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2026 DAMPIER photography AWARDS

The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Diamond in the Rough’

OPENING NIGHT EVENT - FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

main exhibition @ dampier community hall 26 Sept - 11 Oct

winners exhibition @ dampier community hub 12 - 24 Oct

 

 

The Dampier Community Association (DCA) is proud to present the fifth annual Dampier Photography Awards and Exhibition, celebrating the creativity, talent and unique perspectives of photographers from across the City of Karratha.

Open exclusively to local residents of all ages and experience levels, the Awards have become a much-loved annual event, providing an opportunity for amateur, emerging and experienced photographers alike to showcase their work in a professional exhibition.

Inspired by Dampier's striking red landscapes, rich industrial heritage and the hidden beauty found in unexpected places, this year's theme invites photographers to discover and capture their own interpretation of Diamond in the Rough.

Whether it's a breathtaking Pilbara landscape, an overlooked detail, a remarkable person, or a fleeting moment of beauty, we can't wait to see how our local photographers bring this year's theme to life.

An exclusive Opening Night will be held on Friday 25 September 2026, where entrants, sponsors and invited guests will be the first to experience the exhibition, celebrate the winners and purchase their favourite photographs.

Following Opening Night, the exhibition will be open to the public, showcasing the incredible talent of our local photography community. A two-week Winners Exhibition will then be displayed in the foyer of the Dampier Community Hub, giving the community even more opportunity to enjoy the award-winning images.

Photographers can enter across a range of exciting categories, including our themed category Diamond in the Rough, as well as a selection of open categories designed to inspire creativity and celebrate the diversity of photography.

Young photographers are also encouraged to enter the Youth Category (14–18 years), with dedicated cash prizes helping to inspire the next generation of local creatives.

Visitors to the exhibition will once again have the opportunity to vote for their favourite image in the ever-popular People's Choice Award.

Proudly Supported by Our Community

The Dampier Photography Awards are proudly managed by the Dampier Community Association with the support of our Event Partner, the City of Karratha, together with our valued Category Sponsors, JWM Networks and Mountway Finance.

Now in its fifth year, the Awards continue to celebrate local creativity, strengthen community connections and provide a platform for photographers to share the stories, landscapes and moments that make our region so unique.

For everything you need to know about entering, please download the Photography Awards Information Booklet below and explore the competition categories further down this page.

 
 

CATEGORIES of entry

This year’s categories are..

 
  • Theme: Diamond in the Rough - Open

  • A Bloody Good Shot - Open

  • A Bird’s Eye View - Drone/aerial photography

  • A Monochrome Moment - Black and White photography

  • Shutterbugs (Youth 14-18 years) - Open

 
 

entries now OPEN

entrIes are now open and will close on Friday 4 September - Select a button below to enter

ENTRY FEES

ADULTS $50 FOR ONE ENTRY, $80 FOR TWO ENTRIES

shutterbugs (YOUTH 14-18) $25 FOR ONE ENTRY, $40 FOR TWO ENTRIES

There is a maximum of TWO entries per person. A photo can only be entered into ONE category.

A digital version of your photo/s must be uploaded at the time of entry - between 2MB and 6MB (preferably prior to framing) - this can be watermarked with your name/signature.

Your must also supply a framed or printed canvas photo/s for inclusion in the Photo Exhibition @ the Dampier Community Hall.

For further information and conditions of entry please read the Info Booklet.

If you have any questions please contact the Dampier Community Association via projects@dampier.org.au or call 9183 1243.