Providing a unique perspective of life at Ginninderry, a new exhibition is connecting the community from behind the lens of a camera.

Initially running the MyGinninderry Photography Competition during the August 2021 COVID-19 lockdown to continue to forge community connections without breaking public health directions, the popular competition has been brought back once again to showcase beautiful photographs taken by the residents of Ginninderry.

Amazed by the response to the initial idea in 2021, the first MyGinninderry Photography Exhibition was held in April 2022 and was a raging success, with the money made from any photos sold during the exhibition donated to a charity chosen by the residents.

Bringing back the photo competition was Ginninderry’s new Community Development and Liaison Officer, Jessica Buckland, who saw many beautiful photographs produced that show a different side of the community.

“The photos reveal a love for the landscape and community of Ginninderry. Through residents’ eyes, we see what is valued in the places they live, work, and play, most notably, an appreciation for the natural landscape around Ginninderry and the stunning sunsets over the Brindabella Mountain Ranges,” says Jessica.

“Once again, the residents have captured the area in a way that lets visitors see what it is like to live out here, and the exhibition looks fantastic!”

On display in The Link Art Space until Sunday, 17 September, among the entries, Simone Roche’s Cubby (the Third Prize winner) and Foggy Morning and Land/skyscape from Saru Shrestha (the recipient of both the Second Prize and People’s Choice Award) provide a unique perspective of what it’s like to live at Ginninderry—from the still hours of the morning to the busy hours playing with the littlest members of the community.

For First Prize Winner Jason Stainthorpe, his image of a Nankeen Kestrel represents the unique connection Ginninderry has to its natural surroundings and the importance of looking beyond the man-made additions to the area.

“I love taking photos of birds—it’s what I do on my days off. And in the local area, there’s quite a few of those Nankeen Kestrels flying around all the time, and the chance to get a good shot of one is always nice,” he says.

“It’s really great to be part of this community that has the nature side to it. So, I thought that any chance to get a nice nature shot would represent the area just as much as the housing and having a lot of streets and parks.”

Deciding last minute to enter his photo to help support the local area and the work being done by the Ginninderry Conversation Trust, Jason says there were some stunning shots submitted with unique views and angles of what can be found in the growing community.

Believing that the MyGinninderry Photography Competition is a great way to foster connection, he says he feels “pretty good” about winning with his stunning shot of a Kestrel sweeping through an endless blue sky.

“[This kind of community project is important because] it’s got a very good spirit of community, which is always a good thing when you’re new to a suburb—to develop a spirit there amongst everyone.”

THE ESSENTIALS
What: The MyGinninderry Photography Competition.
When: Until Sunday, 17 September
Where: The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn.
More information: ginninderry.com