2026 MALKA Aboriginal Art Prize Award Winners
The 2026 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize Award presentation was held on Thursday 9th July, once again aligning with NAIDOC Week celebrations. The event took place at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery, celebrating the outstanding talent of Aboriginal artists from across regional South Australia.
Founded 17 years ago by the late Marvin McKenzie Senior, the Malka Aboriginal Art Prize was created as an annual platform for Aboriginal artists to showcase their work in a professional gallery setting. “Malka”, a word meaning “mark” or “painting” in several local Aboriginal languages, captures the spirit of this much-loved event.
The 2026 exhibition attracted entries from artists across the Far North, Mid North and Eyre Peninsula, continuing to highlight the exceptional talent, creativity and cultural diversity of Aboriginal artists throughout the region.
Port Augusta City Council CEO John Banks spoke of the importance of the prize.
“The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize continues to grow in stature, giving emerging Aboriginal artists a platform to gain recognition and build careers. Many past winners have gone on to exhibit across South Australia and beyond, with Malka often serving as a launchpad.”
Mayor Linley Shine said the exhibition continues to strengthen Port Augusta’s reputation as a centre for Aboriginal arts and culture.
“The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize supports artists of all generations to have their work seen, celebrated and respected. It strengthens our identity as a hub for Aboriginal arts and culture.”
Yarta Purtli Arts Officer Christie Mitchell said coordinating the exhibition had been an incredibly rewarding experience.
“It has been a true privilege to engage with artists from across our region and see the extraordinary depth of talent within regional communities. One of the most rewarding aspects of showcasing Malka is the opportunity to share diverse artistic voices — voices that reflect the lived experiences, histories and cultural pride of Aboriginal communities.”
The 2026 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize was awarded to Christine Tschuna, an artist from Ceduna, for her outstanding work titled Wirangu Eagle. Christine also won the Elder Category Award.
A self-taught artist, Christine creates contemporary Aboriginal art in a distinctive style, recognised through her considered use of colour, patterns, symbols and themes. Her intricate line work and dot painting reflect both cultural knowledge and a unique artistic vision.
Wirangu Eagle celebrates the enduring connection between the Wirangu people, Country and culture, capturing the strength, spirit and significance of the eagle within the landscape of the Far West Coast.
The People’s Choice Award was won by Candace Swan, who also received the Marvin McKenzie Senior Local Artist Award for her painting titled “Purpose”.
Candace was the 2025 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize winner and began painting with her mum at the age of 12, learning the foundations of her craft and gaining the skills that would shape her artistic journey. She was fortunate to help complete some of her mum’s paintings before developing her own designs at just 14 years old.
Over time, Candace began experimenting with background colours and creating her own distinctive style, while continuing to honour community, connection and culture through her artwork.
“Purpose celebrates the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people and encourages Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to learn about culture and reconciliation.” Candace stated.
Port Augusta City Council Malka Award Winner 2026
Winner - Christine Tschuna
Finalists:
2nd Candace Swan
3rd Verna Virginia Lawrie
Sponsored by Steel Mains Pty Ltd
Marvin McKenzie Senior, Local Artist Award
Winner - Candace Swan
Finalists:
2nd Jasmine Larkins
3rd Dakota Warren-Carlton
Sponsored by Iberdrola Australia
Port Augusta City Council Malka 2026 Elder Award
Winner - Christine Tschuna
Finalists:
2nd Verna Virginia Lawrie
3rd Eleanor Coleman
Sponsored by Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation
Port Augusta City Council Malka 2026 Youth Award
Winner - Morgan Dayman
Finalists:
2nd Deborah Twyla McKenzie-Bayley
3rd Ataisha Paige
Sponsored by Potentia Energy
Port Augusta City Council Malka 2026 Junior Award
Winner - Ciara Lennon-Gray
Finalists:
2nd Dekota Coulthard
3rd Pagen Bell-Riley
Sponsored by Potentia Energy
Port Augusta City Council Malka 2026 People’s Choice Award
Winner - Candace Swan
Sponsored by Uniting Country SA
For further information please contact Port Augusta City Council Media and Communications Officer 8641 9100.
JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
9/07/2026