Photo Competition

Competition closes on 30 June 2025

The Weed Society of NSW and Port Macquarie Hastings Council will be holding a photo competition for the 23rd NSW Biennial Weeds Conference being held on the 4-7 August in Port Macquarie.

Photo competition subject topics are:

• Collaborative Weed Management – Photos showcasing collaborative efforts between government agencies, community groups, and private organisations working together to tackle weed infestations and promote effective management strategies.
• Weeds and Climate Change – Images illustrating the relationship between weeds and changing environmental conditions, highlighting how climate change influences weed distribution, abundance, and impacts on ecosystems.
• Innovations in Weed Control – Photographs featuring innovative technologies, tools, or methods utilised in weed control and management practices, showcasing advancements in the industry.
• Weeds and Indigenous Perspectives – Visual narratives exploring the cultural significance of weeds in Indigenous communities, showcasing traditional knowledge and practices related to weed management and utilisation.
• Weed-Free Landscapes – Images capturing weed-free landscapes and restoration projects, highlighting successful efforts in reclaiming and restoring natural habitats affected by invasive species.
• Weeds in Urban Environments – Photos depicting the presence and management of weeds in urban settings, showcasing the unique challenges and solutions for weed control in cities and suburbs.

Who can Enter:

The contest is open to Conference delegates only.

Date of Submission:

Submissions will close on the 30 June 2025.

How to Enter:

Please submit your entry by email to ashley.donges@lls.nsw.gov.au before the closing date of 30 June 2025, photos can be scaled down to fit in an email constraints or sent in multiple emails.

Each delegate may submit up to three submissions for the contest. Photographs .jpeg, .jpg or PDF format, must be submitted along with the following accompanying information:

• Name and email address of photographer
• Photo topic
• Year photo was taken
• Botanical name and common name of species
• Description of photo/s (including the number of photos per submission)

NOTE: Please include the signed Photo Copyright Release Form

Judging Panel:

The judging panel will consist of the Photo Contest Committee, one judge representing the Conference organising committee, two judges from the Weed Society of NSW and one judge that represents the weed industry.

Winner Selection:

At the end of the submission period, the judging panel will review the initial submissions for eligibility. They will judge all eligible submissions on the follow criteria:

• The subject as it relates to the subject topic (20%)
• Picture composition (30%)
• Light exposure and contrast with background (30%)
• Overall appeal (20%)

Prize and Certificates

The winners will be announced at the Conference Dinner on Wednesday 6 August 2025. For each category, there will be a 1st place, a runner-up and five honorable mentions. Prizes will be given to the 1st place, and the runner-up photos in each category. A little something will be offered to the five honorable mentions in each category.

Copyright:

Photographers will need to give permission for the Weed Society of NSW and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to reproduce the photo for display and publication on social media, newsletters and websites. Please ensure you submit the Photo Copyright Release Form with your entry.