# Canberra Residents Capture Regional Energy in Photography Competition A grassroots photo contest highlights the diverse landscapes and community spirit of the ACT region. - **Source:** [Canberra Times](https://www.canberratimes.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6004aa94-018b-49b4-a2d6-54a965747402 ## Regional Photography Competition Results ActewAGL recently announced the winners of the Capture the Energy photography competition, held in partnership with The Canberra Times. The initiative invited residents across the Australian Capital Territory and south-east New South Wales to submit images reflecting the unique spirit of their local surroundings. Over 3600 entries were received for the contest. ## Diverse Landscapes and Subjects Participants captured a wide range of subjects, spanning from the rugged ranges of Namadgi to the vibrant city heart and the scenic south coast beaches. These images aimed to document the diverse environments where locals work and play. The competition successfully highlighted the geographic variety found within a two-hour travel radius. ## Winning Entries and Recognition The top prize was awarded to Lisa from Googong for her image titled Echoes of Australian summer. The first runner-up was Cathy from Macgregor with Hands Up in the Noise, while Darrel from Oxley took second runner-up with Legoland Namadgi. These photos were selected for their composition, color, and emotional resonance. ## Expert Judging Panel Insights The judging panel consisted of Karleen Minney, a photographer and editor at The Canberra Times, and Matt Batten, an executive creative director at AFFINITY. They noted the difficulty of selecting winners from such a high volume of quality submissions. They praised the entries for capturing both major landmarks and intimate everyday moments. ## Prizes and Future Campaigns The overall winner receives a $5000 photography kit and a credit toward their ActewAGL energy bill. Furthermore, the winning photograph and other standout entries will be featured in an upcoming ActewAGL promotional campaign. This integration ensures that the community-sourced imagery will serve as the visual foundation for future corporate brand communications. ## Community Engagement Through Art The competition served as a platform for grassroots creative expression, allowing residents to define their region through their own lenses. By focusing on the concept of energy, the organizers encouraged a deeper connection between the utility provider and the local population. It successfully turned personal perspectives into a collective regional narrative. ## Digital Access to Entries While only three winners were officially announced, the organizers have made the broader collection of submissions available for public viewing. Interested individuals can browse the full gallery of entries at the dedicated website, capturetheenergy.com.au. This digital archive preserves the diverse artistic contributions made by the community during the competition period. ## Impact of Local Initiatives Such competitions highlight the role of regional media and local businesses in fostering community pride. By celebrating everyday life through photography, the project strengthens the bond between residents and their environment. These initiatives provide a rare opportunity for amateur photographers to gain professional recognition while documenting the changing character of Canberra. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9387154/actewagl-photo-competition-names-winners-from-3600-entries/?src=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._