2019 My Moree Photograph Competition Announced

The My Moree Photography Competition is returning to the Plains with bigger prizes in a suite of new categories and a whole of floor expansive exhibition at Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), with entries opening on the My Moree Facebook page from Monday 22 July 2019.

The inaugural 2017 competition saw more than 400 entries received from community members demonstrating what ‘My Moree’ means to them and thousands of visitors flocking to BAMM to see the My Moree Photography Competition exhibition on display.

The second event – which will once again be hosted on the My Moree Facebook page - will be open for entries for a three-week period from 22 July to midnight Sunday 11 August 2019, with the ensuing exhibition returning to BAMM for an eight-week period over September and October.

Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Manager Libby Carter said that this year’s competition comes at a time when some in the region may benefit from a little reminder of the reasons why we choose to live our lives on the Plains.

“Drought has been having an ongoing impact on our community and the competition is by no means about glossing over our times of hardship.

“But often, these times of hardship are also times that reinforce our incredibly strong sense of community, and that’s exactly what My Moree is all about.”

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: - Grand Jury Prize - $1,000 voucher - People’s Choice - $1,000 voucher - Our Country - $500 voucher - Our History - $500 voucher - People of the Plains - $500 voucher - Iconic Moree Plains - $500 voucher - 2 x Up and Coming Talent Awards for entrants under the age of 18 - $250 voucher each.

(All prize vouchers are from Harvey Norman Moree for photography equipment.)

Council’s Acting Economic Development and Grants Manager Susannah Pearse said that while entrants aren’t required to nominate their photos in a particular category (except in the Up and Coming talent category), they are encouraged to use the categories as inspiration.

“We’d love to see some great photos that document what the shire is enduring right now, the daily grind of feeding stock, our starkly beautiful barren plains, our community and families pulling together.

“Iconic Moree Plains could reflect our stunning Art Deco architecture, Artesian Water or elements of our strong Kamilaroi culture.

Mrs Pearse explained that the Up and Coming Talent awards are new additions to the prize pool as organisers wanted a way of recognising the promising talent of local youth.

“We also cannot wait to see what historic photos come out of the woodwork and are particularly excited to be able to feature a local historic display in the stunning, heritage listed confines of the Bank Art Museum Moree.”

To enter the competition, entrants must post a photo taken within the Moree Plains Shire to the My Moree Facebook page during the competition period, with the wording “here’s my entry into the #mymoree photography competition”.

For entries in the Up and Coming Talent category, the photographer must be 18 years or younger and the photo must be posted to the My Moree Facebook page during the competition period, with the wording “here’s my entry into the Up and Coming Talent prize in the #mymoree photography competition”.

All entries must be the poster’s original work, or clearly identify the original artist. Entrants are encouraged to provide a brief explanation of their photo entry, however this is not mandatory.

Photo entries will be judged by an independent panel on their popularity (likes, reactions and shares) on the My Moree Facebook page and their creativity.

Full terms and conditions of entry will be available on Council’s website when the competition opens on Monday.