,” Cr McRae said.

“Every artwork and photograph told a story about our communities. They reflected the beauty of our landscapes, our rich history, our agricultural heritage and, most importantly, the pride people have in calling Murrumbidgee home.

“Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and to Western Riverina Arts for judging what was a very difficult field.”

The 2026 winners are:

• Preschool (5 years and under) – Aurora Sipou, Bush Walk

• Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 3) – Ella Ick, Rainbow Poles

• Primary School (Year 4 to Year 6) – Mackenzie Sipou, Sunset over the Murrumbidgee River

• Secondary School (Year 7 to Year 9) – Giselle Gill, Walking History

• Photography (17 years and under) – Charlie Rorato, Serenity

• Photography (18 years and over) – Kayla Sipou, Yellow Fields

There were no entries received in the Secondary School Years 10-12 artwork category.

Western Riverina Arts executive director Aanya Whitehead said this was an excellent initiative by Murrumbidgee council for Local Government Week because it got over fifty people creating works of art.

“We commend all the entrants who looked around themselves with an artistic eye and drew and photographed and painted their postcards. It was a difficult judging process because there were so many notable entries. Our message to all the entrants is to keep creating.”

Winning and highly commended entries will be showcased across Council’s communication channels, celebrating the talent and creativity of the Murrumbidgee community.