Photo by Raine Scott
OneFortyOne’s 2022 forest photo competition winners have been selected. Launched on International Day of Forests in March, the competition received more than 150 photo entries from students from across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria. Source: Timberbiz
Entries were brought to a panel of judges, and top honours were given to Year 10 student Raine Scott, and Year 6 student Matilda Neale.
Photo by Matilda Neale
“I love going for bush walks through the local forest with my family and connecting with nature. It is so quiet and peaceful. The smell of the pines on a rainy day, or the sun setting on the horizon will always take my breath away. It does not matter what time of the day or night it is, there are always new things to see and discover.
I love seeing all the different types of plants and wildlife that call our local forest home.We are so lucky to be surrounded by the beautiful forests and pine plantations here in Mount Gambier,” said Matilda Neale.
OneFortyOne External Affairs Manager Charlene Riley said based on the inspiring entries received last year, OneFortyOne again asked students to share stories with their photos.
“We loved the stories students sent in last year,” Charlene said. “So, we asked students again this year to send in their best photos, and share with us how they connect to the forest, and we were impressed with the response.”
Student connections with the forest ranged from adventuring amongst plantations with family, to connecting with trees as they too have limbs and need water and air to live.
Secondary School category winner Raine Scott said his connection to the forest was through a feeling of freedom.
“I connect to the freedom of exploring the forest and discovering new perspectives on the things I take for granted,” Raine Scott said.
“The peace and quietness give me time to reflect on my surroundings. Hearing the chirping birds sing and seeing fluttering butterflies can show the little moments in life makes up a memory. You may see just a photo but really behind the photo is an adventure and memory that will last a lifetime.
“I’m a mountain biker and an outdoor person so I love the forest and I will continue to create adventures with my family. I have travelled all around the Australia for Mountain Biking and have created and inspired many trails for mountain biking.”
This year’s theme was forests and sustainable production and consumption.
“This is something OneFortyOne values as sustainable forest management is at the core of what we do,” Charlene said.
“Once again through the photo competition, students have inspired us to think about the diverse connections local people have to the forest, which makes our work even more meaningful.”
Photo entries and stories will be shared over the coming months on the OneFortyOne Facebook page.
