Announcing the 2025 RJAFTA Recipient: Elianie Watson
The Trustees of the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts are delighted to share the exciting news that the 2025 scholarship has been awarded to the extraordinarily talented Elianie Watson. With a voice often described as nothing short of angelic, Elianie’s musicianship has already made a deep impression on audiences and mentors alike.
The award ceremony opened with Trust Secretary Chris Durrant, who offered a warm welcome and an overview of the history and purpose of the award. Chair Michael Ryan followed, expressing sincere thanks to the Shire of Mundaring for their three-year commitment towards funding the scholarship, and to Trish Juniper (Juniper Galleries) for her past contribution as the Principal Funder of the Award, and her ongoing contribution as Patron of the Award. He also highlighted the crucial role that community support plays in keeping the award sustainable, encouraging ongoing contributions through Friends of the Trust memberships ($25 per year) and donations.
Patron Trish Juniper then presented the award to Elianie, who received it with grace and excitement before stepping forward to address the audience. Before performing, she spoke affectionately of her mentor, musician Annika Moses, who has previously guided her as her vocal coach. She shared heartfelt thanks for Anika’s expertise and dedication, and extended her gratitude to mentors and collaborators who have shaped her journey, some of whom are previous award recipients, including Annika Moses (2016), Jett Biendurry (Kayps, 2023) and her former priest Chris Bedding (2013).
Elianie also unveiled details of her scholarship project: the creation of her second EP. She explained how the EP will help her elevate her artistic profile and broaden her reach as an emerging performer. With hopes set high, she plans to submit the finished work to BigSound, one of Australia’s largest music festivals, in a bid to secure a performance slot in 2027.
To close the evening, Elianie treated the audience to two original songs, performances that cast a spell over the room. Her smooth vocals, effortless high notes, and captivating stage presence left no doubt that she is an artist on a remarkable trajectory.
The future looks bright for Elianie Watson, and the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts is proud to be a part of her journey. You can read more about Elianie HERE.
The RJAFTA Trustees would like to express their deepest thanks to Juniper Galleries for so generously hosting this year’s Soirée. Their warmth and hospitality helped create a truly memorable evening.
We also wish to acknowledge, with sincere appreciation, the presence of Paige McNeil, President of the Shire of Mundaring; Adam Hort MLA; Ben Heptinstall, Councillor for the Shire of Mundaring South Ward; and Jason Whiteaker, CEO of the Shire of Mundaring. We are deeply grateful for their support and dedication to the arts.
It was also a pleasure to have former RJAFTA scholarship recipients attend the evening - Cara Baldwin (2020), Haylee Whisson (2021), and Jon Edwards (1997). Other notable guests included Writer and Film Director Zoe Pepper, who was on the 2025 Adjudicating Panel, and was present at the Soiree with her cousin Amy Pepper, President of the Darlington Arts Festival. Internationally acclaimed choral conductor Margaret Pride also attended with her husband Michael Ryan, Chair of the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts. Editor of the Darlington Review journalist/author Trea Wiltshire attended with her sister, author and past RJAFTA Trustee Maureen de la Harpe.
The Trustees are grateful for the support of the Friends of the Trust, and we thank all Friends who joined us in celebrating Elianie Watson’s success in this year’s Award.
