As part of our commitment to zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children or any person, the Diocese of Parramatta ran its first art competition for children and young people!
Congratulations to the winners! Thank you to everyone who participated.
Winners were announced at an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 15 October 2024 and were presented with their certificates.
See the full list of winners below. Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Awards Ceremony.
2024 Winners
First Place
‘My Community, My Church, Keep Me Safe’
Elizabeth – Age 14
The Parramatta Way Award winner (overall achievement)
‘My artwork conveys a message that every child deserves the opportunity to grow spiritually within a safe environment, embraced and surrounded by those who love, care and support them within our church community.
‘This is my way of reminding us that we are all responsible in Safeguarding not only our children but every vulnerable person.’
‘My Church Family’
Gloria – Age 8
‘I feel safe in my church because God is always with me. I also feel safe with my Priest and the people in my church, and I always feel really welcome.
‘This is my way of reminding us that we are all responsible in Safeguarding not only our children but every vulnerable person.’
‘Been Here Forever and Forever More’
Alicia – Age 15
‘This artwork reflects myself as a child individually in church.
‘It is a place of belonging for absolutely everyone of all ages and it is somewhere I remember going to, ever since I was a child.
‘It’s like I’ve been here forever, and forever I
shall be.’
Second Place
‘My Church is My Safe Place’
Aaliya – Age 7
‘The Church is a safe place for all who believe and love Jesus.
‘He protects us all and loves us.’
‘Catherine McAuley is My Safe Place’
Emma – Age 13
‘My inspiration was drawn from how I feel in the Catherine McAuley community and how it helps me feel united with my peers and God.
‘My school environment helps me gain and maintain a strong relationship with God; and personally, I believe that God and the school’s morals and teachings have helped everyone in the community become a better person and gain a stronger connection with their faith as a whole.’
‘Faith and Friendship’
Thomas – Age 15
‘‘After viewing the theme of the competition, I began to reflect on the safe environments at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
‘The friendly faces, the sound of laughter, and the shared sense of belonging all contribute to the feeling of safety and comfort.’
Highly Commended
‘Welcome to the Diocese of Parramatta’
Zoe – Age 8
‘When I go to St Pat’s it feels like I am with a very big family and I feel safe, loved and supported. I hope this artwork helps all children know they will be welcome at my parish too.’
‘My Home’
Arshi – Age 10
‘You may have noticed one side has colour and the other doesn’t and that’s because when you pass the fence and enter your home you are filled with the light and the colour of God.’
‘The Warmth of Our Lady’s Embrace’
Lorena – Age 14
‘Whenever I attend Mass or simply want to pray, I am always drawn to sit in front of Our Lady of Fatima at our Parish. I feel safe and secure. I feel a warmth just looking at her flaming heart overflowing with compassion for me and just silently hearing my prayers.’
People’s Choice
‘Zero Tolerance: A New Pillar in the Church’
Caleb – Age 10
‘With the trust I have in Pope Francis, I believe he will make a safe and trustworthy community for every Catholic.’
‘Aid from Above’
Shenaya – Age 14
‘Church is a safe place where all kinds of people can come together and be themselves, without fear of judgement or violence. It is also a place to teach and to uplift the vulnerable.’
Encouragement Awards
‘My Family is My Refuge’
Elizabeth – Age 14
‘When I see my family attend church, read the Bible and sing Gospel songs I want to be like them too, more and more.’
‘My School’s Scripture Classroom’
Gloria – Age 8
‘Here I feel safe and comfortable to talk to God.’
‘Jesus Church’
Alicia – Age 15
‘The dove means that God is always there, in and outside of the church, to shine on top of you and remind you it’s all okay.’
‘How It Makes Me Feel Safe’
Tuil – Age 14
‘It makes me feel safe because it is a peaceful place with the sun shining so you can pray and feel happy.’
‘A Place of Hope’
Diya – Age 10
‘When I enter the church, the angels are always welcoming us and keeping us safe. For me, they are a symbol that we can trust and believe in God.’
‘The Garden’
Ruby – Age 12
‘My artwork represents a space that I feel peaceful and safe, growing my relationship with God.’
‘A Welcoming Glow’
Irene – Age 14
‘Whenever I enter my church, the light shining through these windows provides a comforting feeling, making me feel safe and secure.’
‘Things are better with God’
Angela – Age 16
‘My artwork is based off how I feel about the world and humanity falling apart, and how not spending time with God separates us from each other.’’
‘Diving Light’
Nicole – Age 17
‘Stained windows always lull me into a state of peacefulness and I am reminded of how divine His light can be.’
‘The Things That Make Me Feel Safe’
Heidi – Age 7
‘As part of our Year 2 Religion Program, our class has been engaged in various activities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of faith and artistic expression
‘They have also thought deeply about what makes them feel safe in life and in Church.’ – Year 2 Teacher
‘My School is Safe For Me’
Sidrah – Age 10
‘My school makes me feel safe because all my teachers take care of us, all the activities are safe and all the equipment are safe to play with.
‘My school also makes me feel safe because the teachers teach how to be safe.’
About the Competition
A Church community is a place of Christian faith where people gather to celebrate and grow their relationship with God.
What makes you feel safe in your Church community?
This inaugural Diocesan Art Competition ran from June to August 2024, providing an opportunity for children and young people to share their voices using your artistic skills.
The theme of the competition was: ‘My Church community is a safe place for me.’
The competition was judged by a panel of three experts: parishioners from across the Diocese.
Winners of the Art Competition were announced at an Awards Ceremony at St Patrick’s Church, Mary Queen of the Family Parish in Blacktown on Tuesday 15 October 2024.
The evening included a Diocesan Safeguarding Art Exhibition of the winning artworks.
Winning entries will be considered in the development of Diocesan visual icons that will link to age-appropriate online safeguarding resources for children and young people.
Every person has the right to be protected from harm; to be listened to; to be taken seriously and to have a say in matters that affect them.
ACSL, National Catholic Safeguarding Standards – Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk (2022: Edition 2,8)
Special Acknowledgements
Judging panel
Catherine Bourne: Catherine is a Parishioner of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie. She is a Fertility Educator with Natural Fertility, a ministry of the Diocese’s Mission Enhancement Team. Previously, Catherine was a Primary School Teacher with a keen interest in creative arts.
Catherine works with couples teaching them Natural Family Planning (NFP) and is amazed by the growth in them as the gift of their fertility is revealed. Catherine is married to David, they have three adult children and a delightful granddaughter! She loves walking, pottering in the garden and lounging with the cats.
Laura Burton: Laura is the Safeguarding Champion at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, and is passionate about ensuring people feel safe and supported in our parishes, ministries, schools, and communities.
Laura Burton is a painter, working mostly with watercolour and acrylic. Most of her work features nature, focusing on bright colours, natural landscapes, and fine detail. She also enjoys exploring mixed-mediums and abstract design, incorporating texture and layers into 3D works on canvas.
Laura also has a background as a Primary school teacher, having worked in several primary schools within the Diocese. She is involved in several ministries within her parish as a Children’s Liturgy teacher, Catechist, and Young Adults Leader, and was the Youth Coordinator at her parish for several years.
Estrellita (Lita) Picart: Lita is a parishioner of St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong and an active member of Couples for Christ, Australia.
She has taught Visual Arts in Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese since 1996. She is known for her artistic talents, her dedication to teaching and for her long-term involvement in Parish Ministry. She has a Masters Degree in Teaching Art Education with Distinction.
She has a strong interest in religious art. Her commissions include: ‘Stations of the Cross’: Five Triptych Oil Paintings (1996) and ‘Stations of Life’: 14 Acrylic Paintings (2000). These are displayed at St Andrew’s Parish Church Marayong. Lita aspires to continue exploring opportunities in art and education and to inspire meaningful change through work and values.
Art Workshop
Elaine Butler (Fun Time Art):
Elaine is a visual artist and mobile arts educator located in both the Blacktown/Hills Area of Western Sydney and in Wallerawang, Regional NSW Australia. She is also a Mural Artist, is qualified in Art Therapy, and a children’s book author & illustrator. Visit Fun Time Art to learn more.
Special thanks to Sacred Heart Primary School St Mt Druitt for hosting the Kids’ Voices Art Workshop.
More information
If you have any questions, you can contact us on [email protected]