Storm Surge
Eleanor Anson

Storm surges in the oceans of the world are inevitable. So too are the physical and emotional storm surges in our lives.  As ships are forced to navigate through a storm surge at sea when dwarfed by the ocean waves, so too are we forced to navigate the many sudden storms that surge into our lives, storms that overwhelm us, storms that dwarf us and storms that matter how pre-warned or even prepared we might think that we are, we feel powerless in the enormity of it all. We have no choice but to navigate our ways best as we can and often with a whisper of a prayer even from the lips of unbelievers.  As with navigating the oceanic storms and the outcomes are mixed, some do not come through it – some survive but not unscathed.  While others survive the experience and some come through wiser, and stronger with a greater respect for the power of the sea – only one thing is certain, we can predict, prepare for, avoid or underestimate but the storm surges in life are beyond our control and inevitable.

Out to See
Helen Bells

Thinking about my birthplace of Newcastle and my personal experience of ‘Navigating the Future, I reflect on the deaths of my parents in 2023. Both sides of my family go back to the Hunter Valley of the early 1900’s, with generations employed in either the mining or waterside industries. This work ‘Out to See” represents the knowledge that no matter what era, we are born into this world alone and leave it in much the same manner and asks, “Are we pushing air into the night and creating waves that ease or burden the way ahead”.

Riding the Winds of the Future
Effie Barr

Blessed with a stunning coastline, beautiful beaches & waterways Newcastle is home to an array of incredible marine life. My piece focuses on the future of marine vessels, their impact on the environment & as such, the sea life. Our city is transforming on a number of fronts but most noticeably, on the water within the Port of Newcastle. Currently a trade gateway for coal, fertiliser & grain, its also soon to house a Deepwater Container Terminal which will see Shipping Vessels feature more prominently in our harbour. Whilst the positive impact on economic growth can’t be denied little is known about the environmental impact or rather how marine trade & travel will be at the forefront of reaching zero emissions by utilising natural resources & harmonising with the ocean. Bulk carriers & shipping vessels are being fitted with technology that uses wind to reduce emissions & fuel consumption. Wind-harnessed propulsion technology is transforming vessels into clean marine transport services that are carbon neutral. A range of wind-powered devices for ships have been designed using mechanical sails, kites & rotors that resemble hard vertical cylinders. These hi-tech wind- propulsion sails are being fitted to new & existing vessels, supplying up to 90% of their power needs, depending on where they are & which weather patterns they harness. Incredible not only for our environment but also for our oceans! My artwork features such 2 vessels sailing towards our sustainable future, harmonious alongside the humpback whales that visit our coastline this time of year as they swim in luminous, clear waters.

Along Wharf Road
Lorraine Best

As Newcastle continues to grow and change, Wharf Road remains a link to its past, a reminder of the city’s connection to the sea and its ability to forge a new future while honouring its heritage. It’s a place where history meets modernity, offering a unique experience that captures the essence of Newcastle.

The Steering Wheel of the Future
Amelia Bowes

My artwork relates to the theme of Navigating the Future because it says “Look at all these amazing things we have. Do we want them to be gone in the future?” If we don’t Navigate the Future, we could end up destroying it.

Blue Harbour – Calm Arrival 2030
Geoffrey Breen

The painting is about environmental thoughtfulness by projecting a possible future step towards carbon emission reductions – which won’t be achieved by giant technological leaps but gradually by a series of interim commercially manageable stages. The painting depicts a small interim step – a reduction in energy consumption by the maritime transportation industry via the adaptation of bulk cargo carriers to hybrid forms of propulsion – in this case supplementing diesel with sail power. Such systems are already under development – managed by Computer as a composite semi automated system. In the bigger picture, international shipping contributes some 2.5 to 3 percent of greenhouse emissions and so any reduction – though small – still helps. It won’t be achieved via any moral or ‘politically correct’ decisions but more likely by hard-nosed commercial evaluation where – with increasing oil costs – hybrid propulsion becomes a potentially viable option. And a further potential – again only interim – is for ship owners to realise on their greenhouse emission reductions by reselling the associated Carbon Credit offsets. Whilst Australia is committed to greenhouse emissions reduction, the still developing world is not – most notably India – and though the targeted reductions of coal consumption in Australia will be offset with wind and solar energy generation – it will continue to mine and export coal for the rest of the world – and Newcastle will continue as a major coal port into the future.

Storm Over The Harbour
Dorothy Compton

The storm over the harbour unfurls with a fierce grace. The interplay of the storm’s fury with serene, fiery colours of the sky creates a breathtaking tableau. This vivid contrast symbolises the balance of turmoil and beauty, guiding us to navigate the future with courage and a keen eye for the moments of brilliance that light the way.

Into Today’s Port from Years Ago
Freya Conroy

Into the Port of Newcastle comes an old ruined boat, navigating its way from years ago to today. In this artwork I have used watercolour as a base and coloured pencil for the details.

Sailor’s View through the Dome
Freya Conroy

An old, grey sailor has navigated from the past to the modern Port of Newcastle, through the view of his old and trusty compass. This artwork was created with a background of watercolour, in addition to lead and coloured pencil for other elements.

Horizons of Hope
Suellyn Connolly

“Horizons of Hope” delves into the profound struggles of mental health within the seafaring community. After reading about the high rate of suicide and other unexplained or ‘suspicious’ deaths, many of which seem to also be attributable to suicide within the seafaring community I was shocked. The painting’s background, resembling the ocean with contour lines, symbolizes the unpredictable waves of mental health challenges faced by seafarers. At the heart of the artwork, the beacon of Nobby’s lighthouse shines beams of light over the water, a guiding metaphor for resilience and hope amid adversity. Words like ‘future’, ‘depression’, ‘suicide’, and ‘loneliness’ subtly integrate into the composition, reflecting the emotional complexities and stark realities encountered by those navigating the seas and their own mental landscapes. Through this piece, I aim to provoke contemplation and empathy, inviting viewers to acknowledge and engage with the often obscured struggles of seafarers. “Horizons of Hope” is a visual narrative that advocates for awareness and support, advocating for a brighter future where mental health challenges are met with understanding and compassion which is at the core of the work done by the Mission to Seafarers Newcastle and their counterparts around the globe. My hope would be that as we are ‘navigating the future’ as the theme for this art prize suggests, let’s make it a better future for the mental health of seafarers worldwide.

Go Forth
Lee-Anne Corrigan

My artwork is mixed media, watercolour and acrylic paint and collage. I imagine all shipping that cross the ocean waters from early times until now must set their sails with complete confidence and authority. The Hunter River is the lifeblood of our region and the destination for navigation, boats, ships and whales that migrate through our waters. In my painting, I show also the whale breaches the waters in its confidence and authority. As an artist I also see my authority to go forth confidently.

Siren of the Harbour
Graham Davidson

In days gone by, it could be said that a mythical siren residing within the Port of Newcastle had called a multitude of ships throughout the years to chance their luck with entering the siren’s domain, many having found themselves meeting a rocky end. In more recent times, the construction of the two breakwalls have transformed the harbour, creating safer passage for the ships who answer the siren’s call, a call that is set to usher in a whole new era for Newcastle and the Hunter region as the harbour opens its arms to embrace the ships that will come to load and unload at the future container terminal.

Navigating by the Stars
Finn Doyle

The future can be daunting for young people today. When I am on holidays I sit by the campfire and look at the stars. I feel connected to my ancestors, who navigated using the stars. I enjoy connecting with nature, and with friends and family. This gives me confidence to navigate the future.

Through the Lens
Leslie Duffin

The lighthouse, a symbol of guidance and hope, has long stood sentinel over Newcastle harbour from Nobbys/Whibayganbah. If we could look through the lighthouse lens what would we see? As in the past, the use of the harbour is changing. Will coal be replaced by containers or cruise ships? Will protesters be replaced by pleasure craft? Through the lens in my artwork, I invite viewers to contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead.

Old tools show new directions
Glenn Currington

Understanding and respecting old principles and skills set us on a firm foundation to be able to navigate the future. While modern tools offer wonderful innovations, the old ways are a solid foundation and offer reliable results to build our future.

Navigating the Future
Charlotte Dodd

Hand holding the earth communicates that, as we navigate the future, we need to care for our world, our environment and all people. I believe this is pivotal as we sail into the future.

Taking charge, making waves
Hugh Doyle

I have lived near the Port of Newcastle most of my life and enjoy what the city has to offer. The transition of the Newcastle Foreshore into a vibrant residential and entertainment precinct, alongside a 24 hour working port impresses both residents and visitors. My grandfather served in the Australian Merchant Navy. He sailed into the Port of Newcastle many times and was thrilled with the transformation that is occurring when he visited me. He always spoke highly of The Mission to Seafarers. My father continued this link, while ship visiting for The Mission. I have tried to capture the energy of the harbour in my painting and the spirit of change that we embrace to remain one of the most important working ports in Australia and the Pacific.

Forging Ahead
Helen Elphinstone – King

Forging ahead..shows the coal ship continuing on with their daily routine of entering Port with the help and guidance of ‘the little tug that could’ As it steers the ship and navigates it forward through calm waters, yet away from the turbulence that follows them, with the stigma of a storm brewing in future times.

Cardinal Markers
Margrete Erling

‘Cardinal Markers’ are used by Seafarer’s all over the world to help safely navigate the waters. They alert and warn of sea dangers including wrecks, rocks, shallow water etc. and assist Seafarer’s to navigate safely to the North, South, East or West of the danger. Lights at night blink in sets to advise which light you are seeing. A North light flashes almost constantly, with others in sets of 9, 6 or 3 blinks (shown in the artwork as white dots in a line). Without these markers, we may end up in trouble. Life for all of us, on land or sea, would benefit from such markers- to help keep us safe and Navigate The Future. If only things were that clear!

Newcastle: A Living & Working Harbour
Beverley Eyles

The inspiration for this painting, came during a weekend spent at the Kingsley Hotel last June long weekend. The view from the 9th floor restaurant is exquisite and provides a visual panorama from the working harbour across to Stockton, and then east to the ocean. Newcastle: A Living & Working Harbour, is but a small snapshot of this wonderful view, and its intent is to demonstrate the changing yet harmonious blending of the Newcastle business, recreational, residential and working harbour precincts. The fresh palette shows the city clean, fresh and alive, with the skyline more visible following the decline in heavy industry.

Guiding Light: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future
Tanya Fearnley

“Guiding Light: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Future” captures the innovative spirit and sustainable vision of the Port of Newcastle, celebrating its crucial role in maritime industry and the lives of seafarers. An ethereal image of Yemaya, the ocean goddess and guardian signify protection and guidance. Interwoven with these grouping of stars, the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper symbolises direction and leadership the Port of Newcastle is undertaking for our country. A light green world with Australia in dark green, cradled by caring hands, highlights global stewardship and sustainability as collective responsibilities. A red sky at night signifies pleasant weather, treasured by seafarers as it provides a calm journey – here symbolising the promise of clean energy products and technology including hydrogen into the future of the Port of Newcastle as it runs a leading production, storage and export hub. The mother and baby whale illustrate the continuity of life, while windmills symbolise the transition to renewable energy. A hydrogen-fuelled glass ship, with a transparent hull and glittering diamond outline, reveals marine life beside it, representing the elegance, quiet and innovation of hydrogen technology. It calls for collective action to care for our planet, ensuring future generations inherit a world rich with opportunity and life.”

Thrive
Liz Fox

“Thrive’ serves as a powerful reflection of the theme ‘navigating the future’ in compelling ways. The Banksia, with its intricate patterns and unique form, symbolises resilience, adaptability, and growth – essential qualities for navigating unknown paths and facing upcoming challenges. The lush green hues in this artwork represent hope, renewal, and the potential for new beginnings. Just as the Banksia tree thrives in diverse environments, my choice of a vibrant green color palette signifies the ability to flourish and thrive amidst uncertainty and change. The intricate details and textures within the Banksia artwork suggest a journey of twists and turns, much like the unpredictable nature of the future. My mixed media techniques and mark-making, add layers of complexity and depth, mirroring the multi-faceted aspects of navigating through uncharted territory. The juxtaposition of messy and precise marks in this artwork echo the dynamic process of navigating the future – sometimes embracing chaos and spontaneity, while also requiring moments of focus and clarity to chart a course forward. When one thrives, one beautifully captures the essence of ‘navigating the future’ by embodying resilience, adaptability, growth, and the potential for new beginnings in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.”

Cleansing
Kylie Gardner

Water plays such an integral part of our lives as Aussies, it’s the back drop of our culture in so many forms, from survival, sports, leisure to domestication. Australia has a history always been fraught with drought, fires and floods, with heaving flooding, storm water contaminates to the extreme of water shortages, it has never been more important the safe guarding of our water, our drinking water, we need to prepare for tomorrow, ensuring that our children and future generations can enjoy the luxury of clean accessible water, purified recycled water is a part of navigating the future.

Into the future
Alma Zentner-Pitman

This is a drawing of my brother and I. We had found a massive rock almost like an island and swam out to it. It struck me that it would make a beautiful piece of art.

Newcastle sundown
Bob Saxon

Sunset over Newcastle Harbour is always spectacular, and I couldn’t resist this composition of the ‘Customs’ boats directly into the setting sun. I love painting ‘plein air’ scenes around the harbour but this one is based on a photo taken from this iconic vantage point on Horseshoe Beach Road.