Shire’s beauty reflected in photography awards

WINNERS of the Australia Day Film and Photography Competition were announced by South Gippsland Shire Council during a virtual presentation held on the national day.

Entrants were asked to submit films and images capturing this year’s Australia Day theme, ‘Australia Day: Reflect, Respect, Celebrate; we’re all part of the story’.

Eight-year-old Olivia Snell of Mirboo North won ‘Best Image’ (under 15) for ‘Blue Dog – loyal, trustworthy, hardworking, a forever friend’.

The striking image of a cattle dog perfectly captured Aussie country life.

Venus Bay’s Geoff Beveridge’s ‘Our Australian sunset is shared by us all’ was taken locally and features his grandsons Logan and Finley sharing a beach sunset.

It won ‘Best Image’ in the open section.

Over 60 entries were received in the photography section.

“Many of the entries reflected on the natural beauty that is such an important part of South Gippsland, while others considered our people and what it means to be part of our local community,” Council CEO Kerryn Ellis said before winners were announced.

Trudy Murphy of Dumbalk created the winning film, ‘Where will you spend Australia Day?’, depicting locations and people throughout the South Gippsland Shire.

Participants in the film section were asked to create a video of two to four minutes duration that captured the Australia Day theme.

The Australia Day Film and Photography Competition was a new addition to the Australia Day events program in South Gippsland and was supported by the National Australia Day Council.