Photo comp winners announced

THE winners of the Spring Into the Shire photo essay competition were announced last week with Keama Rowan taking out the major prize.

Runner up in the same category was previous winner Lyn Steele, and in the young adult category Amelia Preston took first prize and Sophia Rowling came second.

Jessica Richens was the winner of the junior category with Clancy Steele coming in second.

The theme of this year’s competition was photosynthesis and it encouraged participants to focus on natural beauty and environmental issues.

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham congratulated the 27 entrants on the way they captured the beauty of Shire.

“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,” he 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.”

Competition sponsors included Turosi Giving, Bannockburn Free Range Chicken, and Geelong Landcare.

Second place winners received a handmade basket by Wadawurrung artist Trina Dalton Odgies.

The works will now form an exhibition which will be on display over the next year at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre, the Well at Smythesdale, and the Golden Plains Civic Centre at Bannockburn.