What’s Happening?
Downlands College student Ginger Jones claimed the top honour at the 2026 IEU-QNT Awards for Excellence in Art Design. She received the Harriet Hunter Memorial Award for her work in the Years 3-4 category.
Her entry explored Reflections through a playful interpretation, personal meaning and a close relationship with nature. The work also secured the Award of Excellence for its category.
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory presented the awards in Brisbane on 2 September 2026. The ceremony was held at the Queensland Multicultural Centre.
Why It Matters
Ginger’s overall award places a young Toowoomba artist among leading entries from Queensland and Northern Territory schools. It also gives young artists recognition beyond their classrooms.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said reviewers were impressed by the submission quality and range of interpretations.
“The reviewers commented on the quality of entries and the varied and creative interpretations that entrants brought to this year’s theme,” Mr Burke said.
He said the union created the awards to support artistic students and recognise their creativity.
“Our union established the Awards in 1994 to promote and encourage artistic students and celebrate their flair for creativity,” Mr Burke said “Art is a very important area of learning in schools and IEU-QNT is proud to support the artistic talent of students and staff in the Queensland non-government sector.
“We congratulate all award recipients for their remarkable achievements,” Mr Burke said.
Local Impact
Ginger’s result brought the event’s highest honour to Downlands College, while four other local students were also recognised.
Downlands students Billie McAtomney and Alex Siddins received Highly Commended honours in Years 3-4 and Years 7-8, respectively. Concordia Lutheran College’s Ava Manteufel received the Years 7-8 Award of Excellence.
Fellow Concordia student Hayley Webb was Highly Commended in the First Nations section. All recipients are included in the official 2026 awards list.
By the Numbers
- Hundreds of entries were submitted by students and teachers from non-government schools across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
- Five Toowoomba and Harristown students appear on the Award of Excellence and Highly Commended recipient list.
- Eight entry sections covered kindergarten to Year 12 students, alongside Open and First Nations awards.
Zoom In
The memorial award honours Harriet Hunter, a gifted student who died during the 1999 South-East Queensland floods. Her parents, Adrian and Sue Hunter, reviewed winning entries from preschool to Year 12 before selecting Ginger’s work.
Adrian said the piece stood out through its playful nature and interpretational depth.
“It considers personal reflection, the value of our relationship with nature and ocean mythology,” Adrian said. “The medium has been handled with sensitivity and the composition, placement of colour and form is overall visually appealing and vibrant, a positive outlook on life and transformation,” he said.
Zoom Out
Attendees also heard from James Hillier, known as Nordacious, who was the guest speaker for the evening. The Brisbane visual artist and illustrator works across popular culture, politics, portraiture and queer storytelling.
During his lecture, Hillier discussed the highlights and challenges he has faced throughout his artistic career.
What To Look For Next?
The local results could encourage more Toowoomba students and teachers to submit work in future awards. Schools may also continue celebrating the recognised students within their communities.