The first cartoon competition was held in 1989. The first winner of the Cartoon of the Year Award was Dean Alston (Western Australia) for his hilarious depiction of reactions to the decision to ban in-flight smoking that year (see past winners).

Other Cartoon of the Year Awards have gone to Australia's leading cartoonists including, Sturt Krygsman, Peter Lewis, Mark Lynch, Neil Matterson, Alan Moir and David Rowe.

The major categories are popular each year with 700 to 1000 entries annually. Particular interest is created by the annual special themes which have included:-

        Bananas
        Fishing
        Vacations and Holidays
        The Olympics
        Professions
        Law & Order

The cartoon collection from which
to draw exhibitions exceeds 12,000
pieces of black and white art.

Similarly the International Themes attract cartoonists from many countries. Past winners and merit awards have gone to:-

       Germany
       Yugoslavia
       Netherlands
       England
       Philippines
       Turkey
       Ukraine

For its effort in the promotion and preservation of Australian Black & White Art, The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City received a Stanley Award in 1993.

The President of AB & WAC, Steve Panozzo said at the time "Thanks to Coffs City Rotary Club for yet another year of fine cartoon awards.... I am hopeful that their well deserved Silver Stanley will assist..... The importance of an international cartooning competition cannot be understated".