The prize winners for the 2023 Spring in the Shire Photo Essay Competition were announced at the Golden Plains Twilight Market in Bannockburn last night.
This year’s theme of Photo[synthesis] supported visual storytellers to explore the beauty of the environment, as well as environmental issues and challenges. Amateur photographers of any skill level were encouraged to capture this theme through their lens. The winners and runners-up included:
Major Prize (18 years and older) - $600 cash prize.
- Winner – Keama Rowan – ‘Hidden in the Reeds’ (Bannockburn)
- Runner-up – Lyn Steele – ‘The Mighty Moorabool’ (Meredith)
Young Adult (13 to 17 years) - $400 cash prize.
- Winner – Amelia Preston – ‘Freddy the Frog’ (Rokewood)
- Runner-up – Sophia Rowling – ‘A Sunset’ (Teesdale)
Junior Prize (up to 12 years) - $200 cash prize.
- Winner – Jessica Richens – ‘Two Little Bugs’ (Inverleigh)
- Runner-up – Clancy Steele – ‘Reflection of Tree in Water’ (Inverleigh)
Prize sponsors included Turosi Giving, Bannockburn Free Range Chicken and Geelong Landcare and runner-up prize winners received a handmade basket by Wadawurrung artist Trina Dalton Odgies.
Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the 27 competition entries truly captured the Shire’s natural beauty and surrounds.
“We were very impressed with the quality of entries for this year’s competition which really highlighted the beautiful surrounds, vibrant communities, and amazing flora and fauna we have in Golden Plains,” Cr Cunningham said.
“I would also like to thank Spring in the Shire judges Caitlin and Jemma from the Youth Activation Committee, Cr Helena Kirby, RMIT’s Dr Li Ping Thong and Deakin University’s Dr Sean Loughrey as well as the generous support of our sponsors who made the competition possible.”
The Spring in the Shire Photo Essay Exhibition will feature at locations including the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well in Smythesdale and the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn over the next 12 months.