The large drawing was among 60 entries received, with artists encouraged to capture “what was important to preserve for history”, Tremain’s Mill owner Stephen Birrell said.

Mr Hyde said he has long loved capturing Bathurst’s heritage architecture in his works and his winning drawing includes some of the city’s most well-known buildings along with “people that I know and love”.

“I travelled all over the place to find little cottages that were done up [for the work],” he said.

On winning the $4000 cash prize for his efforts, Mr Hyde said he was “thrilled”.

“I enter all the time and I never win,” he said.

Mr Hyde said thanks to his win he will soon take a holiday to New Zealand with his wife Trish.

Other prizes included the $2000 People’s Choice Award which was presented to Stephen Hogan for his sculpture called Gone.

While the $2000 Young Artist Prize was split between Bayden Pigeon for his sculpture called Gold Panning Man, and Will Hazzard for his painting Copper Butterfly.

The judging panel for the art prize consists of Arts Out West executive officer Tracey Cullinan, artist Nicole Welch, performance artist and producer Kate Smith and Bathurst Regional Art Gallery director Sarah Gurich.

The prizes were announced during Saturday’s Tremain’s Light Bazaar.