Lockhart and District Community held another very successful and enjoyable Spirit of the Land Festival on the weekend of 11 and 12 October.

It is 19 years since the first very small festival was held during one of Lockhart’s most challenging droughts. Over the years it has grown into a vibrant community event.

Next year will be a celebration of 20 years of the Spirit of the Land Festival.

Weather at the weekend was perfect and crowds of happy locals and visitors were drawn to the many activities and displays, creating a wonderful Festival atmosphere.

The National Farm Art Sculpture Awards drew many creative sculptures constructed from recycled, old or rustic materials.

Categories for Female Sculptor, Young and Junior Sculptors are proving very popular each year and there was so much creative talent on show.

The eclectic display provided entertaining and interesting viewing as well as challenges for the judges.

Winner of the 2025 National Farm Art Sculpture Award was “Anubis” by David Schulz (Young) and the People’s Choice Award went to “King of the Bush is He” by David Fenwick (Mangoplah).

The Local Artist Award was won by Michael Cunningham with “Charlotte’s Web”.

Indigenous Art and Fine Art Exhibitions drew artists from near and far with works ranging from paintings in all mediums, drawings and mixed media.

Winner of the Indigenous Art Award was “River Camp” by Michael Lyons (Narrandera).

Michael also showcased some of his Didgeridoos and demonstrated his playing skills at the Awards Ceremony and throughout the festival weekend.

Winner of the Spirit of the Land and its People Award was “Welcome Rains – Hay Plains” by Vicki McKoy (Howlong) and the People’s Choice Award was won by “The Hideaway” by Letitia Knight (Wodonga).

A diverse array of photographic talent was on display.

Winner of the Spirit of the Land Award was “Yesterdays Heros” by Taryn Forge (Wagga), with the Youth Award going to Zoie Jones (Boree Creek) with “Sunset Sips in the Dry”.

In addition to the Sculptures, Fine Arts and Photography, there were over 160 market stalls including a variety of food outlets catering to all tastes.

The Greens Gunyah Museum provided hundreds of homemade scones for their Devonshire teas.

Leeton Lions Train was kept busy providing rides around the town including around the Brookong Shadows walking track.

Energy Connect Camp Tours donated by Elecnor were informative and enjoyed by those who took part.

Blade Shearing demonstrations were provided by local woman and champion female shearer, Nicki Guttler.

Open Gardens are always popular and also drew many visitors.

Talented young musicians provided live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Star Performer Iilysh Retallick from Culcairn who won runner-up in 2025 Australian Idol, entertained the large evening crowd at the Lagoon precinct.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 23 October 2025.