
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP is calling on creative Year 5 and 6 students across the region to submit their artwork for the chance to feature on Australian Parliament House during Enlighten Festival 2027. Photo supplied
Students with a creative flair are being encouraged to step forward and submit their artwork for the chance to see it projected onto the façade of Australian Parliament House.
The opportunity is open to creative students in Years 5 and 6 across Dawson, with selected artworks set to feature as part of Canberra’s Enlighten Festival 2027, which will run from February 26th to March 8th and celebrate light, art and creativity.
As part of celebrations marking 100 years of Parliament in Canberra, artworks from every Australian state and territory will be projected onto the Australian Parliament House façade.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said the opportunity would allow young artists to showcase what makes the Dawson region special.
“Our part of Queensland is pretty hard to beat when it comes to inspiration,” Mr Willcox said.
“We have the Great Barrier Reef, cane fields, beaches, rainforest, rivers, farmers, fishing, wildlife and some of the most unique communities in the country.
“There is plenty there to put on the big screen, and in this case, the screen is Parliament House itself.”
From the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and cane fields to local wildlife and communities, students are being encouraged to draw inspiration from the places, people, animals, plants and landscapes that make their part of Australia unique.
Mr Willcox said he would love to see Dawson represented among the artworks selected for the national display.
“I would love to see a slice of Dawson among them,” Mr Willcox added.
“Imagine walking around Canberra at night and seeing Parliament House illuminated with artwork created by a student from Dawson.
“That would be something to be proud of.”
The program also provides students with an opportunity to engage with civics and learn more about the home of Australia’s democracy.
Mr Willcox is encouraging schools, teachers and parents across Dawson to support creative Year 5 and 6 students to take part.
Submissions close Thursday, October 29th.
A student toolkit containing tips and templates, along with a fact sheet for parents, is available through the Parliament House website at aph.gov.au/StudentArtwork.