PREMIER’S MULTICULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

More than 600 entries from Queenslanders aged from seven to 78, from the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast, were received in the Premier’s Multicultural Photographic Awards.

Minister for Multiculturalism Lindy Nelson-Carr tonight announced the seven winners, including the Premier’s Encouragement Award and Minister’s Award recipients, at a ceremony at South Bank Parklands, in Brisbane.

Ms Nelson-Carr’s Parliamentary Secretary and Member for Capalaba Michael Choi presented the People’s Choice Award.

The winners shared in more than $25,000 in cash prizes and photographic equipment.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the quality of entries this year was of an incredibly high standard.

The short list was chosen by a panel of judges including professional newspaper photographers, academics and community leaders.

“It was hard enough for me to choose my favourite from the short-listed photos, let alone having to choose a short list from 608 fabulous images,” she said.

The Premier’s Encouragement Award of $500 was awarded to Kristy Godden, of Worongary for her photograph, Lifelong Friendship, and the Minister’s Award of $200 worth of photographic equipment was awarded to Debra Smith, of Kallangur, for Friends Forever.

The Peoples’ Choice category was won by Toowoomba school student Jenna Holmes for Connection between Two Nations.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the photographic awards were a creative way for Queenslanders to celebrate our state’s diversity.

“The photographic awards and the multicultural festival are Beattie Government strategies to showcase Queensland’s rich cultural diversity,” she said.

“We’re proud of our multicultural heritage and this is a great way to celebrate that.”

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Open category winner
Raoul Slater, Gympie, for A weekend with friends at Kenilworth Homestead

Open category highly commended
Liam Kidston, Holland Park West, for Walking home 4

School student category winner
Ria Tierney, South Brisbane, for Circle of friends

School student highly commended
Sonia Lee, Moggill, for Slide, Sonia, slide!

Premier's encouragement award
Kristy Godden, Worongary, for Lifelong friendship

Minister's award
Debra Smith, Kallangur, for Friends forever

People's choice award
Jenna Holmes, Drayton, for A connection between two nations