Celebrating Our Members
"Our members continue to shine in many wonderful ways. Here are some of the awards, recognitions, and special moments they've recently celebrated:"
2026 Parramatta Art Society Members Art Awards
16 October – 22 November 2026
Our annual Members Art Awards were once again a wonderful celebration of
creativity, talent, and community.
Hanging Team:
A big thank you to Ruhullah Naqshbandi, Scottie Randall, Aung Win Maung &
Caroline Pullinger for their fantastic work in setting up the exhibition
Award Highlights:
Julie Gorman received the Mayoral Award, presented by
Councillor NG, representing the Lord Mayor.
Oil
First Prize - David El-Melky
Second Prize - Aung Win Maung
Third Prize - Joanna Durney Sanz
Acrylic
First Prize - Diane Yousouf
Second Prize - Helga Kelly
Third Prize - Tanya Garrett
Watercolour/Gouage/Ink
First Prize - Tameem Naqshband
Second Prize - Sally Bowyer
Pastel/Pencil/Drawing
First Prize - Colina Grant
Second Prize - Jacklyn Moran
Mixed Media/Other Mediums
First Prize - Renate Fischer
Second Prize - Carmel Mackie
The portrait workshop was an outstanding success, reflected not only in the impressive work produced but also in the heartfelt feedback from participants. Yolanda shared how excited she was to return after last year’s workshop, praising the generous, one-on-one guidance that helped her achieve her best. Desiree expressed how valuable the lessons were, especially learning to build sketches from basic shapes, use colour that brings life to the skin, and create a true likeness from a reference. Their words capture exactly what made this workshop so meaningful: a warm, supportive learning environment where everyone grew in confidence, deepened their understanding, and left inspired. Each participant’s progress was evident, and their enthusiasm and gratitude made the entire experience truly rewarding.
Carmel Mackie
Bill Bramley
We’re thrilled to announce that Bill has taken out two major awards this year. His serene oil painting "Bend of the Yowaka River" was honoured with the Hangers' Award at the 2025 Volunteers Exhibition
a peaceful work inviting quiet contemplation.
Adding to his accolades, Bill also received the Ruth Jones Trophy
Best in Show at the Hornsby Art Society Members Award Exhibition for
"The Rocks at Night."
The judge described it as “an incredible nocturne that showcases the beauty of our iconic city. Using contrast and composition to direct the viewer’s focus, the journey through the painting is punctuated by small moments that provide passages of rest before inevitably returning to the Harbour Bridge focal point.”
A heartfelt congratulations to Bill for these well-deserved recognitions!
Colina Grant
Colina received Best in the Show for her painting called "Peace" (of her son snorkeling off the WA coast) when she entered it in the Combined Art Societies of Sydney's show at Randwick last month, and was presented with the award and flowers by the Governor, Margaret Beazley.
Aung Win Maung
Congratulations to Aung Win Maung for winning 3rd place in Class 1 – Rural Subject and/or Landscape Painting at the Royal Easter Show 2025! His captivating piece, Beer Delivery at The Rocks in 1990, beautifully captured the spirit of the scene. Well done on this fantastic achievement!
Carmel Mackie
Congratulations to Carmel Mackie for her wonderful achievements at the Royal Easter Show 2025!
Carmel was awarded 2nd place in Class 44 – Embroidery Work (Exhibitor’s Own Design) for her beautiful piece Blue Wren, and received a Highly Commended in Class 48 – Masters, Any Technique, for her stunning free-motion 3D embroidery piece Passion Flower. An incredible result – well done!
Julie Gorman
A huge congratulations to Julie Gorman for her outstanding success at the Royal Easter Show 2025! Julie was awarded 1st place in Class 4 – Figurative Painting and received the prestigious RAS of NSW Award of Excellence Medallion for her powerful piece Men at Work – Goulburn Railway Museum. To top it off, the painting has also been sold! An incredible achievement – well done!
Caroline Pullinger
"We are delighted to acknowledge Caroline’s outstanding accomplishment at the 2025 Royal Easter Show, where her beautiful acrylic artwork was proudly sold. Well deserved!"
