Spring in the Mary Photo Competition

adminCommunity Awareness, Community Group news, Uncategorised

Stunning Images from the Mary River catchment Wow Judges in ‘Spring in the Mary’ Photo Competition

11 November 2025 – The judges of this year’s Spring in the Mary photo competition have announced their decisions, celebrating the unique natural environment that sustains our region.

This year, the panel faced an exceptionally difficult task. The competition attracted a wide range of outstanding entries, each showcasing the incredible beauty, resilience, and biodiversity of the Mary River catchment.

From the rugged upper reaches to the serene estuaries, local photographers captured the essence of the season. Entries ranged from macro shots of native insects and vibrant wildflowers to sweeping landscapes and candid portraits of life in the Mary River catchment.

A Celebration of Biodiversity

The “Spring in the Mary” competition is more than just a contest; it is a documentation of the health and spirit of the river system. The images submitted this year highlighted the rich diversity of the catchment, featuring iconic threatened species, agricultural life, and the stunning waterways that connect the community.

“The standard of entries this year was truly exceptional,” said one of the judges, MRCCC Chairman Ian Mackay. “It was an incredibly difficult task to narrow down the field. We saw photos that not only demonstrated technical skill but also told a powerful story about why this catchment is so special. It is heartening to see so many people engaging with our local environment through their lenses.”

The Winners

After much deliberation regarding the judged categories, the following winners were announced:

  • Overall Category Winner: Paul Vallier for his image “Southside” (image right)
  • Junior Category Winner: Reef Van for his image “Tawny Frogmouths”
  • Wildlife Category Winner: Michelle Honey for her image “Python sssssspring”
  • Rural Category Winner: Peta Hempsell for her image “Ballooning over the Mary”
  • Rivers and Creeks Category Winner: Paul Vallier for his image “The Mary”
  • Coastal and Estuaries Category Winner: Debbie Polley for her image “Pelican on the Mary at Sunrise”

Click on the link to view a pdf of all the winning entries.

Vote for the People’s Choice Award

While the judges have made their selection, the public still has a vital role to play!

All competition entries will be on display at the Mary River Festival in Kandanga on Saturday, 11th July.

We invite the community to come along, view the incredible gallery of local talent in person, and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. This is your chance to have your say and support your favourite image of our beautiful catchment.

Community Support

The success of the “Spring in the Mary” competition relies heavily on the support of our dedicated community partners. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors who made this event possible:

  • Kenilworth Rural Supplies
  • Barung Landcare
  • The Burnett Mary Regional Group
  • The Greater Mary Association
  • Noosa Landcare
  • The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC)

Their support ensures that we can continue to encourage the community to connect with nature and celebrate the waterways that are the life blood of our region.