Canon Oceania Names Four Wholesome Australian Winners In 20th Anniversary Grants Program

Canon Oceania has named four Australian organisations as winners of its 2026 Grants Program, distributing imaging technology and funding to grassroots groups working across conservation, disability support, education and First Nations wellbeing.

The program, now in its 20th year, has invested more than $700,000 in funding, technology and content support for organisations across Australia and New Zealand since its launch.

Each of the four 2026 recipients will receive $5,000, split evenly between financial support and Canon imaging equipment. One recipient has also been awarded the program’s Judges’ Award, carrying up to $10,000 worth of studio time with a professional photographer or videographer at Canon Studios in Sydney or Melbourne.

Canon Oceania Managing Director and CEO, Kotaro Fukushima, outlined the program’s intent.

“For 20 years, our Grants Program has been grounded in the simple belief that when you give passionate local people the tools to share their stories, the positive impact ripples right across the community,” Fukushima remarked.

“This year’s Australian winners embody the dedication found at the heart of our community. We are proud to back their vision and provide the technology and funds that they need to drive lasting, positive change.”

The grants are structured around four categories: community, education, environment and First Nations.

Assistance dogs documented through imaging

Queensland-based charity, Smart Pups Assistance Dogs, received the community grant. The organisation trains assistance dogs for children living with autism, diabetes or mobility challenges.

Smart Pups will use the Canon equipment to support its “Through Their Eyes” visual project, documenting moments within its Community Shed facility where families, volunteers and young people contribute to the training program. The images will be used to promote disability inclusion.

Sharni Pinder at Smart Pups Assistance Dogs described the project’s aims.

“The Canon Grant will allow us to bring our ‘Through Their Eyes’ project to life, capturing the connection between assistance dogs, children with disabilities, families, volunteers and the entire village behind our Community Shed initiative and training program,” Pinder explained. “By sharing stories, we hope to inspire greater understanding, inclusion and awareness of the life-changing impact Smart Pups Assistance Dogs have on confidence, independence, belonging and so much more.”

Student-led newsroom gets cameras and printers

The education grant went to Charlestown East Public School P&C in New South Wales, which is launching a student-led newspaper and photo studio called “The Charlestown East Voice”.

The initiative was inspired by a Year 4 student who put a proposal to the school’s principal. Every student from kindergarten to Year 6 will be given a role as a reporter, photographer or editor. The inaugural campaign will document a student project turning recycled plastic into a school bike rack.

Canon cameras and printing equipment will allow students to capture classroom life and produce their publication on-site.

Asya Khristosova from Charlestown East Public School P&C noted the project’s origins.

“The idea was initiated by one of the Year 4 students who put a proposal forward to the Principal and now with this grant, the student newspaper will be able to grow and develop as a platform where the students can share their perspectives, stories and ideas,” Khristosova commented. “The grant funds will be used to purchase the tools required to produce a quality student newsletter, and will support training for the student editors.”

Sea turtle rescue gains high-resolution imaging

The environment grant was awarded to Turtles in Trouble Rescue, a Fraser Coast organisation formed in response to the 2021-2022 floods in the region. The group responds to emergency callouts for sick and injured sea turtles, which hold cultural significance to the local Butchulla Nation and play a role in the marine ecosystem.

Volunteers have previously relied on mobile phones for documentation. The Canon camera will be used to identify individual turtles, assess injuries and supply data to the Queensland Department of Environment, Technology, Science and Innovation. A Canon printer will produce training and community engagement materials.

Lisa McCudden at Turtles in Trouble expressed the organisation’s appreciation.

“This was only possible due to our volunteers and our community who support our Rescue wholeheartedly,” McCudden noted. “The Canon equipment will strengthen our rescue and conservation efforts for years to come.”

Photography supports healing for Aboriginal women

Guthrie House, a specialist women’s recovery service supporting individuals affected by trauma, homelessness and the criminal justice system, received the First Nations grant. Approximately 78 per cent of the service’s residents identify as Aboriginal women.

Its “Through Our Eyes” initiative uses photography and visual storytelling to support social and emotional wellbeing, giving women a creative outlet to explore identity, healing and belonging. Participants will use Canon cameras and portable printers to capture personal stories of recovery and print “healing cards” for ongoing therapeutic and cultural support.

Christine Duggan at Guthrie House outlined the project’s purpose.

“We are excited to see the ‘Through Our Eyes’ project come to life, giving Aboriginal women the opportunity to explore and share their stories of healing, identity, culture and belonging through photography and creative expression,” Duggan added. “The photographs and reflections created will become lasting healing resources, made by Aboriginal women for Aboriginal women.”

Judges’ Award doubles down on Guthrie House

In addition to the First Nations grant, Canon awarded its Judges’ Award to Guthrie House. The award provides up to $10,000 worth of studio time with a professional photographer or videographer at Canon Studios in Macquarie Park, Sydney, to support the organisation’s future storytelling and content work.

The dual award gives Guthrie House the largest combined package among this year’s recipients, reflecting the judges’ assessment of the program’s potential to support Aboriginal women through visual storytelling.

Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by Nick Ross