The Australasian Writers and Art Directors (AWARD) has announced the six state finalist contenders to become AWARD School’s national top student in 2026. They are Eva Schmitz (NSW), Tommy Hogan (VIC), Bailey Gatland (WA), Belinda Rabe (QLD), Furkan Erbasi (SA) and Louis Devine (Online), each receiving the coveted AWARD School Gold Pencil for the strength of their creative portfolios.

The top tutor agencies of the year were Clemenger BBDO and Droga5 in NSW and TABOO and Special Australia in VIC.

The finalists were selected from almost 200 students across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific, completing the industry’s creative training program over 12 weeks.

State Finalists & Tutors:

• NSW: Eva Schmitz. Tutor agencies: Clemenger BBDO: Anna Paine, Owen Bryson & Kate Allan; Droga5: Loz Maneschi & Lewis Clarke.
• VIC: Tommy Hogan. Tutor agencies: Think HQ: Kate Enright & Jaksen Daddo; Special Australia: Jono Aidney & Gabe Woodmansey.
• WA: Bailey Gatland. School Head: Tim Newton, creative director, St John WA
• QLD: Belinda Rabe. School head: Ryan Petie, ECD, Publicis Australia
• SA: Furkan Erbasi. School head: Rory Kennett-Lister, creative director, Showpony
• Online: Louis Devine. Tutors: Anton Posa & Wassim Kanaan, Peter Saladino & Jeremy Willmott.

Josie Fox, creative director at BMF Australia and AWARD School co-head, stated, “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 August 13th.

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.

AWARD School 2026: Top Students Per State

NEW SOUTH WALES

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

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

1. Bailey Gatland: Gold Pencil
2. Sethuli Rajapakse
3. Mackenzie Houlahan

QUEENSLAND

1. Belinda Rabe: Gold Pencil
2. India McDougall

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

1. Furkan Erbasi: Gold Pencil
2. Chiara Cimmino

ONLINE PROGRAM

1. Louis Devine: Gold Pencil
2. Stacey Franklin
3. Zac McCall

Top Tutor Agencies

NEW SOUTH WALES: Clemenger BBDO & Droga5

VICTORIA: TABOO & Special Australia

The free, online masterclass for AWARD School 2027 takes place on September 17. Learn more here.​