A record field of almost 500 photographs showcasing Gippsland’s landscapes, wildlife and communities has made judging tougher than ever in Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester’s 2027 #lovegippsland calendar competition.
Mr Chester has announced the 13 photographs selected for the calendar, including three major prize winners, following the largest number of entries received in the competition’s 15-year history.
This year’s theme, “My Gippsland”, invited photographers to capture the region’s natural beauty, character and diversity and celebrate what makes Gippsland such a special place to live, work and visit.
“The photographs chosen for the 2027 calendar are only a small sample of the incredible images submitted from across Gippsland, and they beautifully capture the diversity of our region,” Mr Chester said.
“From our wildlife and waterways to the high country, farmland, coastline and historic landmarks, the calendar showcases Gippsland through the eyes of the people who know and love it best.”
The three winning images are “Running Dog” by Traralgon’s Bek Jayne, “McKenzie Magic” by Toongabbie’s Jay McGown and “Dancing Sooty Owl” by Marlo’s Robert Clay.
Each of the three winners will receive a hamper featuring Gippsland-made products, while all 13 selected photographers will have their work showcased in the free calendar distributed across the region.
The other photographs selected for the 2027 calendar are “Meeting a Raymond Island Resident Among the Gumtrees” and “Moroka Hut Beneath the Golden Light of My Gippsland” by Longford’s Paula Walland; “Salmon Rocks Boat Ramp” by Marlo’s Dave Butler; “Yum” by Bairnsdale’s Mike Raymond; “Autumn Reflections” by Traralgon’s Lynne Woodbridge; “Church Among the Trees” by Newborough’s Simon Whelan; “Dawn Over Buchan Valley” by Lake Tyers Beach’s Darren Cassidy; “Mossiface Hop Kilns” by Raymond Island’s Marlo Campbell; “Sunset” by Loch Sport’s Robert Crosier; and “Male Weedy Seadragon Carrying Eggs” by Marlo’s Holly Baird.
“Congratulations to our winners and everyone whose photograph has been selected for the calendar,” Mr Chester said.
“Every year I am amazed by both the photographic talent we have across Gippsland and the pride people have in our region.
“Thank you to everyone who entered. Your photographs not only showcase your talent, they capture what Gippsland means to the people who call it home.”
More than 30,000 copies of the 2027 #lovegippsland calendar will be available free from Mr Chester’s electorate offices in Sale and Traralgon, as well as community hubs, visitor centres and local businesses across Gippsland.
Businesses and community organisations can also request a box of calendars by contacting Mr Chester’s electorate offices.
Pictured:
“Running Dog”, Toongabbie, by Bek Jayne, Traralgon.
“McKenzie Magic”, Mckenzie River Rainforest Walk, Club Terrace, by Jay McGown, Toongabbie.
“Dancing Sooty Owl”, Nowa Nowa, by Robert Clay, Marlo.
