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Youth Photography Competition 2026

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Youth Photography Competition 2026

The theme for 2026 was to capture something 'Close to Home'. 

Congratulations to all those who entered this year's Youth Photography Competition.

The winning entries can be seen below. 

First place winner: 12 - 15 year old category

Small Gestures 

By Adelaide Soo

"Home isn't always a place you can point to. It's a feeling I can get when I'm surrounded by the right people or pets. In this photo, that feeling is captured in a simple, unspoken moment: a hug." 

Second place winner: 12 - 15 year old category

Passed Down

By Isabella Hill 

"I chose to photograph my grandmother's hands with mine because they represent home to me. The contrast between us shows the years of love and support through the touch." 

Second place winner: 12 - 15 year old category

Where We Land

By Harriet Hockings 

"'Where We Land' represents returning home after a long day of work in the country, spending time with some of the people I love most. Although I am drawn to the bustle and brightness of the city, it is here, in these small, everyday moments on the farm that I feel most at home." 

First place winner: 16 - 18 year old category

Home Within Reach 

By Violet Davis-Rohr

"To me, a house is four walls and a roof, but a home is the people I feel safest with, it's the feeling of support, guidance and connection. My photograph is significant to me as it shows the importance of family, it captures the beautiful moment as they guide each other, hand in hand, into the sunset. The silhouette puts them in their own world creating the sense of belonging and comfort that a home creates. No matter how far they are from their physical house, they are always close to their home. I chose the title, "Home Within Reach" because regardless of where I am or how far I go, I know I am always close to home as I carry it with me through the people I love."

Second place winner: 16 - 18 year old category

Where I Belong

By Lina Kim 

"This photo is significant to me because it captures a simple moment in my home that reflects both comfort and my identity. My cat sitting by the window is part of my everyday life, making the photo comforting and familiar. It reminds me that home is where small moments like this happen, and those moments often become the most meaningful. The door to me also represents the idea of looking between two worlds. As a Korean-Australian, I often feel connected to both Korean culture at home and Australian life outside. My home is where language, food, traditions and family values keep me close to my heritage, while the world outside reflects the wider community I live in. Although it is an ordinary scene, it reminds me that being "close to home" is not just about the location but the people, memories and culture that shape who I am."

Resident Award

Chilvers Kelpie

By George Kane (12 - 15 year old category) 

"It is significant to me because I live here, I love spending time with my dog and this is a blend of the beauty of this house, heritage and how beautiful my dog is." 

Mayor's Award

A Whisker Away

By Ebony Djanegara (12 -15 year old category) 

"This photo is significant to me as it reminds me of my home. My cat, Nala (in the photo), is an affectionate and warm cat. She greets me every day when I get home and is the family member I think of when I am homesick. This image captures her warmth. When I am far from home, I remember how she is only 'A Whisker Away'." 

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