Residents of The Hills Shire are being invited to showcase their creativity through a community photography competition, with winning entries set to feature in the Council’s 2027 Waste and Recycling Calendar.
The annual initiative, themed “Hills Through Your Lens,” encourages both amateur and experienced photographers to capture the landscapes, places and unique perspectives that define the region. The competition aims to celebrate local identity while highlighting the natural and urban beauty of the Shire.
Mayor Michelle Byrne said the initiative provides a platform for residents to express their creativity while contributing to a widely used community resource. The calendar not only promotes sustainability messaging but also showcases the visual character of the area.
A total of 13 photographs will be selected, with one image featured for each month and a standout photograph chosen for the front cover. The selected images will represent different aspects of The Hills Shire, offering a visual journey through the region across the year.
Participants have the opportunity to win prizes, with the front cover winner receiving a $100 Coles/Myer gift card, while each monthly winner will receive a $50 gift card. The competition is open exclusively to residents of The Hills Shire, ensuring a strong local focus.
To maintain the theme and purpose of the calendar, entries must meet specific guidelines. Photographs must be taken within The Hills Shire, captured within the past two years, and should not include identifiable people or faces. The emphasis remains on landscapes, environments and local character.
The competition opens on 1 April 2026 and closes on 30 June 2026, giving participants ample time to explore their surroundings and submit their best work through the Council’s official platform.
Beyond the prizes, the initiative offers a unique opportunity for residents to have their work recognised and shared across the community. It also reinforces the importance of environmental awareness, as the calendar continues to serve as a key communication tool for waste and recycling information.
As The Hills Shire continues to grow, initiatives like this highlight the value of community participation, creativity and local pride – turning everyday moments into lasting visual stories.
