Capturing Australian Life: Annual Photography Competition Winners Announced
This year’s annual Community Bank Neerim District photography competition has once again brought together incredible talent from across the District. The 2024 theme "Australian Life" celebrated the beauty, diversity, and unique experiences of life in the Neerim District.
Congratulations to this year’s first prize winner, Cameron Mann, whose unique photograph titled “Abandoned Star Trail” perfectly captured the stillness and grandeur of rural Australia. “I've always loved photography, but it really took off for me around age 14. I entered this competition, as I have the past couple of years, because I enjoy the districts community vibe and see these events as a way to build my name locally as a photographer,” Cameron said. “This image was taken in the paddock right behind my house, capturing an old abandoned shed and trailer. I set up my camera on a tripod and left it out overnight from dusk till dawn, taking hundreds of photos to create the star trail effect by merging them in Photoshop—a technique inspired by Lincoln Harris. Ultimately, photography is the career I want to pursue.”
The second prize went to Julie Fusinato, who painted the perfect image of rural Gippsland with her photo titled “Grazing Cows”. The photograph highlighted the energy and movement of rural life. “I started a calendar of farm photos for Christmas gifts several years ago so I randomly take photos during the year. I took this photo because of the heifer reflections on the water and the scenic background. To me this is represents a perfect image of Australian life,” Julie said.
The People’s Choice Award, decided by public vote, was awarded to local favourite Kaye Stone for her photo titled “The Iconic Australian Red Heeler”, taken in Neerim South. This charming image, capturing a candid moment with her Red Heeler, resonated with the community as a reminder of the simple joys of Australian rural life. “I was amazed when I was chosen. Being an amateur photographer, this means a lot to me,” Kaye said. “I love photography and have a wonderful heeler called Heidi. To me Heidi, the iconic Red Heeler, epitomizes “Australian Life”, living her dream in the beautiful mountains of Neerim! Thanks to the Community Bank Neerim District for running this competition.”
The top twelve photos will be published in a calendar, with all funds donated to Neerim District Food Relief. The calendar will be available for purchase from Neerim South IGA and Community Bank Neerim District.
Congratulations once again to our winners, and a special thank you to all participants for their beautiful contributions. These images help us appreciate the diversity of Australian life and inspire us to see our country from new and exciting perspectives.
