An Indigenous artist has won the 2026 Napier Waller Art Prize for the first time.
Ron Bradfield Jnr's sculpture outshone about 150 other entrants and is exhibited at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The public can vote online for a people's choice winner who will receive $5,000.
A sculpture that "culturally re-imagines Australia's military service and awards" has won the 2026 Napier Waller Art Prize.
It is the first time an Indigenous artist has won the Defence exhibition, with Ron Bradfield Jnr, a Bard, Jawi saltwater man, winning the top prize in a field of about 150 entrants.
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The former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member said his sculpture titled Who We Forgot, which features carved shells and wood on a kangaroo skin, challenges people to peer through the "lens of this continent's First Nations" people and "honour every survival story".
"We would be more tolerant, more caring, and far safer for those who call this place their home."
The medals on his work were made from materials and objects significant to his family and background, including white ochre and pearl shells.
The judges commended Leah Gordon's artwork titled WRAN, with the oil painting examining Gordon's experiences while serving in the Royal Australian Navy.
Shortlisted self-portrait Medals to Madness by Paul Robertson also tackles an issue plaguing military personnel as he depicts themes of trauma.