THE 2026 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize has marked a major milestone, with a successful exhibition and awards weekend staged as part of the inaugural Montville Timber Trail on the Blackall Range.
Presented by Barung Landcare, the long-running woodworking prize entered a new chapter this year in its first standalone format at the Glasshouse at Montvale in Montville, drawing strong crowds and national attention.
Across the weekend May 1-4, visitors experienced an immersive program of workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and market stalls throughout Montville village, with the Wootha Prize exhibition attracting strong attendance from locals and visitors.
The Timber Trail showcased the cultural and economic value of woodworking in the region, highlighting sustainable design and strengthening connections between makers, community and environment. Running since 2004, the prize continues to be regarded as one of Australia’s leading sustainable woodworking awards.
The 2026 winners included Broc Cattley (Beginnings) taking the William Bayliss Commemorative Prize, Ben Adams winning Furniture, Hannah Cheetham Sculpture, and Xavier Fitzgerald Tiny Treasures, with Henry McErlean receiving the People’s Choice Award for Re-Leaf Seat.
Barung Landcare President Barbara Kelly said the event exceeded expectations in its new Montville home. “We were delighted by the response and the exceptional calibre of entries, which pushed boundaries and raised the bar across all categories,” she said.
The success of the weekend underscores the importance of initiatives like the Montville Timber Trail and Wootha Prize in supporting regional makers and celebrating sustainable practice. Organisers said the event will return in 2027, with all funds raised directed to the prize and ongoing conservation work.
The exhibition’s relocation to Montvale was widely praised for its integration of art, timber and rainforest landscape, offering visitors a unique cultural experience on the Blackall Range.
Organisers said the Timber Trail strengthened ties between artists, industry and community, while also reinforcing the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s reputation as a centre for sustainable design, innovation and environmental stewardship in contemporary Australian woodworking practice continuing to attract national attention and growing participation annually organisers said today.
