Interpretation Australia’s 2025 National Awards
WINNERS
Effective interpretation of our natural and cultural heritage makes a difference in our daily lives. It helps us understand and navigate our world, and adds depth and insight to our experiences in museums, zoos, parks, heritage sites, the outdoors and commercial environments.
2026 Awards will open for nominations in March 2026.
Congratulations to all our winning projects for the 2025 National Awards.
WINNING PROJECTS
DIGITAL DESIGN
Studio ESM
Bird Storybox
Birds of Australia STORYBOX with the Australian Museum — STUDIO ESEM (Formerly Esem Projects)
Birds of Australia Storybox is a beautifully crafted, highly innovative digital experience that reimagines the touring exhibition format with heart, creativity, and community at its core. Combining vibrant animations, gamification, and the historic artwork of John and Elizabeth Gould, the project draws audiences into the world of native birds while honouring First Nations knowledge and language.
Judges praised its thoughtful execution, strong community engagement, and adaptability across regional settings. The interactive, mobile design invites emotional connection and curiosity, with elements tailored to local First Nations and conservation stories and audiences of all ages. With deep evaluation, responsive design, and a clear legacy, Birds of Australia Storybox sets a new benchmark for interpretive storytelling.
The Australian Museum commissioned the project, with funding from Create NSW.
– Australian Museum ‘Publication Page’ - https://australian.museum/publications/birds-storybox/about/
-Studio ESEM Documentation Page - https://www.studioesem.com/projects/birds-of-australia-storybox
FIRST NATIONS
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Buda:dji Aboriginal Development Association
The World’s Oldest Rainforest Story
Skyrail Audio Guide App | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway’s Djabugay Stories, is a powerful and innovative cultural overlay to one of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences. Judges praised its respectful implementation, strong First Nations leadership, and the revival of threatened languages and voices through accessible digital storytelling.
Delivered via personal devices, the experience brings place-based narratives to a global audience, offering meaningful cultural connection at a World Heritage site. Supported by ICIP agreements and long-term cultural care, the project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, responsiveness, and future growth.
While there is room to strengthen evaluation and broaden community consultation, the storytelling, accessibility, and cultural integrity of this project set a high standard for digital interpretation. Congratulations to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Buda:dji team for a thoughtful and enduring contribution to First Nations storytelling.
OUTDOOR $100K+
Taronga Conservation Society
ARC
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre | Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Taronga ARC is a bold and imaginative outdoor exhibition that brings conservation to life through immersive storytelling, playful design, and a powerful call to action. Judges praised its outstanding technical execution, innovative gamified interactivity, and clear, accessible messaging that connects visitors to the challenges faced by reptiles and amphibians in a changing climate.
With its multi-sensory approach, barrier-free design, and creative use of refurbished materials, ARC delivers a high-impact experience that is both educational and emotionally resonant. The exhibition’s strength lies in its ability to translate complex environmental issues into engaging, human-centred narratives, inviting visitors to reflect, respond, and take action.
ARC stands as a benchmark for contemporary outdoor interpretation, fun, thoughtful, and deeply relevant.
INDOOR $100K+
Museums of History NSW
Seeing Sydney
Seeing Sydney, Knowing Country
Seeing Sydney is a beautifully layered, story-driven exhibition that reinterprets colonial narratives through First Nations perspectives. Judges praised its thoughtful design, nuanced storytelling, and respectful community consultation, which together offer a powerful and inclusive lens on Sydney’s complex history.
The exhibition balances collection highlights with cultural insight, exploring themes of Country, ownership, and colonialism in a way that invites deep audience engagement. Its temporary nature is offset by strong sustainability practices, durable materials, and active feedback mechanisms that support long-term impact.
The overall execution was compelling, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant. Seeing Sydney stands as a meaningful contribution to truth-telling and interpretive excellence.
GEORGIE WATERMAN AWARD
Caolan Mitchell
Caolan Mitchell is a transformative figure in Australian interpretation, an innovator, collaborator, and mentor whose career spans over 25 years of impact. From his early roots in installation art to founding Thylacine Design, Caolan has redefined exhibition practice through story-led, inclusive design and technical ingenuity. His pioneering mount systems and lateral display techniques reshaped industry standards, while his leadership style, grounded in shared authorship and creative dialogue, has empowered a generation of interpretive professionals.
In recent years, Caolan has led Thylacine into a new phase of ethically driven practice, championing First Nations voices and truth-telling through multisensory, object-free storytelling. His creative direction on major projects such as WA Museum Boola Bardip, Auckland Memorial Museum, and the Melbourne Holocaust Museum reflects a commitment to cultural integrity, emotional resonance, and community connection. These projects demonstrate not only design excellence but also a deep respect for process, engaging stakeholders early, building trust, and fostering shared ownership.
Caolan’s legacy is not just in the exhibitions he’s shaped, but in the people he’s mentored and the collaborative ethos he’s embedded across the sector. His work exemplifies the values of the Georgie Waterman Award: innovation, generosity, and lasting contribution to the field of interpretation.
Nominated by Mark Bruce
