A Whale’s Prayer
Marni Agland

Acrylic on canvas Saving the seas for whales is important because whales need clean, safe water to live. When the ocean is full of rubbish, whales can get sick, trapped, or die. Whales are a special part of the ocean and help keep it healthy. If we protect the sea, we help protect the whales too.

Swimming through what’s left
Harry Anderson

Watercolour, acrylic and markers on canvas In my artwork sea creatures are swimming through rubbish. They have very little natural coral left. The turtle is covered by a net of a fishing boat. This shows the damage we are doing to the environment. The sea creatures are strong though and are surviving. The sun light shines through showing there is still hope for the future, it is our choice. This is our only opportunity take it please and save the wildlife.

TBD
Briona Ando

From Wharf Road to the Ocean
Lorraine Best

Wharf Road Newcastle holds the potential to connect people to the vast and ever-changing ocean. This connection can lead to a myriad of opportunities and obligations, both personal and collective.

Eye of the Waters
Amelia Bowes

In my painting, the eye symbolises our perspective on the planet and our responsibility towards its preservation. The vibrant blue hues represent the oceans that cover 70% of the Earth, serving as a reminder of their beauty and vitality. The world at the center of the eye reminds us that our connection with nature emphasises that the health of our oceans directly impacts our own well-being. The dark background contrasts with the bright colours, symbolising the threats facing marine ecosystems and the need for awareness and action. This painting serves as a call to recognise our obligation to protect our oceans, which are not only crucial for sustaining marine life, but also for sustaining human life.

Plastic Aquarium
Georgi Christakos

I’ve always loved watching David Attenborough’s shows on tv and I admire who he is as a documentarian and the role he plays in society. The wonders of nature and all that it encompasses. But this is different. This is important. His influence on me from his series such as ‘Blue Planet’ and ‘Our Planet’ have broaden my knowledge and insight to the ever growing changes to the environment caused by humans especially in the oceans. Enough is enough. Our actions have an impact and we are unaware or ignorant to the pollution that is causing untold harm to marine wildlife. There is beauty and serenity in our oceans but if we don’t start looking at the bigger picture they will be completely dominated by plastic and pollution for future generations.

Ships Nostalgia
Elena Churilova

I worked at a shipyard for several years in the 1990s. The port was always busy, with numerous ships docked for repairs—some berthed, others in drydock. Painting harbor scenes helps me relive those memories. I use an impressionistic style to capture the essence of a bustling waterfront, and bold colors to convey energy and movement.

Junk-back Whale
Freya Conroy

In Newcastle we are lucky enough to have whales travel along our coastline. Every time we litter, we put whales and marine creatures at risk. I created this artwork to show that even one small piece of discarded litter can have a big impact. I painted the whale head and background with watercolor. I collected rubbish from my school playground and local neighbourhood. I wish I didn’t find so much rubbish. We are so lucky to live on the coastline in Newcastle. It’s our obligation to respect our ocean, our neighbourhood and our natural environments. Our opportunity starts now.

capturing light
Jacque Cook

This triptych series was painted in response to my time as artist in residence at Nobbys Head Lighthouse in 2024. In this work I have tried to capture the lighthouse and its surrounding cottages, in particular its sense of light and space, its white painted sun soaked brick that reflects light and the way the light grabs the angular corners and sweeps around its arches. I have tried to capture the lighthouse and its cottages, its sharp lines and overwhelming sense of space. I tried to remain true to its colours, the sharp whites and sea blues. I tried to capture its light.

Angel Drone
Lee-Anne Corrigan

Titled, “Angel Drone”, my 2025 entry in the MTS Newcastle Maritime Prize represents my futuristic expression of a real angelic connection across land and sea. The Mission to Seafarers watches over the human life of those aboard ships from across the ocean in the maritime industry.

Essentially a portrait of Senior Chaplain, Gary Dodd, he is the face of MTS and my painting intends to capture his personal commitment to those isolated at sea for long periods of time. As we on land depend upon this crucial industry for our sustenance of goods , Gary’s position is to see that the seafarers themselves, receive sustenance, welfare and medical needs. As Senior Chaplain, Gary extends compassion, care and understanding. This is his obligation and as we engage with MTS we have the opportunity to advocate through greater awareness and gratitude.

Ocean Pirates
Glenn Currington

On a voyage to Hawaii we saw in the distance another vessel. Later I was able to ask our skipper about that sighting and his reply has stuck with me ever since.

He Labeled the mysterious vessel as ‘Pirates raping and pillaging the Ocean’, he went on to explain that they were Drift netting and were causing immeasurable damage to the oceans.

This image of destruction has haunted me and so by creating this art I hope in some small way to initiate a change toward sustainability in our oceans and a way the humans can respect the sea life while nourishing our population without greed and destruction.

Ocean Rising
Libby Cusick

I was lucky enough to spend a morning painting and drawing on the ship Steve Irwin in Newcastle harbour. It was the flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and will be a museum for conservation. All references are from this ship, the tired wallpaper showing some of the now endangered sea creatures, the old Abandon Ship poster, and nautical instruments. All point to old ways of doing things and the need for reform in the way we treat our oceans.

One Ocean, Two Stories
Lily Daly

My painting shows two very different sides of the ocean. On the left, the water is clean and full of life. You can see black silhouettes of a whale tail, dolphins, and fish swimming peacefully. This side represents what the ocean looks like when it’s healthy and protected. On the right side, the ocean is polluted and empty. The water is dark and full of rubbish, oil, and plastic. There are no animals because pollution is harming their home. I created this artwork to show how our choices affect the ocean. It’s up to us to decide which side we want the future to look like. Even small actions can help. The ocean is beautiful and powerful, but it needs us to protect it. This painting is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to care for our planet. Our responsibility is our opportunity.

The Ocean Is Crying
Milania Doncovski

Acrylic on canvas I used graffiti style to show that the ocean is in danger. The dark colours represent a world that is hurting. The dripping paint looks like tears, blood, and danger. I painted the Earth black to show how pollution is damaging the ocean and harming sea creatures. There is a hidden message in the artwork that says we must take care—it’s a warning and a call to action. But I also painted stars in the sky. The stars are a symbol of hope and a promise that we can make things better. If we act now, there is still a chance to change.

The Last Tug of Day
Belinda Dorey

The late afternoon sun cast a glow over the landscape and the sky was heavy from a passing storm. The Hunter River resembled chocolate milk running brown into the ocean after recent heavy rains and flooding from yet another destructive East Coast Low. With warming ocean temperatures, these weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe. While these mighty little Tugboats do an amazing job of guiding the huge cargo ships into the harbour, as our region transitions away from coal it leaves me to wonder whether they will be out of a job and perhaps no longer a part of the rivers daily landscape.

Exploring Rockpools
Leslie Duffin

Exploring the coast and its rockpools and beaches is something that inspires wonder in all children. we need to ensure that the oceans and coasts are protected to ensure the environment to flourish.

“Down Under”
Catherine Farren-Price

Newcastle Harbour, located on Awabakal and Worimi Country, supports a broad range of economic, cultural, and recreational activities. Its estuarine ecosystem is home to diverse marine life — including fish species, crustaceans, dolphins, seabirds, and vital habitats like mangroves and seagrasses — making sustainability a top priority. Being one of Australia’s busiest ports, Newcastle Harbour is a major gateway for global shipping. We have a responsibility to ensure safe and sustainable conditions for the seafarers who come to our harbour — protecting them from pollution, unsafe working conditions, and ensuring they can work in a healthy environment.

Rough Water
Helen Fenner

When life is hard we cross through rough waters of life.

Standby for Departure
Cinthia Ferreira

Standby for Departure is a tribute to the quiet strength and unwavering vigilance of the maritime workforce. Painted in oil, this work captures a moment of reflection and readiness aboard a vessel, a pause before action, set against the dark, unknowable vastness of the sea. The figures, clad in high-vis yellow and framed by the glow of deck lights, stand shoulder to shoulder, embodying solidarity, duty, and resolve. The Mission to Seafarers emblem on their sleeves anchors the work to Newcastle’s legacy of maritime service and care. Created in alignment with this year’s World Maritime Day theme (Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity) this painting honours not only the seafarers’ contributions but also the weight of responsibility we all share in protecting marine environments. This piece speaks to the dignity of labour, the endurance of those who traverse oceans, and the quiet moments that bind them to each other and to the ports they call home. It is both a tribute and a call: to recognise, respect, and protect life below water and those whose lives depend on it.

Tides of Connection
Judith Franklin

The tapestry of the artwork depicts symbols that represent fragmented circles, torn nets, and the footprints emphasise the human responsibility, and obligation for the pollution both our oceans, the land impacted of human actions. 

Pollution, over fishing, and greed that have troubled the ocean’s elements for many seasons had a devastating impact. As you move through the artwork yarning circle with people gathering around symbolise communication to discuss and protect the ocean, and sharing knowledge to preserve the environment. Capturing the turmoil of the tides and murky waters of pollution and the struggles of marine survival. The stars and the moon were used for many years for navigation, waterholes, travel tracks and resting areas lead to unpolluted crystal waters, and healthy marine life, coral, fish, and other sea life.

The art story embodies the deep connection between Aboriginal People and the sea, emphasising respect, responsibility, and opportunity to heal and restore balance, with the natural world.

Shipping on the Hunter
maria Gallagher

The Port of Newcastle is a well recognised area of worldwide export and I was inspired to paint this area that epitomises our city. I recently undertook an artists residency at Nobby’s lighthouse and was blessed to watch the tankers come in and out of our little city, with their movement of cargo, and occasionally a whale spout moment. Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 40 x 30 x 2

Coastal in blue and gold
Peter Gallagher

Walks along my local beaches inspired me to paint a number of works. I rendered this piece in an abstract underpinning and focused on the dynamics of where the ocean meets the shoreline.

Unwavering
Kylie Gardner

Being a witness looking through the window of ones emotional storm aligning and intertwined with the ebb and flow of the ocean which seamlessly synchronize with the rhythm and roar of the oceans waves met with the trinity of a trio powerful connection where the ocean, the heavenly firmament of electricity and the individual’s emotional storm come together leaving a profound sense of understanding.

Tears of the Turtle
Donna Gilbertson

“Tears of the Turtle” was inspired by my time working and living on Christmas Island. Walking onto Greta Beach and seeing the rafts of rubbish washed in every day from Asia is staggering. Watching turtles struggle through the piles of plastic, nylon rope, polystyrene and fishing line was so sad. This painting was worked from a composite of photographs kindly provided by my dear friend and co worker Ann-Marie Czichy and from my own photographs taken when I was there for nine months. I have attempted to capture the drama of the Christmas Island coast, the unique vibrance of the island and the overwhelming sight of the beach refuse that is constant. If it wasn’t for the tireless work of the local island inhabitants that head onto the beaches of their island paradise and collect the mountains of flotsam every month, the beaches would be lost. Watching the Green Sea Turtles lumber through the maze of litter trying to find a safe place to lay their eggs is heartbreaking. I saw it, I walked it and I wept. Donna Gilbertson

Sub Aquatic
Margaret Gurr

Cave Explorers
Margaret Gurr

Interactivity
Michael Hannah

“Interactivity” is an abstract representation of the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. The two are completely integral to one another. What we do to our atmosphere affects our oceans and the oceans drive much of our weather and climate. As we heat the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels the ocean heats up as well. Sea level rises, corals die, marine animal populations decline, and in turn weather becomes more extreme. Our obligation is to protect our oceans; our opportunity lies with a rapid transition to renewable energy. My painting represents this interactivity with the blurred horizon line between the ocean and the atmosphere above.

Newcastle Shoreline
Maggie Hardie

This artwork depicts a view of Newcastle Beach, capturing the rolling waves as they meet the sand on a slightly overcast day. The distant cliffs, part of the iconic coastline, rise above the water with layers of earth and greenery. Gentle foam patterns form at the shoreline, and a dark rock sits half-submerged in the shallows. The painting highlights the natural beauty and changing moods of the New South Wales coast.

Knitting harmony
Yuxi He

South End
Melanie Hibberd

This piece captures the enduring spirit of Catherine Hill Bay, where rusted iron meets rolling swell. The historic jetty, once a coal lifeline, now stands as a weathered monument to resilience. Surfers ride the same waters that once carried coal-laden ships. I wanted to honour the soul of this coastal town, my hometown – it’s hardworking history and it’s vibrant surf culture.

There is always a difference & there is always a connection
Terry Holdom

I am an Aboriginal man that has been painting & drawing mother nature for a long time. I see our world rather differently to other artist I have noticed. This work is in Acrylic & oil On canvas.

Into the lull 3
Evie Homewood

Evie Homewood navigates the ocean as both memory and imperative. Her practice combines experimental drawing, en plein-air observation, and sculptural mark-making to trace the sea’s shifting emotional and political contours. Into the Lull 3 is scored with builders chalk, electric sander, grinder, and basalt rock—tools that carve deliberate layers of black gesso, orange enamel, and white house paint into marine ply. Each mark references contested borders between belonging and extraction, stewardship and neglect. As a mariner, Homewood reads the sea as a living text—mapping signals, tensions, and the shared obligation to protect what holds and sustains us all.

The Calm
michael jago

“Our actions have a profound impact on a world we still don’t understand. All in the name of profit.

The ocean is our responsibility as we are positioned at a crossroads where we can choose to take action to protect most of life on earth, or move away from the light. “

Azimuth Lost
Adam Johnston

Azimuth Lost depicts the iconic scene of the coal ship Pasha Bulker that ran aground on Nobbys Beach near Newcastle, Australia, during a major storm on June 8, 2007, and remained stuck for three weeks before being refloated and towed to Japan for repairs. The scene highlights the importance of managing the dangers of the busy Port paired with the ferociousness of the sea. The ship was recovered but the outcome could have been much worse had the ship broken up against our pristine Nobby’s beach.

Sir David Attenborough
Priya Joy

This portrait of Sir David Attenborough, standing at the ocean’s edge with albatross gathered along the shore, honours his profound contribution to deepening our understanding of the marine world. His voice has brought ocean life into homes across the globe, revealing both its wonder and its vulnerability. The presence of the albatross—longtime companions to seafarers—evokes the shared journey of those who live, work, and explore at sea. Aligned with the theme Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity, this work reflects on the vital role of knowledge, stewardship, and action in safeguarding the ocean for future generations.

Be reasonable with our seas
Almira Kaplan

Hi my name is Almira Kaplan and I’m 11 years old. I made this artwork because I love the ocean and all the creatures that live in it. I used different shades of blue to paint the waves, because the sea is always moving and beautiful, and I wanted to show how big and alive it feels. I added fish swimming around because they are part of what makes the ocean so magical. But I’ve also learned that people are polluting the seas and hurting the animals that live there. That’s why I wrote, “Be reasonable with our seas.” I think it means we should be kind and smart about how we treat the ocean.

Morning Glory
Aurora Paulina Kay

My love for Australian nature and the ocean finds an expression through painting seascapes. I’m fascinated with the changing colours, ripples and changing patterns on the water surface. All my paintings are painted solely on location over a number of outdoor sessions and without the use of a single photo. Being present on location allows me to capture the immediacy of the experience and transfer it onto canvas, so that the viewer could have the sense of actually being present there. My aim is to capture the beauty, the vulnerability and the magnificence of Australian waterways and the potential equilibrium between humans and natural ecosystems.

Our Ocean, Our Land, Our mob
Eddie Larigo

Acrylic on canvas Hi, my name is Eddie Larrigo I am a proud Worimi boy and I have created this art piece to represent that I live on Awabakal country. I have been very creative with this art piece by using Aboriginal iconography that is from NSW Eastern region. In my art piece I was creative as I have decided to focus on my love for animals in particular marine animals and for my community, which I live on. On the sand I have a couple of different symbols I have crabs, a meeting place and a wedge tail eagle. In the water there is a canoe a whale and a shark swimming through the ocean. In the bush there are kangaroos, a meeting place, wedge tail eagles and trees

At Risk
Denise Larrea

Out of sight, out of mind….an old adage but so true when our amazing underwater world is being destroyed by the thoughtless behaviour of mankind. Australia’s barrier reef is inspirational in its beauty and diversity, and as a nation we have a responsibility to protect it. This heavily beaded textile artwork endeavours to remind the viewer of that beauty and responsibility.

Bream in Newcastle Harbour
Helene Leane

 This painting provides a positive message to our community.  Large schools of bream in Newcastle Harbour mean that the water is healthy and that commercial fishing is managed well.  We have no excuses now.  We know what causes damage to our marine environment.  It’s now a matter of responsibility, with a focus on restoration and protection.

NEWCASTLE OUR OCEAN BEACH
Gwendolin Lewis

In Newcastle, NSW, we depend on our beautiful beaches and oceanfront for recreation and global shipping. However, our playground faces threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. We have an obligation to protect this vital resource for ourselves and future generations. There is an opportunity to restore marine ecosystems, keep our waters clean, and build a sustainable industry. Through collaboration, we can achieve this. It is our responsibility because saving the ocean is not optional, it is essential.

Art By the Sea
Ariana Lonie

Acrylic on canvas I made this artwork because I really love the ocean. I think the sea is full of mystery, like a big blue world with so many animals and secrets. In my picture, I drew a whale, a seal, rocks, and grass because those are my favourite parts of the sea. I used lots of blue and green colours to show the water, and I made a bright sunset so my artwork would stand out. I wanted people to feel like they’re diving under the sea and exploring with me. I think the ocean is important, and I hope my art makes people want to take care of it and keep it clean for the fish and turtles and everything else that lives there.

Growth Hurts
Andrew Lukic

‘Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.’ Brené Brown We so often define ourselves by the linear, the path, the perceived action. When we break, we use language like ‘I’m a mess,’ or ‘I’m falling apart.’ What if the growing occurs in the breaking? What if it’s the holding it together that is the stagnant source, and only once stripped emotionally bar, can we heal? What if we stopped defining ourselves by our most difficult mental health experiences, and accepted they were an experience of who we are and not who we are? What if we became friends with our shadow?

“Rhythm of the Ocean”
Karen Malmgren

This year’s theme Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opporunity – resonates deeply with me.

I have watched coastlines change and waters warm. I have seen beauty survive, but not without cost. In every wave I paint, there is wonder – but also warning. It invites viewers to see the sea not as a background, but as a living, breathing presence, a force that cradles ships, sustains life, & holds us accountable. The sea gives endlessly & we must now ask : what will we give in return?

“Rhythm of the Ocean” is not simply a seascape – it is a moment of communication between painter & tide. This work captures the instant before collapse, when a wave unrelenting curls in upon itself, movement arrested; power held in suspension – a visial breath drawn deep by the Earth itself.

My hope is that this painting invites quiet reflection & bold resolve. That it reminds us that preservation is not a passive act – it is a daily choice, a creative act of care. The Ocean has always carried us, now it our turn to carry it. This is not just my Art == This is my offering.

Cage Of pollution
Mila Martin

My name is Mila Martin and i am nearly 11 years old. I made The Cage of Pollution because I love the ocean and it makes me sad to see animals trapped in plastic. The cage in my art shows how pollution is like a jail for sea creatures. I want people to stop throwing trash in the water. The jail is empty because that’s how the ocean should be, animals living happily and people putting rubbish in the trash NOT THE OCEAN!

Destiny’s Reach
Rose McAllister

Destiny’s Reach Destiny’s Reach is a surreal and symbolic portrayal of the maritime industry, human aspiration, and environmental stewardship. Set within the context of Newcastle Harbor, a gateway of trade and transformation, the painting captures a moment of profound connection: a lone seafarer at the bow of a vibrant container ship extends a hand toward Destiny, the guardian-like statue. This divine breath of life connection evokes the responsibility and hope that humanity must hold when navigating its path forward. The golden hues arouse the ocean as a precious treasure, not merely a highway for commerce, but a sacred inheritance we are called to protect. It speaks to the immeasurable value of our oceans, their ecological richness, and their role in sustaining life. Yet, within this richness lies responsibility. The patchwork cargo symbolizes global exchange and economic opportunity, while the towering figure of Destiny reminds us of the choices that shape our shared future. Destiny’s Reach is both a celebration and a caution, inviting us to recognize the ocean not just as a resource, but as a legacy entrusted to our care and invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between progress and protection, industry and interconnection.

Harmony is Possible
Pippa McIlroy

Acrylic on canvas Artist statement: My artwork shows the reality of what are ocean would look like without pollution, it shows hope the through the starfish shown on the sand because if we remember the starfish story, we all know that it doesn’t fix everything, but it does make a difference.

On the Horizon
Alice Neilan

This painting shows friends swimming in the bay, watching a boat sail along the horizon. It represents the gentle, balanced interactions we share with the sea. The connection between people and the ocean spans millennia, and now more than ever, it is crucial that we protect it.

TBD
Rose Owens

TBD

Lost Lives at Sea
Ruby Payne

The artwork represents the seafarers that lose their life to the job every year. It was made to honour there memory. Being a seafarer is a very lonley and isolating job because you have to be out at sea for long period time. As result of this, their mental health can decline and 11% of seafarers deaths are tragically suicides. This is to raise awareness about the resources available to everybody when they are strugling.

The Pond
Kylie Peake

My art is driven by giving discarded materials new life, using elements like rusty corrugated iron and timber veneer to create rich texture and natural colours. The Figure Eight Pools in Sydney’s Royal National Park are natural rock pools formed by the ocean gradually eroding the rocks to create their distinctive shape. This artwork serves as a visual conversation about our ocean, our obligation and our opportunity. The repurposed materials themselves speak to themes of decay, beauty and resilience, mirroring nature’s cycles and underscoring our vital role in protecting and appreciating these fragile marine environments.

Yellow Brick Road of Hope
Egan Pepperall

When I painted Yellow Brick Road of Hope, I wanted to show how even in really bad situations, there’s still a way forward. The painting shows an oil rig in the ocean spilling oil, which can really damage to the eco system. I learned about pollution in school, and it made me feel worried and kind of helpless. But then I thought—what if there was still something bright in the middle of all that mess? So I painted a yellow brick road stretching through the oil spill. To me, it’s not just a road, it’s a symbol. A path that shows people we can still make better choices and help fix the damage. It’s a way to say, “Don’t give up.” Even though the world isn’t perfect, I believe we can always find hope. We just have to look for the yellow bricks—even when everything feels dark.

Light
Mae Petrohelos

In my artwork, I explore the contrast between two coexisting realities, one vibrant and thriving with life, the other dark, overwhelmed by human impact. The canvas is divided into two sections, on one side, a luminous, colourful ocean flourishes with movement and biodiversity and on the other, a cold, shadowed cityscape looms under smog and silence with little to no sign of life. This juxtaposition is intentional, urging you to reflect on the choices we make and the consequences they cause. Inspired by the theme, Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity, my work serves as a powerful visual reminder that the health of our oceans is directly tied to our actions. The city side reflects a warning of what happens when we neglect our environment in favour of industrial progress, showing that without responsibility, we might fail to realise that our precious ecosystem is in danger, and we are the ones destroying it. The ocean side represents possibility, what is still beautiful, and what is worth saving. The central message of this piece is one of responsibility and hope, we are not separate from the natural world, in fact we are part of it.

Bleached Sea
Charlize Phillips

My artwork combines acrylic paint with a real plastic bleach bottle to highlight the urgent impact of pollution on marine life. The sea turtle is shown with colour drained from its body symbolising how pollution is stripping the ocean of its life and vibrancy. I wanted to challenge people to consider how everyday waste ends up in our oceans, threatening the beauty and balance of nature.

Living Connections
Christine Pidutti

This work represents the vibrancy of a Sea Port and an optimism for the future. Where the sea meets with the land in the form of a Port a feeling of excitements is ever present . The anticipation of an adventure at sea is felt by the flurry of activity at Port. Subjects represented in this work include a village surrounding a port with many sea vessels ready to setting sail. Connections between humans, sea life and the elements of nature are all at play here. The prevailing winds and the rotation of the earth around the sun creates the tides, sunset, sunrise, and water currents. This flow of nature was historically mysterious and unknown however with greater understanding of the environment we are now obliged to be the custodians of the earth. As we become more aware of our environment and the damage we have caused over time we need to take responsibility for the future health of the seas and life on earth. Soft colours are incorporated on the different subject matter to represent the colours of fantasy, opportunity and positivity for the future. The Port, distant landscape, and sea vessels merge into one to emphasise the close connections that can be achieved throughout the living world.

The Windy Seas
Susan Ravenhall

I really enjoy the process of lino printing – it’s slow and repetitive to get right, but it does make you slow down and reflect on what you are trying to achieve. I chose to use this quote as it perfectly reflects the theme of ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation and Our Opportunity’ as we enjoy the glorious ocean with all the opportunities it provides – sport, swimming, transport – however we do need to direct the sails to see that we have an obligation to look after it for the generations to come.

ONE
Peter Russell

My artwork explores the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” through the image of a ship’s propeller – an emblem of movement, direction and impact. Each of the propellers four blades represent a vital element: Our Planet: The shared home we must protect. Our Ocean: The life blood of earth, covering 70% 0f its surface and sustaining global life. One Human Race: A reminder of our collective responsibility and unity across borders. One opportunity: The urgent and singular chance we have to act, restore and preserve. Together these blades must turn in unison to propel us toward a sustainable future. If even one fails , progress halts. The propeller thus symbolizes how interconnected our roles are in caring for the ocean and the planet – and how vital it is that we all move together.

The Oceans of Champion Dolphins
Vincent Russell

My artwork is called The Ocean’s Champion of Dolphins. I made it to show how oceans can be fun, cheery places full of happiness and joy. I used bright colours like yellow, red, and blue to make it feel exciting and alive. My favourite artist is Keith Haring, so I tried to use his style. I drew people with bold outlines, riding a dolphin and swimming. I think the ocean is more than just water—it’s a place where people and animals live and play together. We need to protect it so we can keep enjoying it. That’s why I wanted to show how awesome and joyful the ocean can be.

The hold of the past
Richard Sakurovs

The image of the sailing ship is far more than mere nostalgia. It’s a potent symbol, inextricably linked to the ocean, that encapsulates a complex interplay of historical obligations and future opportunities.

Stockton to Newcastle Ferry Trip
Jennifer Sandstrom

My name is Jennifer A. Sandstrom, and I am an emerging artist from Newcastle Art School (NAS), living in the Port Stephens Council area. During my three years of study, I was drawn to the beautiful beaches and the harbour of Newcastle. I created a print series during my studies at NAS in 2024 that was inspired by memories of my lifelong connection to beaches, afternoon walks, ferry rides, swimming, and surf lifesaving, particularly in Newcastle. It is a variable series of prints (4) taken from the view of the ferry on my way from Stockton to Newcastle and back to my journey to NAS. This print includes Nobbys lighthouse, and a section of the beach is called dog beach and has a great view of Newcastle Harbour, the gateway to Newcastle. I have a background in commercial printing, I enjoy expanding my skills across various mediums, with a focus on using recycled materials to highlight our fragile ecosystems. Through my art, I hope to emphasize the importance of our everchanging ecosystem, our reliance on clean waterways, and the calming effect of water.

Merewether ladies pool
Bob Saxon

Every time I look at this beautiful bay from Merewether Surf House, it’s different. Tides change and the sand comes and goes, but nature’s beauty always shines thru. Let’s hope the peoples of this world wake up in time and stop polluting nature’s gift to us all.

Ships in the Night 1
Belinda Street

‘Ships in the Night 1’ was inspired by a deeply transformative artist residency at Nobby’s Whibayganba Lighthouse in Newcastle, NSW. Unique and diverse, Newcastle Harbour is Australia’s largest coal export port and a place of constant movement. The harbour is uniquely alive: colossal cargo ships, tugboats, ferries, recreational vessels, and the ever-present hum of industry all flow in and out, creating an unrelenting rhythm. I could not help but reflect on the sustainability of these practices and how we are utilising our oceans. ‘Ships in the Night 1’ is a response to the ships that seemingly never stop, even through the night. The 24/7 nature of the seafarers life and the toll that must take on their family lives– the title ‘Ships in the Night 1’ also makes reference to the old saying and the difficulties in spending time with loved ones. As an abstract painter, my goal is not just represent the visual spectacle, but to provide an emotional response and the feeling of being there: the ship movements, the salt-laden wind, the stark light, the ever-present hum and energy of the harbour.

Approach
Lisa Taylor

I wanted to convey the impending storm with the approach of the vessels into the harbour as a symbol for caution in the future. Caution for the effect of climate change and the return to innocence and respect for the power of nature represented by a dog’s view. I enjoy using soft pastel to give a sweeping impression of the natural world.

The Stockton Sunset
Levi Tupou

Posca Markers, paint, canvas. My artwork is called The Stockton Sunset. I was inspired by the fun and colourful style of Mitch Revs, one of my favourite artists. I wanted to show all the things I love about Stockton – it’s a really special place. I included the ferry crossing the water, surfers catching waves, people playing footy on the sand, and even a happy dog running along the break wall. This artwork is one-of-a-kind and I worked really hard on it. Every part was made with pure effort and care. I hope when people look at it, they feel the same happiness and fun I feel when I’m at the beach watching the sunset over the ocean.

“Protect the Blue: Our Planet’s Lifeline”
Khaylie Mia Valle

“Protect the Blue: Our Planet’s Lifeline” Its inspires me that my both parents are working in a Cruiseship before we arrived here, They travel in Australia and they work hard to support us, it show how they give us love and care even they are far from us, The dedication of a seafarers same as taking care our Ocean. The image depicts a drawing of two hands holding a cruiseship, with the words “Protect the Blue: Our Planet’s Lifeline” written in the top-right and bottom-right corners. The drawing is done on white paper with black lines and colored pencils. *Key Elements:* – Two hands holding a coral reef – Words “Protect the Blue: Our Planet’s Lifeline” written in black marker – White paper with black lines and colored pencils used for drawing *Interpretation:* The image appears to be a message about protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. The ship is a vital part of the marine ecosystem. The image suggests that humans have a responsibility to protect the ocean and its resources for future generations. *Possible Context:* This image could be used in an educational setting to teach children about the importance of ocean conservation. It could also be used as a poster or flyer to raise awareness about the issue of ocean pollution and the need to protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, it could be used as a symbol of support for organizations working to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. Overall, the image is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our planet’s natural resources, including the ocean and its inhabitants.

‘Full Speed Ahead, Mr Boatswain’
Otto van de Wijgaart

Our Ocean is a big, beautiful beast. It provides and terrifies. Is it rough at sea today? We must all pay close attention to the environment…for the “mackerel sky” foretells a storm brewing.

Reading the Water
Rachael Vogelzang

Living in the coastal city of Newcastle, where urban life meets sea, harbour, and bush, I am continually inspired by the rhythms of the ocean and the deep connection our community shares with beach and surf culture. My work reflects a reverence for water as both a physical presence and a metaphor, being fluid, reflective, and vital. This piece, Reading the Water, captures the quiet ritual of checking the surf. A moment of shared stillness and attunement to nature’s signals. Scanning the horizon, watching the play of light across the surface, and tuning into the shifting rhythms of wind, swell, and tide. Surfing becomes more than a sport; it becomes a dialogue with the elements, a way of being present and responsive to the world around us. In this moment of pause before the plunge, I explore themes of anticipation, connection, and reflection. The water holds traces of where we’ve been, while drawing us into the present. The surfers in this work are not just seeking waves, they are seeking alignment; where motion meets stillness, and time seems to suspend. Through this work, I also honour the ocean as a sacred life source. Our beaches, harbours, and waterways are not only places of recreation and inspiration, but essential ecosystems that support diverse marine and aquatic life. As a community deeply tied to the sea, we carry a responsibility to protect and preserve these environments both for our own wellbeing, and for the vitality of the natural world that sustains us.

The Ocean is Alive
Malukah Waldergrave

I made this artwork because I love the sea. It feels big and magical, like it has secrets. I painted the ocean with lots of blue and yellow because those are the colours I see when I go to the beach. I added starfish, some fish, and even a octopus because I think they’re cool and they live down there, where it’s dark but also peaceful. When I think of the sea, I feel calm and happy. I want people to look at my art and imagine they are swimming with the sea animals . I also want them to care about the ocean and not throw rubbish in it, because sea creatures need a clean home. I hope my art makes you smile and makes you love the ocean like I do.

TBD
Zara Young

When our community can work together to stop littering and polluting our environment, our ocean and beaches will be clean. With clean beaches and oceans we can safely walk along the sand leaving only footprints, swim, sail and explore.  My artwork shows a clean beach, ocean and in the distance a very mysterious island ready for the greater community to explore.

Sunset, Galapagos – Infinite curiosity
Lucila Zentner

Infinite curiosity and awareness of the strange otherness of this landscape – this is what I wanted to depict in this vision of sunset in the Galapagos.

On the shore of Isabella
Lucila Zentner

The Shore of Isabella Island is a busy place. Seafaring community bringing supplies from the mainland and transporting food between islands. Visiting ships observing. Seals languishing. The water is alive.

One Journey, Many Stories

Acrylic on Canvas Our artwork is painted on five different-sized canvases. Each one shows part of the journey from Lambton to the ocean. We included homes, gardens, roads, and waterways to show how people are connected to the sea. There are cars and people along the way, and at the beach, you can see surfers and families. We also painted a big cargo ship to show how things are brought to us across the ocean. Each canvas tells part of the story, and together they show how we all have a part to play in caring for our ocean. We loved learning new techniques and thinking about where we live.

Submerged at midnight

Mixed media on watercolour paper (large) Our class artwork shows the ocean at night. We imagined what it looks like under the water when the stars are shining in the sky. We added lots of seaweed, colourful seaweed, and fish swimming everywhere. Some of our fish are even flying! We used bright co lours, different patterns, and different shapes to show all the amazing sea creatures. We wanted our artwork to look like its full of life, movement, and underwater magic. The sea is full of fish and surprises. Our pictures show how beautiful and exciting the ocean can be, even when it’s dark outside

Flowing Peace

Our series of seven paintings was created using acrylic paint, paint pens, and watercolour on watercolour paper. We were inspired by the neurological art style, using flowing lines and bold patterns to show the calming power of nature. A deep blue river winds through each artwork, connecting the paintings and symbolising water’s peaceful journey through the land. Around the river, we used bright, colourful patterns in the fields to represent the beauty, energy, and life that nature gives us. Our artwork is bright and vibrant to remind people that water brings joy, calm, and connection. Through this work, we share a message of hope: when we care for our waterways, we also care for ourselves and our future.