Call for Entries: ShireABILITY Art Awards 2026
Calling all Artist with Disability!
Enter the ShireABILITY Art Award 2026 and exhibit your original 2D or 3D artwork at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.
Open to artists of all ages with disability who live, work, study or attend a community program in Sutherland Shire.
$2500 prize pool
Entries open 3 August
Entries close 30 October
Find out more: Call for Entries: ShireABILITY Art Award 2026 | Hazelhurst
ShireABILITY
What is ShireABILITY?
ShireABILITY was created in 2019 as a Working Group to focus on ability and inclusion across the Sutherland Shire. Originally it marked International Day of People with a Disability which is held yearly on 3 December (idpwd.com.au). It's now evolved to provide opportunities for the community to connect and celebrate throughout the year.
ShireABILITY Film Festival 2025
The ShireABILITY Film festival was held in December 2025, showcasing four short films created by, starring, or directed by people with disability, each with a strong connection to the Sutherland Shire. The event's purpose was to highlight the importance of inclusive representation in media and celebrate the creative contributions of people with disability.
This event is made possible thanks to the valued support of major sponsors Sylvanvale and Civic, two local NDIS providers dedicated to championing inclusion and empowering people with disability through creative opportunities.
The Film Festival's program featured four short films delivered by Bus Stop Films, each reflecting the diversity and talent within the local community:
- Bystander Effect – Filmed at the iconic Sydney Tram Museum in Loftus, this drama was directed by Kirrawee resident Julian Neuhaus. It stars a neurodivergent young actor, Connor Tattersall, from Gymea alongside co-star Kat Hoyos, who grew up in Cronulla. Sutherland Shire’s own, Councillor Meredith Laverty, also contributed as costume designer.
- Hopeful Romantic – A light-hearted film with strong disability representation, featuring co-star Dan MacPherson, a lifelong Shire resident.
- Overdue – Created in partnership with Shire-based Stellar Experiences, this film was directed by Julian Neuhaus and filmed in Kurnell. It stars Jennifer Sullivan from Sutherland.
- It Won’t Define Me – A powerful sporting documentary featuring athletes from the Paralympics, Special Olympics, Invictus Games and the Matildas. Local talent includes Joel Vanderzwan, a wheelchair basketball and archery athlete from Menai. The film was also edited by Julian Neuhaus.
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Previous ShireABILITY Initiatives
Vibefest - Brought to you by ShireABILITY
Vibefest was created for Youth Week 2023, in collaboration with Council's Youth Reference Group, as an opportunity for young people of all abilities to come together and dance the night away. Vibefest featured a DJ, photobooth and sensory room for attendees to enjoy for free.
ShireABILITY Art Award 2024
The ShireABILITY Art Award was back in December 2024, offering an incredible opportunity for artists of all ages living with disability to showcase their talents and have their works exhibited at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.
ShireABILITY Art Award 2024 Winners
- Open Award Winner - Bernadette Smith, Dark Sublime
Open Award Highly Commended - Keith Chidzey, Precipitation of Change
Youth Award Winner - Holly Connor, This is me
Youth Award Highly Commended - Charlotte Gilbert, Road to the past
People's Choice Award - Jakobee Thomas, Pain
Part of the celebrations for International Day of People with Disability 2024 #IDPWD.
Special thanks to our 2024 Award sponsors Miranda RSL Sylvanvale and Freedom Solutions Australia
ShireABILITY Art Award 2022
ShireABILITY was proud to present the ShireABILITY Art Award 2022 as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3rd. We were proud to exhibit artworks from people living with a disability at Hazelhurst Art Centre from the 25th of November 2022 to 11th of December 2022.
The winners of the 2022 ShireABILITY Art Award:
- Open Award Winner Kristy Lovegrove North Cronulla Pool. Listen to Kristy's interview with Art in Focus on 2SSR
- Open Award Highly Commended The Disability Trust Miranda Art Group (Patricia Bekiaris, Natasha Clark, Tahlee Grant, Tyne Miller, Rachel O'Hanlon, Tracey Pearson, Luke Shumacher, William Tao, Therese Watson and Bronwyn Wills) Outback Dreams
- Young People's Award Winner Arabella Johnson My Eye For The Future
- Young People's Award Highly Commended Lachlan Brodala Fire Dragon Monster Truck
- People's Choice Award Julie Hayes Shine Bright
Proudly supported by Miranda RSL Diggers and Southgate.
The ShireABILITY Art Award will be returning in 2024 on a biannual basis.
ShireABILITY Family Fun Day
Held over several years, ShireABILITY Family Fun Day aims to bring together people of all abilities to enjoy a fun afternoon of actitivies and celebrations. The event also aims to raise awareness of people with a disability and connect the community. Several local service providers collaborated with Council to provide afternoons of fun and games for all ages.
ShireABILITY Film Festival
The ShireABILITY Film Festival allowed residents the opportunity to share their stories through a short film that focussed on ability and inclusion. Watch some of our previous winners and entrants share their stories below.
2022 ShrieABILITY Film Festival Finalists
2021 ShireABILITY Film Festival Entries