2018 Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Photographic Competition Winners

The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup was delighted with the response tothis year’s Photographic Competition, announcing the winners this week at a presentation at the Council Chambers in Donnybrook.

This year’s theme was ‘Hidden Beauty’, encouraging budding photographers to capture images which showcased to them what’Hidden Beauty’ could be.  For example, a sunrise or water flowing over a dam, a tiny insect out foraging and the dew drops on a spiders web.

Chief Executive Officer Ben Rose explained that “it was fantastic to receive 94 entries in this year’s competition. The judges were extremely impressed with the standard and diversity of entries, and deliberated long and hard to select the final winners.”

This year’s judges included Bernadette McInnes, Manager at the Donnybrook and Capel Bendigo Bank branch, Tara Carroll,assistant Branch Manager at the Donnybrook Bendigo Bank branch. Lucy Borne,  editor of the Preston Press and Cr Anne Mitchell of the Donnybrook Balingup Council.

“The Shire was very pleased to welcome the Bendigo Community Bank back as a sponsor for this year’s Photographic Competition. I have no doubt that the prize money was an added motivator for entrants,” Mr Rose continued.

The top twelve photos will be featured in the 2019 Shire Calendar. In addition, three overall winners were selected from the 12 winning entries, and each received a framed enlargement of their photo, and a Donnybrook Bendigo Bank account; 1st place – $500, 2nd place and 3rd place – $100.

The overall winner of this year’s competition was Brian Vanallen with his photo titled ‘Time to Reflect’, taken from the one of the magical viewpoints on the property Balingup Hill Top Heights which he owns and runs with his wife, Deb Vanallen. Second place was Ken Bartle from Coffs Harbour in NSW with his photo titled ‘Milky Way of Mullalyup’. this photo was taken while he was holidaying with his son who lives in Mullalyup, and third place was taken out by Lilliann Lyon with her photo titled ‘Spring has Sprung’.  Lilliana attends Balingup Primary school and was our youngest entrant.

The 2019 Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Calendars will be distributed to all residents and businesses in the Shire in the week prior to Christmas.

Next year’s competition details will be advertised in August 2019 so keep an eye out on the website www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au.