© National Portrait Gallery 2026
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 Finalist
‘Tina and her teenage son lived in their car on and off for almost two years before they sought refuge in North Lismore, joining others occupying flood-affected homes amid the ongoing housing crisis in regional Australia. The damaged house they have been living in is due to be demolished as part of a government scheme to move people out of high-risk flood zones, yet Tina says there is little affordable accommodation available for women escaping violence. “We have water, a toilet, a shower,” she says. For Tina, the room offers rare stability, a place to rest after years spent in survival mode.’
Elise Derwin is a documentary photographer based on Bundjalung Country in Lismore, New South Wales. Her work focuses on regional communities shaped by crisis, environmental risk and long-term change.
The People’s Choice Award is generously supported by the Calvert-Jones Foundation, with the artist who wins the most votes receiving $10,000.
Voting closes Wednesday 30 September 2026.
from Saturday 22 August
The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.
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