Media releases

Sydney lives by our littlest photographers

Published 15 July 2024

Sunbathers At Wylies - Image Credit Oliver Simpkin

Images of Sydney sunbathers, street art and a sock thief are just some of those shortlisted for this year’s Little Sydney Lives.

Children from 5 to 12 years-old across the harbour city have shared pictures of their family, pets, play time and sports for the City of Sydney photography competition.

More than 284 entries were reviewed by a judging panel of professional photographers who selected this year’s finalists.

The images will feature in an exhibition on level 2 of Customs House, Circular Quay from 2 August. The shortlisted photographs and the story behind each image can also be viewed in the virtual Little Sydney Lives exhibition.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the competition and exhibition of finalists is run as part of the City of Sydney’s Art & About program, presenting events and temporary art projects in unusual spaces to enliven the city.

“We are absolutely delighted to see more children letting their imagination run wild in this year’s competition,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This has always been a popular event, but to see nearly 300 kids taking part is fantastic. The perspective they bring is unique and unfiltered. Creativity has no minimum age, and these creative snapshots of Sydney give us all an opportunity to see our city in a new light.”

The finalists and their images are:

  • Sariel Zhou, Selfie with my Mario Castle
  • Zoe Battersby, Gladiator walk
  • Ziheng Zhong, A Blue Heart
  • Ezra Bor, Golden Moments
  • Matthew Parker, World Time Attack Race
  • Oscar Cremona, House of coolness!
  • Oliver Simpkin, Sunbathers At Wylies
  • Charlotte Seeto, Just hanging about
  • Claudia Deitz, Bubble boy
  • Massimo Moraro Tabbò, Brother at work
  • Emile Espinosa, Sydney Street Art
  • Pina Macedone, Flipping Football
  • William Lakeman, My best friend, the sock thief!
  • Cecilia Clarke, Contemplating silence
  • Ruby Menzies, Bored in the car
  • Flynn Ruane, Mystical Creatures
  • Cillian Ruane, Backyard bonfire
  • Zoe Morris, A Fish Dinner
  • Madeleine Hand, When Life Gives You Lollipops
  • Ari Tzortzatos, Greek Independence 1821-2024
  • E.T.A., Flowing River

The winner and runner up will be announced at the opening of the Australian Life exhibition on 2 August. They will both receive an OM System prize pack worth around $1,300.

Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives are part of the City of Sydney’s Art & About program, presenting events and temporary art projects in unusual spaces. OM System is the official partner of the event.

More details on the Little Sydney Lives finalists, Australian Life and Art & About are available at artandabout.com.au

For media enquiries: Phone 02 9246 7292 or email mediateam@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Zoe Delamare. Phone 0477 263 615 or email zdelamare@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au