An exhibition of the winning photographs from the “Our Sunshine Coast” competition commenced its tour at the Maroochy Botanical Gardens on August 24.
The exhibition run by the Sunshine Coast Council, aims to raise awareness for the new Environment and Liveability Strategy.
Widely acclaimed photographer, Steve Parish selected the winners from over 1000 entries at a ceremony hosted by the Caloundra Regional Gallery on June 15.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said she was thrilled with the 454 individuals who shared their love for the Sunshine Coast, through photography.
“Following on from the success of previous Environment Photography Awards, the prize aims to highlight the environment, liveability, sustainability and resilience of the Sunshine Coast, in a visual display that everyone can relate to,” she said.
The exhibition, which contains 33 images and a unique audio feature, will travel from the Maroochydore Botanical Gardens to Tickle Park and other various Sunshine Coast locations.
Sixteen-year-old Unity College student Riley Thomson was the winner of the ‘Senior Student’ category for his wave photograph titled ‘Seaweed Tumble’.
“The photograph I submitted was taken over a year ago, but there was something unique about it that really stood out to me.
“I never took photos with the intention of entering them into a competition, but rather for the enjoyment of wave photography and the vision that can be created,” he said.
The young photographer explained that the competition was open to the whole of Australia and the entry only had to be captured within the Sunshine Coast area.
“I was flabbergasted when I received the letter as a picked finalist for the competition, let alone the winner of the senior category,” he said.
Ms McKay said the competition is part of the council’s message to the community about the importance of the environment, while also enhancing the opportunities for developing photographers.
“This year the numbers have increased and that is wonderful to see,” she said.
Ms McKay highlighted the awareness that the competition creates about the Environment and Liveability Strategy which was adopted by the Sunshine Coast Council in 2017.
“The strategy tells the story of where the Sunshine Coast is today, and where the residents would like to see it in 2041.
“It is a whole lifestyle experience, from open space sporting fields to outdoor recreation and protecting valuable habitat for our wild life,” she said.
Ms McKay said the strategy sets policy direction for the council and enables benchmarking from the community’s feedback.
“The policy enables the residents to have confidence that if the policy principles and guidelines are followed, the Sunshine Coast will be a great place for all to live,” she said.
Strategic Policy Officer and Manager of the exhibition, Sharon Stott said the idea to create an outdoor exhibition was to make it more accessible and visually captivating.
“The exhibition aims to tell a story by the people, of the intrinsic value of the relationship between environment and lifestyle.
“It connects us to what is important about the Sunshine Coast, the beauty, diversity and spaces to which we are drawn to, inspire us and how we recreate,” she said.
There is an additional competition happening for the $1000 People’s Choice Award Prize which will be announced at the end of this month.
“All finalists were residents of the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Stott said.
Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award, and the exhibition can be viewed around the Sunshine Coast until June 2019.
Visit the Sunshine Coast Council’s website for more information on the exhibition and the Environment and Liveability strategy.
