PHBG launches spring photo competition

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) is calling on photographers of all ages and skill levels to take part in the 2025 'Protecting Your Patch' photo competition. Locals are invited to capture the unique beauty of the Peel-Harvey region and the effort put into protecting its biosecurity. The competition opens on 15 August and will close on 10 October, with winners to be announced in November.

Entrants are encouraged to showcase the rich biodiversity of the area, from farmland, bush, or wetlands to backyard corners. Photos that show the actions taken to safeguard our environment from invasive weeds and pests are encouraged - participants might even capture the elusive fox and feral pig, or the less elusive feral rabbit.

Entries will be divided into two divisions: Open (16 and over) and Junior (under 16 years), and can be submitted via the PHBG website www.phbg.org or competition email photocomp@phbg.org. Entries will be judged by a panel comprising professional and experienced amateur photographers. Local businesses have provided prizes for winning entries.

“We’re excited to launch ‘Protecting Your Patch' to showcase how locals are helping to safeguard Peel-Harvey’s natural landscapes and agriculture,” said PHBG Executive Officer Teele Hooper-Worrell.

“We live in an incredibly special, highly biodiverse region, and protecting our native animals, plants, farmland, and livestock is something most of us care deeply about. Every day we work with committed landholders who are controlling invasive species to reduce the impact on our local area.

“This competition is our way of shining a spotlight on that commitment. We’re hoping to see a range of photos that represent the personal connection people have with their patch, and we also hope this competition will inspire people to learn more about how we can all work together in the fight against invasive species.”

Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group is a not-for-profit organisation committed to managing declared pests across the Peel-Harvey region of Western Australia. By working closely with landholders, government, and the local community, PHBG delivers equipment, pest management strategies, educational resources, and events like this competition to raise awareness and encourage collaborative protection of our unique environment.

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