Last year, female athletes had a lot to celebrate. NRLW soared to new heights, Australia’s cricket stars cemented their dominance, our track and field athletes tightened their grip on the world stage, and the WNBL broke records all over the country. To celebrate these moments, Women Sport Australia (WSA), the national advocacy body for women and girls in sport, are delighted to launch the 2026 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards (#WISPAA).
Entering its eighth year, #WISPAA aims to generate greater recognition and respect for the power, strength and athleticism of Australian women actively participating in sport.
Women Sport Australia is calling for professional, amateur and female photographers to submit images of women in action in the sporting arena.
The female only photographer category will return in 2026, encouraging budding and professional female photographers to submit their work and join a community of talented individuals bringing a different perspective to the industry.
WSA President Chantelle Perrera is prepared for a record number of entries in 2026.
“We need more images of women playing sport and we need more people capturing these moments. We are so excited to see what entries arrive after another blockbuster year of sport” she said.
“We’re thrilled to have the return of the female photographer category, encouraging women behind the lens to show their talent and work.”
This year’s competition judges will be announced soon.
Last year’s winners saw professional photographer Marina Neil take out the category with an image of Newcastle Knights NRLW player Abigail Roache fending off Jess Sergis from the Sydney Roosters.
Newcomer Daisy Nitsch claimed both the amateur and the female photographer category, with their bone-crunching “Scorpion Tackle” VFLW capture of Port Melbourne vs Williamstown.
Over the last seven years, #WISPAA has generated thousands of entries from hundreds of photographers all across Australia.
#WISPAA 2026 will once again have award categories for both Professional, Amateur and Female Photographers with a cash prize of $850.00 AUD being on offer for each category winner.
Entries are now open and will close at the end of May 2025.
More information about #WISPAA can be found at https://www.womensportaustralia.com.au/wispaa/
