Central Coast Council Youth Services have launched a biannual photography competition, Your World Your Way, aimed at young people, aged 12-24, who live, work or study on the Central Coast. The competition opens today, 7 November 2022 and closes 27 January 2023.

Young people are being encouraged to take their favourite artistic snaps over the summer period and enter the Your World Your Way Youth Photography Competition.

Participants in the competition do not need to be a photographer or field expert. The photos submitted simply should be a representation of their daily lives on the Central Coast.

The competition has been inspired by the Youth Strategy survey which found, 78% of the 1,600 responses received, indicated Central Coast young people wanted to see themselves reflected in advertising material.

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said opportunities such as this competition acknowledges the creative youth on the Coast and their talents and interests.

“Your World Your Way, ensures images for young people are taken by young people. Photos submitted will also be used by the Youth Services team to advertise future youth-related programs and projects,” Ms Smith said.

“The top 20 images will also be printed, framed, and exhibited at Erina Centre Foyer during Youth Week next year.”

The top 20 images will also be in the running to win a range of Apple prizes.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said competitions such as Your World Your Way are also helpful in strengthening a young person’s opportunity to have ownership over creative materials.

“This a chance for young people to get creative, have their photos on exhibition and to be celebrated by the community.” Mr Hart said.

The competition winner and runner-up will be selected by a panel of judges comprising of two Youth 4 Youth (Y4Y) Action Team Members, one Council staff representative and a professional photographer.

A ‘People’s choice’ category will be selected by the public, via a QR code in the Erina Centre foyer for members of the public to scan and vote for their favourite photo during the exhibition dates.

Winners will be announced at an exhibition ceremony on Monday, 24 April 2023.

To enter search ‘Your World Your Way’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Key dates:

• Open for applications on 7 November 2022 and close on 5pm 27 January 2023.

• Exhibition dates 1st April to 1st May 2023

• Awards Ceremony 24th April 2023 5.30pm Erina Centre Foyer