Woodworkers and artisans from across Australia are being invited to showcase their finest creations, with entries now open for the 2026 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize – one of the nation’s most respected and environmentally focused woodworking competitions.
Now in its 15th year, the Wootha Prize celebrates excellence in timber artistry, sustainability and craftsmanship, and in 2026 enters a new chapter as part of the Montville Timber Trail.
The finalist exhibition will be held at the Montvale Glasshouse in the hinterland village of Montville from 1–4 May 2026.
Hosted by Barung Landcare and supported by key sponsors including Sunshine Coast Council, the prize has built a national reputation for championing environmentally conscious woodworking.
All entries must align with the competition’s guiding ethos: “Sustainable by Nature, Beautiful by Design.”
Works are required to be made from sustainably harvested native timbers, weed timbers, or repurposed, salvaged or recycled wood.
The 2026 competition is open themed, giving artists freedom to express their own creative vision across three core categories: Furniture, Sculpture and Tiny Treasures.
From large-scale functional works to intricate small objects, the prize highlights both traditional skills and contemporary innovation.
Woodworkers of all experience levels – from emerging makers to established professionals – are encouraged to enter.
Finalists will be in the running for the coveted $10,000 overall first prize, with additional category awards and a People’s Choice prize also on offer.
Barung Landcare said the Wootha Prize continues to demonstrate how strong environmental values can sit alongside exceptional design and craftsmanship, while offering the public a rare opportunity to engage directly with sustainable timber art.
Entries close Friday, 20 March 2026, with the exhibition and awards taking place 1–4 May 2026 as part of the Montville Timber Trail celebrations.
For competition guidelines and entry details, visit www.barunglandcare.org.au/woothaprize
The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize has been presented by Barung Landcare since 2004 and continues to play a leading role in promoting sustainable creative practice across Australia.
