The Australasian Writers and Art Directors (AWARD) has announced the six state finalists vying to become AWARD School’s national top student in 2026.
Eva Schmitz (NSW), Tommy Hogan (VIC), Bailey Gatland (WA), Belinda Rabe (QLD), Furkan Erbasi (SA) and Louis Devine (Online) were recognised at graduation events held nationwide last night, each receiving the coveted AWARD School Gold Pencil for the strength of their creative portfolios.
The finalists emerged from a cohort of almost 200 students across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific, completing the industry’s creative training program over 12 weeks.
| State | Top Student | Tutor agencies |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Eva Schmitz | Anna Paine, Owen Bryson & Kate Allan, Clemenger BBDO
Loz Maneschi & Lewis Clarke, Droga5 |
| VIC | Tommy Hogan | Kate Enright & Jaksen Daddo, Think HQ
Jono Aidney & Gabe Woodmansey, Special Australia |
| WA | Bailey Gatland | School Head
Tim Newton, Creative Director, St John WA |
| QLD | Belinda Rabe | School Head Ryan Petie, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Australia |
| SA | Furkan Erbasi | School Head Rory Kennett-Lister, Creative Director, Showpony Advertising |
| Online | Louis Devine | Anton Posa & Wassim Kanaan Peter Saladino & Jeremy Willmott |
The top tutor agencies of the year were Clemenger BBDO and Droga5 in NSW and TABOO and Special Australia in VIC.
Josie Fox, creative director at BMF Australia and AWARD School Co-Head, said: “To be named a state finalist from such a talented cohort is a huge achievement. These six creatives have shown originality, curiosity and the ability to think differently. They’re exactly the kind of talent our industry needs.”
Each finalist’s portfolio will now be reviewed by an international Super Jury, with the national top student to be announced at the 47th AWARD Awards on 13 August.
One student will also receive a Young Creative LIAisons Grant through AWARD School’s partnership with the London International Awards (LIA), giving them the opportunity to attend LIA judging in Las Vegas and learn from leading creatives from around the world.
Barbara Levy, president of London International Awards (LIA), said: “AWARD School continues to uncover exceptional creative talent. We’re proud to support the national winner with the opportunity to experience LIA judging firsthand and learn from some of the industry’s best.”
Supporters of this year’s AWARD School program are Meta, Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA), the Outdoor Media Association (OMA), and B&T.
AWARD School 2026: top students per state
NEW SOUTH WALES
Top students
1. Eva Schmitz – Gold pencil
2. Annabelle Harrington
3. Chloe Hannigan
Top 10 (in alphabetical order)
Alex Lafazanis
Euan Hart
Henry Inglis
Jan Chen
Joshua Henderson
Maddy Hall
Phoebe Lim
VICTORIA
Top students
1. Tommy Hogan – Gold pencil
2. Faye Maxlow
3. Hugh Kapernaros
Top 10 (in alphabetical order)
Belle Rundle
Caitlin Reid
Grace Spano
Isaac Knight
Jacob Yallouz
Liseth Agualongo
Natalie Robinson
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Top students
1. Bailey Gatland – Gold Pencil
2. Sethuli Rajapakse
3. Mackenzie Houlahan
QUEENSLAND
Top students
1. Belinda Rabe – Gold Pencil
2. India McDougall
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Top students
1. Furkan Erbasi – Gold Pencil
2. Chiara Cimmino
ONLINE PROGRAM
Top students
1. Louis Devine – Gold Pencil
2. Stacey Franklin
3. Zac McCall
TOP TUTOR AGENCIES
NEW SOUTH WALES
Clemenger BBDO
Droga5
VICTORIA
TABOO
Special Australia
