Photo comp winners on display

WINNERS of Golden Plains’ the Spring in the Shire photography competition were announced last week.

The annual competition encourages local photographers and creative minds of any skill level to capture the best parts of the Golden Plains Shire.

This year’s theme was ‘what we share’ and over 70 entries were received between Monday, 13 September and Sunday, 31 October.

“The spectacular entries in this year’s Spring in the Shire photography competition are a great showcase of the creative talent of residents of all ages and from locations across our Shire,” mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said.

Entries were judged on their impact, storytelling, subject matter and ability to stick to the theme.

The major prize winner was Lyn Steele from Bannockburn for her photo titled Wing Attack, an aptly named and perfectly timed photo of three corellas atop a netball hoop.

It’s the second time Steele has taken the top prize, having also won in 2019.

Barry Feldman from Geelong and Lisa Carpenter from Scarsdale were highly commended.

Other award winners included Holly Draffin from Linton in the young adult category for her photo titled Love.

Lucy Blersch from Inverleigh claimed the junior prize for her photo Early morning fish on the Leigh River.

Steele and Draffin received $300 each for their photos, while junior winner Blersch was awarded $200.

“Congratulations to our three prize winners, Lyn, Holly and Lucy, whose photographs beautifully capture the competition theme of ‘what we share’,” Cr Gamble said.

Thirty entries have been selected to be displayed at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre until Monday, 31 January.

“With so many wonderful, shortlisted entries on display, we hope that many residents take the opportunity to visit the exhibition during January,” Cr Gamble said.

The exhibition is open 10am to 1pm on Mondays, 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays, 10am to 6pm on Wednesdays, 10am to 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.

The exhibition will be closed on public holidays including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Australia Day.