Yesterday the organisation announced the more than 20 prizewinners for this year’s competition at Ray Walsh House in Tamworth.

Challenge chief executive officer Barry Murphy said he had seen the competition “grow and grow” since its inception in 2008.

Mr Murphy said the competition aimed to highlight the contributors’ abilities and had become a source of confidence for the artists.

Challenge staff were in unison, agreeing the calibre of work entered continued to improve every year.

Challenge executive manager Stephen Doley said the competition was a great outlet for people with disabilities to express themselves.

The theme for this year’s competition was “My reflection” and asked the artists to present a piece that reflected themselves and their personality.

The award winners shared in $2600 worth of prizemoney at the presentation at Ray Walsh House, with Tamworth local Bill Wakeford winning the people’s choice award.

Voting for the award was open to the Tamworth public on December 3 and 4, with about 200 locals dropping in to Ray Walsh House to have a look at the exhibit and pick a favourite.

Mr Wakeford won $300 for his entry, Superman.

A keen painter, Mr Wakeford said he was well-stocked for supplies and thought he’d spend his winnings on Christmas presents for his family and paying some bills.

He said painting was his favourite way to relax and that portraits of celebrities and famous people were his preferred subject.

Mr Wakeford thanked his carers for helping him pick the superhero-themed piece for entry.

Local artist Michelle Hungerford was the judge for the competition, choosing the winners and a raft of entries for celebration and encouragement awards.

The artworks will remain on display at Ray Walsh House until Tuesday, January 5, when they will be returned to the respective artists.

First prize: Cecilia Wilson – Nambucca Valley Phoenix

Runner-up: Jason Lambert – Richmond PRA

People’s choice: Bill Wakeford – Richmond PRA