At the 40th Bentley Art Prize presentations were made at Bentley Community Hall today, Saturday, August 2.
Reg and Phyllis Hartley started the Bentley Art Prize in 1985 and ran it until 2005, when Helen Trustum took over.
Helen made a speech to the crowd gathered including Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow, former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell and State MP Richie Williamson.
“Who would have thought back in 1985, in 40 years, we’d be here,” she said.
Helen handed over the art prize reins to a committee of residents two years ago, and they have continued the annual tradition of the BAP.
Bentley Art Prize winners 2025
Section 1 Richmond Dairies Australian Landscape Acquisition painting
- 1st prize Patricia Hatch
- 2nd prize Curt Edwards
- Highly Commended Michael Clifton
Section 2 Richmond Valley Council Open/Contemporary Acquisition
- 1st prize Joanna Burgler
- 2nd prize Caroline McKay
- HC Greg Lees
Section 3 McDonald’s Pharmacy ‘In and Around Bentley’ Landscape Acquisition
- 1st prize Nerida Woolley
- 2nd prize Katherine Carson
- HC Meg Egglestone
Section 4 Casino RSM Acquisition Portraiture
- 1st prize Julia Melvin
- 2nd prize Michelle Jones
- HC Katrina Daley
Section 5 Dr Castagna Acquisition Drawing, Theme ‘Wildlife’
- 1st prize Katka Adams
- 2nd prize Katherine Carson
- HC Philip Pinch
Section 6 Sculpture
- 1st prize David Thamm
- 2nd prize Maggie Parkhill
- HC Victoria Lynn
Section 7 Craft
- 1st prize Tom Goldshmidt
- 2nd prize Vicki Gaillard
- HC Christine Spedding
Section 8 High School years 10-12
- 1st prize Lacey Pohle
- 2nd prize Ellaina Sampson
Section 9 High School years 7-9
- 1st prize Minoma Worthington
- 2nd prize Ruby Campbell
Section 10 Primary School
- 1st prize Faith Jackson
- 4 x $25 Kobi McPherson, Zac Brown, Amity Schaeffer, Shyloh Keaton-Barton
Champion Boy
- Ryder Hall
Champion Girl
- Genevieve Sebastian
Section 11 Under 5
- 1st prize Hartley Cooper
- 2nd prize Maura Elizabeth
- HC Liam McPherson
Section 12 Photography
- 1st prize Raymond Kirkland
- 2nd prize Hugh Nicholson
Section 13 Student Photography
- 1st prize Kaitlin Jackson
- 2nd prize Elwood Nicholson-Moss
Under 21 Hartley Shield
- Tahlo Nicholson-Moss
The hall is open Sunday, August 3 at 9am-2pm. $5 for adults. There will be live music, market stalls and of course, lots of art.
Some of the winners and placegetters and visitors are in the photos below.
See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 2 August 2025.
