COMPETITION 2025
2025 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition photo book
Fairfield City Council’s Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition is an annual competition which welcomes amateur and emerging creatives living in Fairfield City. This year, we received 321 submissions entered across the visual arts and photography categories.
The competitions theme Discover Fairfield: Festivals, Food, and Family Fun! celebrates the rich culture, natural beauty, and vibrant spirit of Fairfield City. It invites the community to embrace everything that makes Fairfield unique.
These pages feature some of this year’s fantastic entries which are also on display at Council’s Administration Centre and Whitlam and Cabramatta library for a short time.
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and congratulations to our winners. We have enjoyed exploring Fairfield City through your eyes and look forward to next year’s submissions.
Message from the Mayor
The 2025 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition invited participants to creatively interpret the theme ‘Discover Fairfield: Festivals, Food, and Family Fun!’, capturing the spirit and character of our City through visual storytelling.
This year, the quality of submissions have truly raised the bar. The passion reflected in the submissions are a true representation of the talent we have in our community. I would like to thank everyone who participated and shared their vision of what makes Fairfield City so special. As I look through each submission, I am filled with pride for our City and the artistic talents of our residents.
I invite you to visit the exhibitions now displayed at Council’s Administration Centre and Whitlam Library, Cabramatta. I hope they have inspired you to participate in next year’s competition.
Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield
Message from the General Manager
Council has thoroughly enjoyed seeing the high calibre of creative talent from our City showcased in the 2025 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition submissions.
Each year, we are delighted by the increasing interest and participation in the competition.
Congratulations to all those who submitted their works, which beautifully reflect the diversity of our community and City.
I look forward to seeing more fantastic works next year.
Bradley Cutts General Manager
Visual Arts
Adult Through the eyes of Capture Fairfield we can see the true beauty of our vibrant places.
“ “
Cabramatta Place Manager Fairfield City Council
1st First Place
Katrina Jelavic, Adult category ‘Fading Facades’
Fading Facades is an archival recording of graphite sketches and typewritten reflections that honour Bonnyrigg Housing Estate that is currently undergoing demolition and redevelopment - its ambitious architectural design and the resilient community within it. The letters share an encounter with the resident of 4/2 Corlette Way, capturing a moment in time, and a familiar account of the journey, belonging and passion of those that enrich our community.
What began as an academic essay evolved into a personal project - I have undertaken site visits, measured and photographed the typology of houses, 3D modeled and redrew them.
This work is my way of preserving the voices I met there—of honouring stories hidden behind closed doors—and sharing the story of the community, and homes on the brink of disappearance.
2nd
Second Place
This painting captures a moment of unity between dogs and their owners at Deer Bush Dog Training Club - an ordinary obedience class made extraordinary by the community behind it.
Founded in 1975 and run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the club has long been a place where families gather, friendship blossoms, and the bond between person and pet is strengthened through patience, play and shared effort. For nearly 50 years, Deer Bush has been more than a training ground, it has been a cultural cornerstone in the Fairfield area, bringing together generations under the common joy of raising well-mannered dogs and well-connected communities.
This year, with uncertainty surrounding the club’s future location, Deer Bush Dog Training Club is unable to welcome new members. This painting serves as both a celebration and a quiet tribute - a way to honour what has been built over decades, and a reminder of what spaces like these mean to the heart of a neighbourhood.
Louise De Marco Jelavic, Adult category ‘Heel Together’
3rd
Third Place
Melvy Connell, Adult category ‘Fairfield Showground Bring It On! Festival’
My son is a folkloric dancer, he and his dance group have always enjoyed performing at Fairfield Showground. In this painting he dances a Bolivian dance called ‘Caporales’ for the 2025 Bring it On Youth Festival.
I am a contemporary visual artists living and working in Abbotsbury. My subjects are my immediate environment such as landscapes, plants and animals. I also use my art to make a social statement about animal rights.
Highly Commended
Jo
Ref, Adult category
‘The Night Shines Up’
Resident of Fairfield born from Maltese parents who migrated here in 1956. They made a home for us in the Fairfield area. I went to school locally and made many friends from all cultures. Learning different ways people did things which made me who I am today. My parents have taught me many traditions that they want to pass down and keep alive in the family. I am proud to be Australian but with a Maltese background.
Being young and carefree, enjoying the company of our peers seeing the night light up for everyone to enjoy.
Highly Commended
Vinh Hung Do, Adult category
‘Breakfast in Cabramatta’
This painting show my appreciation for the unique cuisine found in Cabramatta. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is full of energy, just like the lovely city itself.
I am a local artist who loves finding joy in little moments in life, and translating them into paintings. I hope my paintings will also bring joy to those who see them.
Visual Arts
The Capture Fairfield competition is a great initiative by our local Council and a wonderful opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent and promote our beautiful City and community spirit.
Local Artist
1st
First Place
Zahirah Nelgabaz, Secondary category
‘Creating Memories – Eid Festival’ Irfran College
“Creating Memories” is based on the Fairfield Eid Festival, a celebration
I’ve attended and cherished since childhood. The artwork captures the colourful energy of the festival. The night fireworks, carnival rides, and joyful families. I chose to focus on two sisters walking hand in hand, immersed in the excitement around them.
One wears a hijab, the other dressed casually, symbolising the diversity and bond in family and showing that the Fairfield Eid festival is open to everyone!! This artwork reflects not just the magic of Eid, but the deep, lasting memories created through years of shared experiences, laughter, and tradition.
My name is Zahirah and I like to sketch and sometimes oil paint. This artwork took me a while because I wasn’t used to creating full artworks.
2nd
Second Place
Photheany Peng, Secondary category
‘Dinner with Grandpa’ Cabramatta High School, Year 9
Dinner with Grandpa is a collage of watercolour cutouts. Dinner with Grandpa depicts the setting of a traditional Buddhist altar.
I am a 14 year old girl that was born in Cambodia and moved to Australia when I was 7 months old. Although I no longer live in my home country, I am still connected to it. I am a self taught artist and I participate in creative endeavours whether it be visual arts, martial arts, traditional dance and music.
3rd Third Place
Mary Pithio, Secondary category
‘Streets of the Darug People’ Fairfield High School, Year 10
My artwork captures the history of Fairfield through one notable building: The Crescent Hotel, formerly known as the Railway Hotel. This landmark has long stood as a symbol of growth and connection. Since Fairfield’s early development, the hotel has served as a hub for both visitors and locals, offering essential services and amenities Passing by it almost every day has already become a memory.
Another key feature of this work is the inclusion of Darug art. Being the traditional custodians of the land, the Darug people are central to Fairfield’s heritage and identity. Their culture and language deserve all the recognition and celebration. The patterns in the artwork are inspired by this rich tradition, with acknowledgment to the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation, which deeply inspired me to create part of this piece.
Highly Commended
Prairiewood High School
My art piece is created by pieces of paper with alcoholic markers, bamboo skewers and glue. It creates a 3D structure of the Moon Festivals held in Cabramatta. It expresses the busy environment and atmosphere in the Moon festival. It shows how much people love to come out of their homes and celebrate their culture and customs.
I’m a High School Student who loves to create many art pieces to express my emotions, tradition, and even my country. I create to express. Art is one of my favourite hobbies, even if it may be one of the harder parts to learn. I enjoy its complexity and calming nature of art.
Mya Tran, Secondary category
‘Moon Fest’
Highly Commended
Tammy Kieu, Secondary category
‘Foo Dog Where’
Canley Vale High School, Year 10
Have you seen one before??
I’m Tammy and I’m 16 in year 10.
Highly Commended
Jessica Nguyen, Secondary category ‘Friends at the Park’ Canley Vale High School, Year 10
My painting is of a dog and a man at Cabravale Memorial Park. My mum and I go on walks daily, and we have made several friends at different areas of Cabramatta including this dog and man. In my painting, the dog’s name is ‘Oreo’, and I refer to the man as ‘Uncle’ in Vietnamese. This park has held my childhood memories, and as it has renovated, it has continued to serve as a place for sharing stories, sports, mindfulness, friendships and play. The park is an open book of stories.
I am a year 10 student who enjoys drawing and painting. I like sketching, and using watercolour and acrylic paint. I grew up in Fairfield City, and I have always loved the parks, stores, food and cultural decorations.
Visual Arts Primary
1st
First Place
Edith Ghaby, Primary category
‘If you have Friends, you have Everything’
Governor Philip King Public School, Year 3
Governor Philip King is the BEST school! I love my school and I love seeing my friends every day!
I am 8 years old, and I love to draw. I like to draw because it inspires me, it’s fun, and I love drawing faces. I also love Transformers, dinosaurs and budgies!
2nd
Second Place
Zachary Tarakjian, Primary category
‘Taste the Festival’
Edensor Park Public School, Year 6
This is a painting of a photo of my little brother Joshua. He is eating a skewer and drinking his favourite boba tea at the Moon festival in Cabramatta.
My name is Zachary and I’m in Year 6 at Edensor Park Public School. I’m almost 12 years old. My family is mixed. I’m half Armenian and half Fijian Indian. I think it’s cool that festivals like this bring everyone together. That’s why I wanted to paint this moment.
3rd
Third Place
Hunter Suksiang, Primary category
‘Deerbush Park’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 2
Deerbush park is a fun place for me and my family to play at.
My favourite thing is to ride my bike on the bike track. My second favourite thing is to climb with my 2 twin bothers Maison and Hudson and support them while we climb up the ropes and go down the slide.
My brother Hudson loves jumping on the trampoline and the circle spinning wheel.
Maison follows me and we go up and down the slides lots of times. There are so many fun things that we can do together.
Sometimes, dad and mum buys food from Fairfield markets. We sit together and enjoy the yummy food for lunch.
Deerbush Park makes me feel excited and happy. It is always our special place for our family to spend time together.
Highly Commended
Katrina Ngo, Primary category
‘Harmony of Tet and Nature’ Lansvale Public School, Year 5
Each year I make sticky rice cakes with my grandma to celebrate Lunar New Year. Sometimes we go to the park and have a picnic.
Highly Commended
Joshua Tarakjian, Primary category ‘Flavours of Fairfield’
Edensor Park Public School, Year 4
My artwork is about all the different dishes from the people that live in Fairfield. I included dishes like Sushi, Pho, Chinese, Lebanese/Assyrian, pizza, Indian and my favourite festival/food truck food.
My name is Joshua, I am in year 4, and I go to Edensor Park Public. I’m 10 years old, and my background is Armenian and Fijian Indian. I like doing art, and making videos for my Youtube channel. My favourite part of living in Fairfield is all the different types of food.
Highly Commended
Lutfhia Loh, Primary category ‘Celebrating each other’
My artwork expresses celebration, festivals, family and happiness. I used bright colours as I feel it expresses happiness and good days. My art expresses my bubbly personality.
My name is Lutfhia, I draw to express my thoughts. Art is my favourite class in school and I am pretty good at it too. I hope you enjoy my piece.
Highly Commended
Jasmine Nguyen, Primary category ‘Cultural Connections’
Lansvale Public School, Year 5
I wanted to create an artwork that connected different cultures with food because it makes everyone happy and can bring people together. Since people prepare food and dishes for multiple occasions, I thought it would be amazing to add foods from different cultures and backgrounds into my artwork.
Photography Adult
1st First Place
Thomas Clewett-Dang, Adult category
‘The Lion and the Laughing Spirit’
2nd
Second Place
Zayd Naeem, Adult category
‘Sunset at Fairfield Heights Park’
3rd Third Place
Joe Vo, Adult category ‘Alleys of Adventure’
Highly Commended
Alex Benetel, Adult category
‘A Mirrored View – Western Sydney Regional Parklands’
Highly Commended
Michael Lazareff, Adult category
‘After the Rain’
Highly Commended
Martin Racliff, Adult category
‘Fairfield Golf Addict’
Highly Commended
Jeannette Bursic, Adult category
‘A Nice Arvo Stroll with The Dog’
Photography Secondary
This year’s submissions demonstrated how much Fairfield City residents love the natural and built environments of the City where they live.
Capture Fairfield Judge
1st First Place
Mylez Molo, Secondary category
‘Reflective Radiance’
Patrician Brothers
College, Year 12
Second Place
Ivy Barone, Secondary category ‘Moonrise’ Freeman Catholic College, Year 9 2nd
The photography competition has encouraged local students to explore natural wonders in their community and get creative behind the lens.
Natural Resource Officer
Fairfield City Council
Third
Place
Ethan Lee, Secondary category
‘Home Sweet Home’
Bossley Park High School, Year 7
3rd
Highly Commended
Jessica Blake, Secondary category
‘Stuffed with excitement’
High School
Bonnyrigg
Highly Commended
Collin Trang, Secondary category
Canley Vale High School, Year 10
‘Dragon Gate’
Photography Primary
1st First Place
Toby
Primary category
Zappia,
‘Fiery mulch and the Gate of Doom’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
2nd
Second Place
Muhammad El-Chakik, Primary category
‘Friends are Family’
Old Guildford Public School, Year 6
3rd Third Place
Addison Huynh, Primary category
‘Tracks of Time’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 5
Highly Commended
Anastasia Piromalli, Primary category
‘Bulging Bubbles’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 6
Highly Commended
Joyuese Mukasine, Primary category
‘Golden Branches’
Bossley Park Public School
Visual Arts
“
Art doesn’t just reflect our surroundings, it reminds us why they matter.
“
Capture Fairfield Judge
Wichai Tantiyasawatdikun, Adult category
‘My Love’
Cheryl Tate, Adult category
‘Family Fun at LNY Fireworks’
Diane Yousouf, Adult category
category
‘White Ibis’
Daniel Arpas, Adult
‘Interwoven’
Ezra Mukendi Kabuya, Adult category ‘Senset
Melvy Connell, Adult category ‘Neotree Western Sydney Regional Park, Abbotsbury’
Serenity’
Stephen Phillips, Adult category
Peter
Holland, Adult category ‘Discover Fairfield’
‘Autumn Morning Green Valley Creek’
Wichai Tantiyasawatdikun, Adult category
‘Autumn Season Lake’
Emma Fogarty, Adult category
‘Local Lines - Digital artworkFairfield landmarks’
Melanie Gonzalez, Adult category
‘Moon Festival, Love of Dragons’
Fadilla Khalil, Adult category
‘We unite under the night’
Helen Nguyen, Secondary category ‘The Menu’ Canley Vale High School
Dima Shamonka, Secondary category ‘Diverse Wings, Shared Sky’
Mary Mackillip Catholic College
Sylvia Nguyen, Secondary category ‘Memories’
Canley Vale High School, Year 10
Iman Hammoud, Secondary category ‘Fairfield Festival’ Prairiewood High School, Year 7
Lily-Rose Hong, Secondary category Mary Mackillip Catholic College, Year 9
Davina Peng , Secondary category
‘Magpie’
Fairvale High School, Year 11
Nohara Shmouil, Secondary category
St Narsai Assyrian Christian College, Year 12
Selena Luu, Secondary category ‘The Torresian Crow’ Freeman Catholic College, Year 9
Andrew Pang, Secondary category
‘Capture Fairfield 2025 Entry’
Canley Vale High School, Year 11
Hugo Le, Secondary category
‘Colour beneath rain’
Canley Vale High School, Year 9
Sabrina Huynh, Secondary category
‘Where the Lion Sleeps’
Cabramatta High School, Year 9
Irina Le, Primary category
‘The Kangaroo and the Emu’
St Johns Park Public School, Kindergarten
Alessia Hill, Primary category ‘Garden of Joy’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 1
Alisha Huynh, Primary category ‘Fairfield City Museum’ St Johns Public School, Year 2
Ethan Le, Primary category
‘Fairfield City Museum’
St Johns Public School, Year 1
Jayden Bui , Primary category
‘Under the Moon Glow’
Kate Diem Tran Nguyen, Primary category
‘The Bringing Arch’
Canely Vale Public School, Year 6
Amir Mosawi, Primary category ‘Bradbury Wharf Mt’
Pritchard Public School, Year 6
Isabel Tantiyasawatdikun, Primary category ‘Sakura Cafe’
John the Baptist Primary, Year 6
Bentley Chang, Primary category ‘Two Cockatoos’
Canley Vale Public School
Luqman Loh, Primary category ‘Mystical Celebrations’
Mt Pritchard Public School
Marcus Trieu, Primary category ‘Koi Fish Show’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 1
Mia Tran, Primary category
‘Delicious smell of Fairfield’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 3
Justin Li, Primary category
‘My School’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 4
Avalyn Sem, Primary category ‘Togetherness’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 4
Raylee Tran, Primary category
‘The Beauty, Our Cultures, Our Fairfield’ St Johns Park Public School, Year 5
Tracy Pham, Primary category
‘Vietnamese Beef Noodles’ Lansvale Public School, Year 4
Julia Dib, Primary category
‘Nature Landscape’
Edensor Park Public School, Year 1
Madeleine Hird, Primary category
‘Enjoy Fairfield Greenspace’
Edensor Park Public School
Talia Tran, Primary category
‘Chang’e’s Mooncakes’
Lansvale Public School, Year 6
Jessica Cong, Primary category
‘The New Year’ Lansvale Public School, Year 6
Vivian Phan, Primary category
‘Taste of Cabramatta’ St Johns Park Public School, Year 6
Joel Liso, Primary category
‘Assyrian New Year (Resha d-Sheta)’
St Gertudes Public School
Valentina Hill, Primary category
‘My Story of Fairfield’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 2
Sarah Leang, Primary category
‘Our Diverse Fair Fairfield Easter Fair’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 4
Remy Chen, Primary category
St Johns Park Public School, Year 1
Photography
Juan Guillermo Robayo Gomez, Adult category ‘Colombian Vibration’ Club Uruguayo
Dan Chen, Adult category
‘Rose 2’ Canley Vale
Benjamas Hannarong, Adult category
‘Time of Love’ Fairfield Showground
Capture Fairfield gives the community the opportunity to shine through the eyes of individuals as they explore the hidden natural beauty of Fairfield City’s indigenous flora and fauna.
Bush Care Officer Fairfield City Council
Mason Phothisaranasouk, Adult category ‘Life in the Leaves’ Fairfield
James Tran, Adult category Cabramatta
Ivana Zivkovic, Adult category
‘A Golden Hour Family Wander at Clear Paddock Creek’ St Johns Park
Patrizia Zeppieri, Adult category
‘Fairfield Feathered Family Outing’
The Dairy
Stephen Phillips, Adult category
‘Food’
Monorom Asian Grocery
Sally Hsu, Adult category
‘Message from the God of Fortune’ Cabramatta Freedom Plaza
Name, Adult category
‘Title’
Location
Robert Pimm, Adult category
‘Frank’s Saw Wall Paintings’ Fairfield Heights
Le Loc Nguyen, Adult category
“A Seat in Little Saigon”
James Kemp, Adult category
‘Model Moments at Calmsley Hill’ Calmsley Hill
Lyddia Barnett, Adult category ‘Mornings in Smithfield’
Alex Vuu, Secondary category
‘Flight of the Ibises’
Jessica Blake, Secondary category ‘Plates of Chaos’
Canley Vale High School
Fairfield Easter Show
Social Planning and Cultural Development Officer Fairfield City Council “
We know that Fairfield City residents are proud to belong to a diverse multicultural community.
“
Ashley Heng, Secondary category
Pho Ann Cabramatta John St
Zachery Nguyen, Secondary category
‘A Quiet Moment Amidst The Festivities’
Canley Vale High School, Year 10
Kailee Jammo, Secondary category
‘Strike of beauty’
Abbotsbury
Saint Narsai Assyrian Christian College
Carolyn Youkhana, Secondary category
‘A Warmth of Being Out’
St Narsai Assyrian College, Year 12
Lucas Dung, Secondary category
‘Home Time Rush Hour’
Canley Vale High School, Year 10
Kailee Jammo, Secondary category
‘Skys of Pink’
Saint Narsai Assyrian Christian College
Christiana Shamuel, Secondary category
‘Rainbow’
St Narsai Assyrian Christian College
Alex Vuu, Secondary category ‘Childhood’ Canley Vale High School
Carolyn Youkhana, Secondary category
‘Spotting Cordiform Clouds at Dusk Family Walks’
St Narsai Assyrian College, Year 12
Raiden To Le Phan, Secondary category
‘Canley Vale Station’
Canley Vale High School
Julie Chhoeung, Secondary category
‘Kiss
of Cabra LNY’ Cabramatta High School, Year 10
Aydin Senol, Primary category
‘An Ants View’
Bossley Park Public School
Stephanie Shlimon, Primary category
‘Natures Flora’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Leonardo Blake, Primary category ‘Bending the limits’ Fairfield Easter Show
Yang Hu, Primary category ‘Mushroom Hunting’
Lansvale Public School, Year 2
Jovani Toma, Primary category ‘A Quiet Evening’ Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Rimanda Somo, Primary category
‘Greener’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 6
Juliana Tannous, Primary category
‘Rain Day’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Leyla, Primary category
‘Tall Trees’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Teodora Trkulja, Primary category
‘Following the Road to Success’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 5
Sarah Michelle Leang, Primary category
‘Food Brings the Family together’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 4
Claire Hanna, Primary category ‘Look Into The Light’ Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Muhammad Yildirim, Primary category
‘Bee in Park’
Edensor Park Primary School
Jana Gharib, Primary category
‘Sisters at Heart’
Old Guildford Public School, Year 5
Oliver Ponnuswamy, Primary category
‘The Tree Relationship’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 6
Hunter Suksiang, Primary category
‘Cute Happy Brothers’
St Johns Park Public School, Year 2
Valerie Kong, Primary category
‘Pretty Purple Petals’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 6
Ayeesha Elchaar, Primary category ‘Feathered Family’
Old Guildford Public School, Year 3
Gabriel Rima, Primary category ‘Chosen Family’
Old Guildford Public School, Year 6
Dionisio Mele, Primary category
‘Sky Forest’
Bossley Park Public School, Year 5
Hassan Hussein, Primary category
‘Racing’ Fairfield Public School
Fairfield City Council would like to thank the 2025 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition entrants.
We hope this year’s talent inspires you to capture the beauty of our City in 2026.
“Entries from this competition will form a pictorial history of our current heritage that will be preserved for future generations.
“
Heritage Librarian
Fairfield City Council
Chipping Norton Lake Lansvale