If you’re a young aspiring photographer with a keen eye and love for the world around you, then Central Coast Council would love to see what you’ve got.

Entries for the second ‘Your World Your Way’ youth photography competition are now open until Thursday 29 February 2024.

This free-to-enter photography competition is open to young people aged 12-24 years, with judges especially looking for photographic content that includes local locations and young people.

Exciting prizes include:

• Winner: $1,500
• Highly Commended: $750
• People’s Choice: $250
• Award recipients will also receive professional development and mentorship to produce a printed body of work, a four-week exhibition, and a 12-month magazine subscription (seven issues) to Australian Photography.

The top 20 shortlisted images will be printed, framed and showcased at the Erina Centre exhibition space and published on Council’s website during Youth Week in April 2024. During the Youth Week exhibition, the community is invited to participate in the People’s Choice Award by casting a vote for their favourite photograph.

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation, Melanie Smith said it’s an exciting opportunity for young people to showcase their skills to a wider audience.

“This year we offered emerging photographers a chance to fine-tune their skills during the school holidays with a development workshop which was an opportunity to meet other liked minded peers from around the area,” Ms Smith said.

“I am proud Council is offering this opportunity for young photographers to have their work exhibited professionally and I am continually amazed by the talent of our local young people and can’t wait to see the entries.”

Council’s Administrator, Rik Hart is another who is looking forward to seeing the talent of young people in our region highlighted.

“Our Youth Development Team has worked hard to create opportunities for young people to come together and be proud of their community.

“It’s a very easy competition to enter and I would encourage budding photographers to pick up a camera or phone and take a snapshot of what’s important to them.”

The winner of the Your World Your Way Youth photography competition will be announced in the Erina Centre Exhibition Space on 3 April 2024 as part of the National Youth Week celebrations.

Further information and details on how to enter is available on Council’s website.

ENDS