Officially opened today, 2 July 2025, the Henley Beach South Coast Project is a major milestone in Unity Housing’s commitment to delivering more social and affordable housing to low-income households increasingly priced out of the rental market in metropolitan Adelaide.

In partnership with the South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT), Unity Housing’s Henley Beach South Coast development has transformed the 0.9ha former public housing site into modern, sustainable apartments and townhouses on sought after Henley Beach Road.

The mixed housing development replaces 52 outdated public housing flats built in 1957 and has been designed to strengthen the local community through thoughtful design, strong partnerships, and genuine community engagement. It includes:

• 22 two-and-three-bedroom affordable rental townhouses owned and operated by Unity Housing.
• 5 two-bedroom social apartments owned and operated by Unity Housing.
• 23 two-bedroom social rental apartments for people aged 55 and over owned by the SAHT and managed by Unity Housing.
• 20 townhouses sold to market (phase one of the development).

Construction of the affordable townhouses and social apartments was completed in May, and they are expected to be fully tenanted by the end of July.

The all-electric site includes 700 solar panels installed across the development’s mixed housing, car chargers fitted in Unity Housing’s affordable townhouses and an open green community space and street landscaping. The 28 social housing apartments are built to meet Supported Disability Accommodation ‘Improved Liveability’ standards.

Designed by City Collective and built by Centina, the development secured funding from the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord Facility (Round One) to support the delivery of 19 affordable townhouses and five of the social housing apartments.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said: “These outstanding new homes provide affordable rental accommodation in a prime Adelaide beach-side location, directly opposite a premier public high school. The Henley Beach South Coast project not only rejuvenates an outdated SA Housing Trust site, it creates affordable housing opportunities in sustainable townhouses and apartments in a vibrant beachside community.”

Unity Housing CEO Matthew Woodward said: “This is a landmark project that sets the new standard for affordable, inclusive and sustainable living in Henley Beach South. It delivers much-needed housing for low-income households, seniors, and the broader community. Our $48 million development is not just housing – it is also about strengthening the fabric of the community, reflecting the character and needs of the neighborhood and delivering high quality, affordable homes that foster connection, dignity, and opportunity.”

Centina Managing Director Paul Nardinocchi said: “Aligned with Centina’s vision to be known as a company that positively impacts communities, we are proud to partner with Unity Housing on the construction of this project. The townhouses and apartments provide much needed social and affordable housing to low income and ageing community members and are situated in an exceptional location only minutes to the beach and near amenities.”

Unity Housing is at the forefront of efforts to improve the energy efficiency of social housing properties, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its tenants. Through the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), Unity Housing is leading the way in upgrading existing social housing to make homes more energy-efficient and reduce utility costs for residents. These upgrades typically include better insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and the installation of energy-saving appliances or solar panels.

As part of the 2024-25 State Budget announcement, Unity Housing secured $785,000 in matched funding to carry out significant improvements across up to 90 properties in the Limestone Coast region, including Millicent, Naracoorte and Penola. These properties, currently reliant on bottled gas for heating, cooking, and hot water, will undergo a comprehensive upgrade.

Beginning in April 2025 and continuing through to March 2027, Unity Housing will replace existing gas appliances with energy-efficient electrical alternatives, such as heat pump water heaters, energy-efficient air conditioners, insulation upgrades, and solar PV systems. These improvements are designed to enhance thermal comfort, reduce energy bills, and ensure a constant supply of heating and hot water, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for residents.

Unity Housing CEO, Matthew Woodward says, “Our proactive approach in partnering with the South Australian Government underscores Unity Housing’s dedication to supporting low-income households in the South East who are vulnerable to rising energy costs. By prioritising these upgrades, we aim to alleviate financial pressure on some of the state’s most disadvantaged communities, ensuring they can enjoy a more comfortable and affordable living environment.”

This initiative not only highlights Unity Housing’s leadership in sustainability and energy efficiency but also showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by its tenants. Unity Housing is proud to take significant steps, in partnership with the state government, to improve the quality of life for South Australians on low incomes.

Pictured: Solar panels on Unity Housing properties in Strathalbyn, SA.

In an Australian first, 1,750 community housing tenants are being invited to access the lowest electricity prices in South Australia through a virtual power plant previously accessible only to public housing residents.

Unity Housing, one of the state’s largest community housing providers (CHP), in partnership with Tesla, will be the first CHP to provide tenants access to South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) – the largest VPP in the nation.

This is the first time the SAVPP – set up by Tesla in 2017 with support from the State Government initially for public housing tenants – is being opened to low to moderate income tenants in community housing.

Unity Housing CEO, Matthew Woodward, said the partnership was a game-changer for the national community housing sector, benefiting tenant households and the environment.

Mr Woodward said Tesla would install batteries and/or solar panels to the homes of eligible Unity Housing tenants so they could generate and store green energy, returning excess into the grid, at no cost to the tenant.

“Unity Housing tenants will be the first in the community housing sector to share the benefits of cheaper and renewable energy at scale by participating in this scheme at a time when household budgets are under increasing pressure from rising living costs,” he said.

“That’s what makes this initiative so important – it provides people in greatest need with no-cost green energy infrastructure that will help manage the household budget, reducing stress and anxiety and improving health and wellbeing, while helping the environment. It’s a win, win, win.”

Minster for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion, said this initiative would provide real savings to lower income earners.

“The increasing cost of living is a real issue being felt across Adelaide and initiatives like the SA Virtual Power Plant will make a genuine difference to the tenants at Unity Housing,” he said.

“It’s important we continue to look at various ways to make housing more affordable and this partnership is an example of what can be achieved when the Government works with community housing providers to change the lives of South Australians doing it tough.”

Tesla, through Energy Locals, shares the benefits of savings from energy produced via the solar and battery systems by providing tenants the lowest energy prices in SA.

Unity Housing tenants could save up to $562 a year – or 25 per cent off the South Australian Default Market Offer based on average tenant household usage.

To date, more than 250 Unity Housing tenants, located predominantly across Adelaide’s western suburbs, have registered to join the SAVPP and more than 150 have been benefitting from cheaper electricity over the past three months through the installation of batteries and/or solar panels.

The combined yearly impact of all 7,000 SAVPP sites installed by the end of 2024 amounts to an indicative reduction in emissions of 20,825 tonnes of CO2-e per year.*

Unity Housing provides safe, secure and sustainable homes for South Australians with diverse needs including those on low to moderate incomes; at risk of or experiencing homelessness; and/or living with disability – all of whom may have difficulty obtaining or maintaining housing in the public or private market.

*Calculated using average SAVPP solar generation data per site per year, average yearly electricity consumption in South Australian homes and a scope 2 emissions factor for the South Australian grid from 2020 National Greenhouse Accounts Factor data.

Twilight Tenant Christmas Party Lights Up Lions Park for a Community Celebration!

Twilight Tenant Christmas Party Lights Up Lions Park for a Community Celebration!

In a much-anticipated gathering, the Twilight Tenant Christmas Party was held at Lions Park on Tuesday, 5 December from 4 pm to 6 pm.

In true Millicent style, the Lions Club fired up the BBQ, offering a spread of classic Aussie snags and salads served up by Jacqui, her daughter Lottie and our fabulous tenant helper Big John!

Approximately 35 tenants and other local residents attended, with some telling us that this was their first Lions Park experience, having previously watched events from inside their house. Today was the day they felt they could join in the fun.

Kids revelled in the laid-back fun, getting amongst games like snakes and ladders, Connect 4, and the art table which emerged as a favorite creative hub and was skilfully supervised by another fabulous tenant, Rakhael.

Des Knoll, a keen supporter of Unity Housing + Lions Park…  and Mayor of Wattle Range Council, came along, underlining the event’s significance.

Santa made a grand entrance, distributing lolly bags and listening carefully to all Christmas present requests from the crowd against the backdrop of a beautiful clear blue sky.

The air buzzed with excitement during a free lucky prize draw with 3 winners announced.

Jacqui Matthews (Tenant Engagement Officer) and Peter Zeitz (Team Leader) extended words of welcome and thanks to local event sponsors, highlighting the spirit of community.

The event was a huge success and concluded with a common request to do it all again next year.

#TwilightTenantChristmas #CommunityGathering#MillicentLionsPark

Thank you to everyone who attended, Unity Housing staff and Santa!

Meet our Christmas card artwork competition winner

We interviewed Mandy about her winning artwork, “Peace” that appears on the cover of our 2023 tenant Christmas Card.

2023 Unity Housing Christmas card competition winner Mandy with Paul

Q: Tell us about the piece you created – what was your inspiration and what does it represent?
A: The piece of art I created was about what Christmas means to me – wishing there was peace around the world, that it isn’t just about receiving presents. I didn’t want to create any religious aspects either, as we all have different meanings of Christmas.

Q: What is your background in art?
A: I have always loved art and it was my favourite subject at school, I was constantly drawing in my spare time. I didn’t enter my first art competition until I was in my 30s as I didn’t have the confidence or believe my artwork was good enough. My first art entry was at the Robe Southern Ocean Art Exhibition and that is where I sold my first piece.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Out there… I draw cartoons and I can also draw and paint deep and meaningful art, my range is broad.

Q: What do you enjoy creating and why?
A: Art is a great release of all my pent-up feelings and emotions. My opinions are also expressed through the art I create, which is my voice instead of my words.

Q: How did you become a tenant with Unity Housing?
A: I was originally a tenant in Kingston and have always felt safe in the housing Unity Housing provides. I moved to Millicent in 2012 and I have always felt supported by Unity, especially with my art and when I had to relocate to another property.

Q: Is there a special message you would like to share with Unity Housing tenants this holiday season?
A: I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and, with everything currently happening in the world, reflect on how fortunate we are to be living where we do.

Thank you to all our competition entrants, Amanda, Brett, David, DM, Katrina, Linda, Mark, Rosemary, Shane, and Vicki. 

On 28 October at the Mill Gallery, Adelaide CBD, the Community Housing Association of South Australia (CHIA SA) recognised the artistic talents of community and social housing tenants; participants of the 2023 Community Housing Art (CHARTS) Awards.

Biennially celebrated, this year’s CHARTS Awards shines a spotlight on the vibrant tapestry of creativity and talent showcased by residents from 12 community housing providers in South Australia.

This event attracted an impressive 130 entries spanning four categories: Framed/Hanging; 3D/Sculpture; Photography, Digital and Graphic; and Poetry and Literature.

Luke Westenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of CHIA SA, noted that CHARTS showcases talented tenants residing in community and social housing.

“We know art brings people together, and by displaying their artwork, we hope CHARTS inspires engagement and a feeling of belonging in the community among tenants,” said Mr Westenberg. “Congratulations to the winners and all the entrants for sharing their creativity, with a broad range of works entered from established artists to artists who picked up a paintbrush for the first time.”

We invite art enthusiasts to explore the CHARTS exhibition, which remains open until 12 October 2023. Don’t miss the chance to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented on the exhibition’s closing day at The Mill.

This year, Unity Housing tenants contributed a total of 39 entries.

We extend our gratitude to all Unity Housing tenants who generously shared their creative talents by participating in the 2023 Community Housing Arts (CHARTS) Awards. We value and appreciate the collective efforts of each participant.

Thank you for making this event a success!

The 2023 CHARTS Award recipients are:

Framed / Hanging
• Youth category: Pearl, YourPlace
• Emerging category: Linda, Kingfisher
• General category: Luke, Silverton

3D / Sculpture
• Youth Entrants category: Zachary, Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System – Abstract Art Piece
• Emerging category: Ty, Cloudwood
• General category: Alycia, City Cam, Google Streetview, Screenshot

Photography, Digital and Graphic Art
• Youth Entrants category: Amber, Slow Morning Spent below a Polyester Canopy
• Emerging category: Leonard, Reflections Upside Down
• General category: Phillip, Spirit Dance

Poetry and Literature
• Youth Entrants category: Gislene, Voices of My Past – Kuginda
• Emerging category: Kym, Merciful Silence
• General category: Adeeb, Something Wrong (Unity Housing tenant)

First Nations Artist: Marie, The Storyteller (Unity Housing tenant)

Artist Living with Disability: Jungle, Abstract Shon Number 9 (Unity Housing tenant)

A panel of judges reviewed submissions and based their decisions on originality, technique, composition, message, interest and overall impact. Judges included:

• Artist, Amy Joy-Watson;
• The Art Bus teacher, Miranda Harris;
• Artist Claire Wildish; and
• Patron of arts and community organisations and ABC radio presenter, Peter Goers.

Front view of the new Unity Housing office in Bowden.

Unity Housing thanks the following organisations for their contributions to the Bowden project.

• The Buildtec Group – Owner / builder
• Hames Sharely – Base Build Architect
• Neoscape – Unity Project Manager
• JPE Design Studio – Fit-out Architect
• Lucid Consulting – Building Services Consulting Engineers
• DCWC – Quantity Surveyor
• dsquared Consulting – Sustainability Consultant
• Katnich Dodd – Building Rules Assessment
• Signlab – Signage
• Estilo – Furniture and Lighting
• Egans – Removals, Storage and Relocation
• Custom Kitchens and Home Improvements – ‘make good’ of previously leased premises

We are pleased to announce the completion of Unity Housing’s new central office in the vibrant community of Bowden and that the relocation of staff from our five metropolitan offices into this central location has been finalised.

This new office has been purpose built for us by our partners, The Buildtec Group, who will continue to own the building with Unity Housing as the primary tenant.

It’s important to note that our commitment to serving our tenants in country regional areas and Boarding House residents will continue to be delivered through appropriately located local offices.

The new Bowden office space marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development and growth of Unity Housing and the services it offers. The office has been built to deliver a range of environmental/ESG outcomes and provides a dynamic setting for our staff. It will not only provide a more enriching work environment but also facilitates administrative and operational efficiencies which will support improved outcomes for our tenants.

As we come together under one roof, Unity Housing aims to streamline corporate support initiatives and create a more unified, cohesive, and effective workforce. A number of initiatives to achieve this have already been put in place and a further significant operational initiative will be delivered with the commencement of our new Customer Care Centre in late September.

Speaking about this exciting development, Unity Housing CEO Matthew Woodward said:

“We are thrilled to make this announcement. We worked closely with our staff to establish clear criteria, focusing on creating an efficient, modern, and sustainable work environment. Partnering with the Buildtec Group in the Bowden development has allowed us to meet these criteria and bring this vision to life. This new office aligns perfectly with our values, rooted in the community, and dedicated to providing a long-term, sustainable workspace for our staff, while improving services to our tenants.”

The Bowden office is conveniently located near the Adelaide CBD at 10 Gibson Street, Bowden, at the corner of Gibson Street and Second Street. This prime location offers easy access to various modes of public transport, including buses, trains, and trams.

Our Bowden office hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Should you have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at T: 08 8237 8777.

Find us on Google Maps.

A big thank you goes out to all Unity Housing tenants who put their creativity forward entering the 2023 Community Housing Arts Awards (CHARTS). Without your contribution this art competition would not happen, everybody’s efforts are greatly appreciated by Unity Housing and the Community Housing Industry of South Australia.

This year, CHARTS received over 150 submissions from Unity Housing tenants contributing to 39 successful entries. Judges were extremely impressed by the quality of all entries and laboured over the difficult task to select those shortlisted finalists.

The general public, and especially all contributing artists, are invited to attend the CHARTS Finalists exhibition which will be held from 29 September to 12 October at The Mill, 154 Angas St, Adelaide. The gallery will be open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Below is the list of tenants, their submission and participating category.

For a list of key 2023 CHARTS dates, please click on the link below.

Key Dates CHARTS Awards 2023

Adeeb – General Entry (19 & over). Poetry – Something Wrong

Medium: Written word.

Description: Something Wrong is a poem that muses about existence, the meaning of life and the ability to express oneself. The poem infers that there is something wrong with the poet. He is born and will die not knowing what is wrong or why he was born. So he lives, loves, works, travels through life without true choices. Even words cannot explain how to express his deep feelings about himself, his life and existence.

From the artist: Adeeb is an Iraqi-Australian poet and translator. He has published 25 poetry collections in English and Arabic and won the major prize of Iraqi poetry in 1999. He has translated works from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China and the USA. Adeeb now lives in Adelaide as an Australian citizen. His poetry has been published in The Best Australian Poems 2007, The Best Australian Poems 2012 and the publications Southerly, Meanjin and Friendly Street Poets. Adeeb is honoured to have his English language poetry published in Australia, which is a fantastic achievement for any poet writing in a second language. Further information is available at adeebk.com

Kelly – General Entry (19 & over). Poetry – Stars

Medium: Written word.

Description: Written during Covid while I was recovering in a mental hospital and I was dealing with chronic flashbacks. Writing helps me release trapped trauma.

From the artist: 44-year-old self-taught poet and abstract artist. Using and integrating artistic expression to heal and cope with CPTSD, OCD, BPD, DID, NDE survivor and ADHD. Inspirational sources are Einstein and Leonard-Quantum theory, mechanics and philosophy. Pro Hart-abstract artist expression, Rumi-poetry, Sadhguru-Addiction, Eckhart Tolle-Being and Ned Kelly-bravery.

Allan – Emerging (19 & over).  Beethoven.

Medium: Fired clay

Description:

From the artist: I am self taught artist and a member of the Royal South Australian Adelaide Society (including Vice President in 2019) and the Adelaide Arts Society, both for over 10 years. I love art and even wrote a book ‘An Appreciation of Dorrit Black Paintings’

Amanda – Emerging (19 & over). “Tossed to Shore, Yet Continuing to Soar!!”

Medium: earth pigments-shells

Descriptiuon: Is about Resilience & reflection, times in my life where I’ve struggled, felt like the odd one out, going it alone, just as a Shell struggles alone on a journey through rough seas only to hit hard rocks at the shore. Yet, just as that Shell will shine bright forevermore, so shall I.

From the artist: Self-taught artist, creative since my favourite subject at school was Art/crafts & my favourite pastime was drawing, mostly animals. I developed an interest drawing Caricatures in my teens/20’s and in my 30’s I branched out into a more expressionist style and figurative work. My favourite Artists are Van Gogh & Munch and I am inspired how they express their deep inner feelings & mood and find their art very moving and hauntingly beautiful. My art is very emotionally charged, and through my paintings or sculptures I can express myself. I paint what is important to me- The Environment, Animal welfare issues, Mental Health (Depression), Justice, Self-Acceptance, Love, & Peace.

Margaret – Emerging (19 & over). “Sensation”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: The dancers are in the sky, dancing and feeling free of any worries in the world.

From the artist: I have always loved drawing and started painting a year ago. I love doing all types of art. I love colour and painting/drawing distinct and original ideas-anything that comes in to my mind.

Lora – General Entry (19 & over). “The Hole”

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: I created this piece recently, wanting to challenge myself with a 3D-my first attempt.

“‘ Cam’s Heartbreak'”.

Medium: acrylic paints and glitter

Description: This painting was created after my friend Cam told me a story that involved the rape of his sister, which then consequently led to her taking her own life. It is dedicated to her, Jackie. The Dragonfly represents hope, change and love and symbolises new beginnings.

From the artist: I have been painting for 25 years, my Dad was a brilliant sign writer and artist when he was alive. In my teens, I hung around an Indigenous family where the Mum was a dot painter. She let me paint but only allowed me to dot paint in white and paint the borders of her paintings. I branched out and taught myself to dot paint, starting with one dot in the middle and then I would add colour around, before moving on to painting pictures. I have experienced trauma throughout my life and I have always wanted a better life for my children. Over the years, I have taught children how to paint and have sold pieces of my art. Painting keeps me busy, preventing me from overthinking, it is a great outlet

Allan – General Entry (19 and over). “Tony”.

Medium: Charcoal

Description: I love drawing faces of people, charcoal is a fantastic meduim. I use my fingers to create this. I find faces fascinating as each face is unique and has so many different features. I did this at the Adelaide Art Society, each Monday we sketch people.

From the artist: I am self taught artist and a member of the Royal South Australian Adelaide Society (including Vice President in 2019) and the Adelaide Arts Society, both for over 10 years. I love art and even wrote a book ‘An Appreciation of Dorrit Black Paintings’

Amanda – General Entry (19 and over). “Eye for an Eye”

Medium: acrylic painting

Description: Is about my views on Justice & Injustice in the world today. I yearn to live in a society where victims of crime, can rest easy knowing their perpetrators WILL get the punishment they deserve.

From the artist: Self-taught artist, creative since my favourite subject at school was Art/crafts & my favourite pastime was drawing, mostly animals. I developed an interest drawing Caricatures in my teens/20’s and in my 30’s I branched out into a more expressionist style and figurative work. My favourite Artists are Van Gogh & Munch and I am inspired how they express their deep inner feelings & mood and find their art very moving and hauntingly beautiful. My art is very emotionally charged, and through my paintings or sculptures I can express myself. I paint what is important to me- The Environment, Animal welfare issues, Mental Health (Depression), Justice, Self-Acceptance, Love, & Peace.

Annette – Emerging (19 & over). “Katerfly”.

Medium: Acrylics on board with collage.

Description: Painting and collage of singer Kate Bush with butterfly wings. Inspired by 1920’s Life Magazine cover.

From the artist: Taking up art and crafts from the influence of my very creative Mum, I have continued to practice and learn new techniques. Art is my safe place and joy. Living in Adelaide my whole life I have only recently started to show some of my art through exhibitions like SALA and CHARTS.

Brian – Emerging (19 & over). “On the Road to Victor Harbour”.

Medium: Acrylic Paints on paper

Description: Our tenant Brian drove past this one day and like it. He took a photograph and decided to paint it.

From the artist: Brian has been painting as a hobby for over 20 years. He gets a lot of enjoyment out of painting. Brian has attended Art classes with Sky light for over 10 years. He loves attending to paint and enjoy the company of others who also enjoy painting and have similar interests.

Julie – Emerging (19 & over). “Ways”.

Medium: Acrylic.

Description: Paint With acrylics on canvas

From the artist: Been painting for 12 years I paint cards bookmarks and coasters with acrylic paints.

Margaret – Emerging (19 & over). “The Horse”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: ‘The Horse’ is a different type of painting, I like to make my art original. The horse’s name is Savior and he has a look in his eyes that says be careful.

From the artist: I have always loved drawing and started painting a year ago. I enjoy doing all sorts of art, as I love colour and paint the different things that come into my mind.

Tomi – Emerging (19 & over) “ENSO #4”.

Medium: Acrylic and oil on canvas. 100cm×100cm.

Description: South Australia

From the artist: Born in Finland 1965. Emigrated to Australia 1965. Currently resides in Adelaide.

Kelly – Emerging (19 & over). “True North”.

Medium: Acrylic paint.

Description: Following a cosmic path, multiple worlds in one, like an Omni verse.

From the artist: 44-year-old self-taught poet and abstract artist. Using and integrating artistic expression to heal and cope with CPTSD, OCD, BPD, DID, NDE survivor and ADHD. Inspirational sources are Einstein and Leonard-Quantum theory, mechanics and philosophy. Pro Hart-abstract artist expression, Rumi-poetry, Sadhguru-Addiction, Eckhart Tolle-Being and Ned Kelly-bravery.

Liz – Emerging (19 & over).  “Suns Splendour”.

Medium: Water colours – acrylic on canvas

Description: I remember the day I painted this back in 2008, it was a beautiful morning where I woke up feeling happy. My day was clear of any work which was unusual. I began painting and wanted to capture feelings – the sun rays represented happiness and brightness, the clouds mixed feelings that we all have. I bought yellow paint that was luminous which glowed in the dark. At the time my 19 year old son loved it and has displayed it in his room and now his loungeroom at his house. Many friends of mine and his have commented that it is a spectacular piece, I am very proud of it and pleased to share with others.

From the artist: I have always had an artistic flair, enjoying interior decoration for mine and friends houses. I began painting when I was 12 years old, in 1973. I have been happy not to turn professional, for me it brings peace and creativity. Having the ability to think deeply and put that on canvas is amazing. Painting really does take me to another place and lets me tell a story with a paint brush. I would like to paint more often but due to physical disabilities and medical treatments unfortunately limits my time in something I love.

Luke – Emerging (19 & over).  “Daughters Christmas Present”.

Medium: Pencil on a canvas, then painted over with acrylic paint.

Description:  Daughter asked me to make something for christmas, I asked if she had something in mind, she said make me something David bowie, well that was confusing so I thought she liked weird stuff so I had an idea to make this.

From the artist: I like making things and drawing pictures, usually of superheros.

Steven – Emerging (19 & over). “Thankful we are all one”.

Medium: Aerosol paints and acrylic paint markers.

Description: Both Wondakka and Unity have been there for me when I had noone else. I wanted to say thankful to both providers through artistic expression whilst also showing we are all one. Gratitude and inclusivity on the one colourful rectangle.

From the artist: I am a 41 year old male who has lived with a diagnosis of bipolar, 10 years ago. I want to do my part of breaking the stigma of mental illness by being honest about myself. I enjoy artistry primarily using aerosol paint and markers. I enjoy taking photos of pink and purple hue sunrises and sunsets. I feel no matter how dark the world is being portrayed that there still exists natural beauty, it just takes one to truly focus their eyes to it.

Tay – Emerging (19 & over). “New girl in a new space”.

Medium: art paper, texta, crayons

Description: A girl who is shy and she is feeling brave because she is moving into a new space, a new home. Then she fell in love with another shy girl. The other shy girl asked for help to grow and be independent too. She said ‘sure I can help you’ to be brave. I know that it is hard, but you can do it. I was scared, but now my world is filled with colour and brightness because I am safe and free in my space. I couldn’t see colour before, but now I feel happier with rainbows around me.

From the artist: I am 21 years old from Adelaide. My art represents different lifestyles, cultures and identities. I am different and it’s ok to be different. Be yourself no matter what.

Vera – Emerging (19 & over). “Bush Tomatoes”.

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Description: When I was a young girl I picked bush tomatoes with my family on the side roads at Alicurung NT.

From the artist: My name is Vera Butcher. I am a 48 year old Aboriginal Woman. Born on Avon Downs Station at Camooweal near the Qld & NT border.

Vicki – Emerging (19 & over). “Inks in Bloom”.

Medium: Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper and Posco Pen.

Description: This artwork was created, 6 weeks after I first heard about alcohol inks. When a friend mentioned it to me at a creative writing group I attend, I had to find out more about it. I googled it and have been addicted ever since. I bought some basic inks and supplies and have immersed myself every spare moment since. It is so mesmerising to watch the inks and alcohol bloom and challenging to learn techniques.,

From the artist: I am the eldest of three children, and I was born in Goodwood SA; during World War II.

Cate – General Entry (19 & over). “Swimming with whales”.

Medium: Watercolour and pen on canvas

Description: Swimming with whales is a happy painting. Mom brought me an easel as a child and I started painting. I fell in love. Watercolours have been my favourite to work with. I was a senior art director at HDM mattiingly when I was in my 20’s. I have done painting ever since!

From the artist: Mom brought me an easel as a child and I started painting. I fell in love. Watercolours have been my favourite to work with. I was a senior art director at HDM mattiingly when I was in my 20’s. I have done painting ever since!

Samantha – General Entry (19 & over). “Abandonment issues 1”.

Medium: Children’s crayons and a3 paper

Description: SA

From the artist: This picture is a self-reflection of what I felt as a child, I suffered trauma and abandonment as a child, it took quite a bit to draw my feelings of the past and I only had crayons to do so, here it is finally comfortable to put it out there to the world and meaning so much more to get it out and seen as I found out today my father passed away earlier this month. I know he would want me to take the chance and put my art out there as a pose to keeping my drawings to myself.

Jungle – General Entry (19 & over).  “Abstract Shon Number 9”.

Medium: Acrylic on linen

Description: This painting is about pure colour and shape, creating conversation and allowing your eyes to dance around the picture. It is taken to the maximum level, artistically speaking.

From the artist: I knew that art was going to play a huge part in my life from an early age. In 1978 I started to draw after a life changing event, later in 1992 I started to develop my skills in painting. I would estimate I have created over 30000 pieces of artwork to date. My home is an art gallery as well as my home and is open to the public for their enjoyment. The whole house is an art experience dedicated to love, hope and spirit.

Marie – General Entry (19 & over). “The Storyteller”.

Medium: acrylic paint

Description: I studied the textured markings in the wood, then painted the story it was narrating to me. The light and shade in its contours, the blending of colours and textures rangeing from seascape, to mineral rich soil, green hills and desert, and so on, make up the story. The viewer just has to interpret the story they see.

From the artist: I am an Aboriginal (Wemba Wemba/Gunditjmara/Wergaia) artist who was born at and lives in Bordertown, S.A. I have been involved in various areas of the arts for more than 30 years. Dance, Acting, Movement Directing, Assistant Director/Choreographer on projects and Director/Script Writer on a theatre production, Make-up Artistry. In the past 10 years I have also been involved in digital storytelling, time lapse photography, light painting and stencil light painting. I was also involved in a short documentary about my Mum, Jessie Clarke. This project is currently ongoing. Writing stories and poetry are also an interest of mine.

Olive – General Entry (19 & over). “Walking the Dogs”.

Medium: Acrylic paint

Description: This picture is of my husband walking our dogs. I was inspired by the beautiful day and the lighting and have painted this in an expressionist style.

From the artist: I have been painting for roughly 30 years and I am 79 years old. I took up painting when my sons left home and love doing it. Acrylics are my favourite medium to use when painting.

Ron – General Entry (19 & over). “Woodside”.

Medium: Acrylic painting.

Description: I was travelling to Woodside where I was taking photos along the way and when I saw this image, I really resonated with it as it felt peaceful. I painted this artwork from the image I had taken.

From the artist: I have been drawing and painting since I was 6 years old. I have commissioned art pieces for people and have also sold some of the work I have done. I have won prizes in art exhibitions; notably a 1st and 2nd prize at the Marion Art Centre.

Corey – Emerging (19 & over). “Corey mckimmie”.

Medium: On paper

Description: SA

From the artist:

Tina – Emerging (19 & over). “Prey on the Predator”.

Medium: DSLR photography

Description: Nature’s precious little creatures doing their survival thing. Sometimes the unexpected happens and the predator becomes the prey! Photographing macro and ultra macro life is something I do as a creative outlet so capturing moments like these are an absolute highlight.

From the artist: I grew up in the Adelaide hills, spending a big part of my childhood living or staying at my Grandparent’s farm. I have always had a strong connection with nature and it’s little creatures so photographing them reminds me how precious life is. All of it!!

Annette – General Entry (19 & over). “Autumn Rain: Mesmerised In The Stillness Of Beauty”.

Medium: Photography

Description: Photo captured by Annette at Kabloom Festival of Flowers,Silvan Victoria. Camera, Nikon p900

From the artist: My name is Annette I’m a self-taught in artist. I have been capturing moments in time and memories for most of my life, starting out in early childhood with my late mothers “Box brownie” camera. Through personal experience, I believe photography to be a powerful healing tool. It has been my companion in difficult times, allowing me to let go of outside distractions and be mindful and in the moment. I feel capturing spontaneous moments and conveying them through photography is a magical experience to be shared.

Susan – General Entry (19 & over). “Waterlily”.

Medium: nil

Description: I took this photo at Christmas in 2021, which is of a waterlily gift that my father got for me-he passed away a few months later.

From the artist: I am not a professional photographer but enjoy taking photos of anything that inspires me and is worth remembering.

For a list of key 2023 CHAARTS dates, please click on the link below.

Key Dates | CHARTS Awards