THE results are in for the OneFortyOne 2023 Forest Photo Competition, with two students coming out on top of over 150 entries.
Students across the Limestone Coast and south western Victoria sent in their best forest photos, along with a short spiel about what they loved about being out in nature.
The judging panel awarded the top prizes to Year 5 student Jack Freckleton in the primary school category and Year 12 student Alex McCarthy in the secondary school category.
OneFortyOne external affairs manager Charlene Riley said it was not easy to choose winners from so many entrants.
“We received some interesting and unique photos this year,” Ms Riley said.
“A recurring theme in the stories we received was peacefulness.
“A number of students said the forest was a place they spent time in to relax and spend quality time with their families.”
Jack was one such student who highlighted peacefulness as one of the reasons he loved getting out in the forests.
“What I love about the pines is when I go for walks with my two dogs in the magical forests around Dartmoor,” he said.
“This area around my house is a great way to relax and calm down and have some time where it’s peaceful after a big day.”
Ms Riley thanked all students for their entries and for sharing their love of forests with the competition judges.
A selection of photos with their accompanying stories will be exhibited at the Riddoch Art Gallery and the Mount Gambier Airport.