The entries were officially put on display at the  Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday with photography judge Andrew Pearson selecting a winner.

With participants submitting many great photos on topics like the shire’s flora, fauna, CBD and tourist destinations Catherine Fogarty was named the overall winner, with her photo “What I love most about where I live”.

Mr Pearson said the picture was a real stand out and was quintessential Gunnedah and “stood out to him” as soon as he entered the gallery.

Catherine also received first place in the events (Laughter); community, culture and lifestyle (Feels Like Home); and flora and fauna (Kangaroos on Lincoln) sections.

Jen Shorter received first place in the villages section with her photo “Curlewis Silos”, as well as first place in the tourist destinations/CBD section with “Full Moon Miner”.

“The Snow Crop” by Trish Worboys took out first place in the commercial/industry section, with Trish also placing first in the “What I love most about where I live” section, with “Sunset and Farming”.

Cheryl Nugent placed first in the landscape section, with “Gunnedah Magic” – a photo depicting one of Gunnedah’s famous sunsets.

Mr Pearson also awarded 12-year-old Emma Doyle an encouragement award for her photos and said she “had a great talent for someone so young”.

Read Also:

Council’s acting manager of communications and cultural services Ashley Gardner congratulated the winners and thanked all entrants for supporting the inaugural competition.

“We wanted photographers to tell their story of Gunnedah and its people through their lenses,” Mrs Gardner said. 

“The essence of Gunnedah shire was well and truly captured in the wonderful entries we received.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the competition.”

A people’s Choice Award is still up for grabs with voting open at the gallery until June 28.

The winner will receive a $100 Gunnedah gift card.