Photovoice Competition Open For Entries

Now in its ninth year, about 400 photographs are submitted each year featuring locals “acting, belonging and committing” in their everyday lives.

Photos can be entered under modified or non-modified styles and there are categories for people of all ages, from children to adults. Photos need to illustrate an aspect of the ‘ABC’ theme: • Act - keep mentally, physically, socially and spiritually active • Belong - maintain and create new social connections, become involved in local groups, attend community events • Commit - take up a cause, volunteer, commit to something that brings meaning and purpose to your life.

For the first time this year, the City will be holding free community workshops to help entrants learn more about the competition theme and how to improve their photography skills. The workshops will be presented by local professional photographer Kingsley Klau.

City of Rockingham Mayor, and long-time supporter of the competition, Barry Sammels said PhotoVoice was a great way to discover new talent and illustrate new ways to stay mentally healthy.

“It’s always great to see the photographic talents of entrants displaying lots of different ways to look after our mental health,” Mayor Sammels said. “Each individual has a different take on the theme, and many of the photos are uplifting and thoughtfully done. Thank you to Healthway for its long commitment to helping us hold the competition.”

PhotoVoice entries can be submitted online on the City’s website until Monday 28 August. Prizes include $500 cash for first place, with three additional prize categories for an overall Act, Belong and Commit entry being awarded this year.

Selected photos will be displayed in a three-week exhibition at the Gary Holland Community Centre from Wednesday 20 September to Thursday 12 October 2017.

The free community workshops will be held at the Mary Davies Library and Community Centre at Settlers Avenue, Baldivis.

Workshop 1: Introduction to PhotoVoice, Act-Belong-Commit and Photography Concepts • Wednesday 28 June, 6pm-8pm • Wednesday 12 July, 6pm-8pm

Workshop 2 – Selecting Photos, Computer Editing Techniques and the ‘Voice’ • Wednesday 26 July, 6pm-8pm • Wednesday 2 August, 6pm-8pm • Wednesday 9 August, 6pm-8pm

Registrations for the workshops are essential. Please call the City on 9528 0333 or email [email protected]. For details on how to enter PhotoVoice click on the PhotoVoice banner on the home page.

2016 PhotoVoice winner of the 18 years and over, Non-Modified category:  Peter Le Scelle – Committed by Nature.

2016 PhotoVoice winner of the Student Workshop, Non-Modified category: Calais Gunton (South Coast Baptist College) – Act-Belong-Commit in the Sand.