The Macarthur region’s beauty was celebrated when the winners of the 2017 Macarthur Nature Photography Competition were announced at a presentation evening at Camden Civic Centre last night.
Macarthur’s three councils – Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly – host the annual competition, which showcases the region’s unique environmental landscape and aims to highlight the importance of respecting and protecting our natural areas.
The competition’s core themes were waterways, native flora and fauna, nature up close and environmental impact.
There were also two age categories (young people 15 years and under and 16 years and over), plus primary and high school categories, giving photographers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to share their images with the wider community.
Two categories which proved popular in 2016, Snap A Selfie and Hollows As Homes, were also included in this year’s competition.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, congratulated the competition winners, saying their outstanding entries were a great way to showcase the region’s stunning natural environment.
“The competition is growing in popularity, this year attracting 406 entries from experienced photographers and novices,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Their passion for, and pride in the Macarthur region’s pristine bushland, unspoilt waterways and prolific wildlife is reflected in their entries, and I’m pleased this competition provides an opportunity for both locals and the wider community to enjoy their stunning photographs.”[/social_quote]
The competition had $5,000 in prizes on offer this year, thanks to competition sponsors Macarthur Square, Macarthur Camera House, Canon, Western Sydney University, Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living and Symbio Wildlife Park.
Winning photographs from the annual Macarthur Nature Photography Competition will form part of a travelling exhibition across Macarthur, including Macarthur Square from mid-November.
• To view the winning images online, visit campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/MNPC
♦ WINNERS 2017 Macarthur nature photography competition:
Open category – waterways
1st place: Paul Aracic – One Night in Kentlyn;
2nd place: Ky Prakhounheuang – Smoke on the water
Native flora and fauna
1st place: Paul Heath – Golden Light;
2nd place: Glenn Smith – On the Prowl
Environmental Impact
1st place: Bron King – Road Kill;
2nd place: Ash Pearsall – Bush meets the burbs!
Nature Up Close
1st Place: Margaret Freeman – Footloose;
2nd Place: Kira Leeon – Dragonfly with big lips and even bigger eyes
Hollows as Homes
Winner: Glenn Smith – On Guard Duty
Snap a Selfie Winner: Vicky Mycio
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SECTION – waterways
1st Place: Chloe Marsh – Sunset over Murky Water;
2nd Place: Hayden Bailey – Duplicity
Native flora and fauna
1st Place: Isabelle Robertson – Delightful Daisies;
2nd Place: Tess McEvoy-King – Bush Gold
Environmental Impact
1st Place: Jodi Weisz – Why destroy nature?
2nd Place: Jordon Waterhouse – A Sprinkle of Pink
Nature Up Close
1st Place: Mauerick Fraley – Leaf Pond;
2nd Place: Corey Horsfall – A Bull Ant
Primary school winner: Mauerick Fraley, Warragamba Public School – Leaf Pond
High School winner: Ky Prakhounheuang, John Therry Catholic High School – Smoke on the water
People’s choice award winner: Chloe McEwan – Flowers galore
They will never let me win with my pics