CREATIVE CUTS - Calling all wood artisans

Entries have opened for the Prestigious 2026 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize!

The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize, one of Australia’s most sustainable woodworking competitions invites woodworkers and artisans from across the nation to submit their finest creations for the 2026 event — now part of the Montville Timber Trail!

Hosted by Barung Landcare and supported by key sponsors, the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize celebrates excellence in timber artistry, sustainability, and craftspersonship. Finalist works will form a feature exhibition at the Montville Timber Trail, to be held at the Montvale Glasshouse in the picturesque hinterland village of Montville from May 1-4, 2026.

What sets the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize apart is its commitment to environmentally conscious woodworking. All entries must reflect the prize’s ethos: “Sustainable by Nature, Beautiful by Design” — honouring works created from sustainably harvested native timbers, weed timbers, or repurposed, salvaged, or recycled wood.

Now in its 15th year, the Wootha Prize continues to attract contemporary designers and innovative craftspeople from around Australia. The competition is open themed for 2026, giving entrants creative freedom to explore their own artistic voice across three core categories: Furniture, Sculpture, and Tiny Treasures.

Woodworkers of all levels — from emerging makers to seasoned professionals — are encouraged to participate. Finalists will be in the running to take home the coveted $10,000 overall first prize, with additional category prize money available, including awards for Furniture, Sculpture, Tiny Treasures, and People’s Choice.

Entries close on Friday, March 20, 2026! For more information, competition guidelines, and to submit your work, visit barunglandcare.org.au/woothaprize. (Pictured: Overall Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize 2024 Winner, ‘Monochrome Cabinet’ by Rick Hayward - image by Daniel Mulheran.)