Photo caption: Winning photograph of the 2022 Christmas Photo Competition ‘Bridge over troubled waters’ by George Williams

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is calling for photographers from across the Parkes electorate to submit entries to this year’s Christmas Card Photo Competition.

Each year, Mr Coulton distributes a Christmas card and newsletter, which usually features a photograph showcasing the Parkes electorate on the front page.

“After all of the wonderful entries we received last year, I’m excited to see what our local photographers will present for the 2023 competition,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’m calling on all photographers in the Parkes electorate, professional or amateur, to send me a photo of your favourite part of our region.

“Iconic images are what we are looking for, which capture the essence of the towns, festivals, people or scenes of the Parkes electorate. Our electorate is enormous and diverse, stretching from red soil plains through prime agricultural land to rocky outcrops, with plenty of scope for budding photographers to explore.

“Last year we received many images of the flooding which was occurring across the region. This year it would be wonderful to see images of what makes our area unique.”

The winning photo will be selected by Mr Coulton and will be featured on the front page of his 2023 Christmas Card which will be distributed to every Parkes electorate household in December.

Shortlisted photographs will also feature in the Parkes electorate 2024 calendar, which will be available at electorate offices and on request.

“This is a great opportunity for photographers young and old to receive some publicity and share their talents, with widespread exposure across the Parkes electorate,” Mr Coulton said.

“I will also promote the winning photo, and a selection of the shortlisted favourites on my social media. Entries are open, so now’s the time to grab your camera and capture that winning shot!”

To enter the competition, please email a high-resolution (300 dpi) photograph to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au, including your full name, address, phone number and a brief description of your photo including the location. Please clearly indicate that you are happy for us to use your photo in social media, print and online materials with appropriate attribution.

All ages are welcome to enter, however entrants must be a current resident of the Parkes electorate. Photos must be landscape in orientation and taken in 2023.

Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 29 September 2023 to be considered.

For more information, please contact Mr Coulton’s Dubbo office on 02 6882 0999.