Ipswich Talent Shines at the Flying Arts Alliance Queensland Regional Awards

The Flying Arts Alliance Queensland Regional Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding creativity from across the state last night in Brisbane, with Ipswich artists proudly among this year’s top achievers.

Rees and former RDA Ipswich & West Moreton Chair Kathy Baburin attended the event, hosted by Flying Arts Alliance Inc. — a statewide organisation that supports artists, educators and communities across regional and remote Queensland. The Alliance continues to champion creativity, connection and opportunities for both emerging and established artists.

This year’s theme, ‘Momentum’, inspired a remarkable collection of works from across the state — with Ipswich artists making a strong impression among the finalists:
Kathryn Neilson – Winner, Young Artist Award
Sharon McKenzie – Winner, Textile Award
Charmaine Davis – Winner, First Nations Award
Christopher Bentley – Finalist

Among the highlights of the evening were photographs featuring all participating artists alongside Flying Arts Alliance CEO Toni Palmer and Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek MP, as well as a special moment capturing Rees, Kathy and Kathryn Neilson beside her prize-winning photograph.

A huge congratulations to all Ipswich finalists and winners — a wonderful recognition of the region’s vibrant creative community and the momentum driving local arts forward.