ABOUT
“We Thrive” celebrates the strength, creativity, and collective progress of our region. Through powerful photography, locals are invited to capture what “thriving” looks like in their own world — from coastlines to highlands, paddocks to production floors. It’s a chance to share the stories, landscapes, and industries that make Southern NSW & the ACT such an incredible place to live, work, and grow.
Theme
The “We Thrive” photo competition shines a spotlight on the people, places, and industries shaping a brighter future for Southern NSW & the ACT. Supporting RDASNA’s vision for a dynamic and resilient regional economy, the theme highlights areas of growth, opportunity, and investment — and the everyday moments that show our region truly thriving.
Participation Categories
Junior Category: Photographers under 18 years old.
Open Category: Photographers 18 years and older.
Entries for the 2026 Regional Photo Competition Open Tuesday, 3 March 2026 and Close Friday, 17 April 2026. To be eligible, you must live in the following regions: Wingecarribee, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Yass Valley, Hilltops, Goulburn Mulwaree, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Snowy Monaro, Canberra and Upper Lachlan.
Read the Terms and Conditions here.
MEET OUR Guest JuDGES
We Thrive Photo Competition – OPENING SOON
The “We Thrive” Photo Competition is opening soon, and we can’t wait to see how you capture what thriving looks like across Southern NSW & the ACT.
From people and places to industries and everyday moments, this is your chance to showcase the pride, resilience, and opportunity that define our region. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a powerful portrait, or a snapshot of local life, we want to see the stories that make our communities shine.
Great prizes are up for grabs in every category — plus winning entries will be featured across RDASNA’s website, newsletters, and social media channels.
Get involved, share your perspective, and help shine a spotlight on the real strengths of our region.
Competition Opens Tuesday 3 March 2026 — we can’t wait to see your entries!
David Rogers - (Bega Valley) is an award-winning photographer based on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. Deeply influenced by the region’s land and seascapes, his work explores light, weather and time to create images with a strong sense of place. Working as a commercial photographer with a strong focus on community, David brings a refined visual eye and storytelling approach to his role as a photography competition judge.
Josh Burkinshaw - (Eurobodalla) Winner of the 2025 RDASNA “Hometown Pride” photo competition.
My name is Josh Burkinshaw and my passion is capturing moments in time that seem surreal. I specialize in shooting epic landscapes and stunning tourism-style images that transport the viewer to another world.
CHECK OUT THE PRIZES YOU COULD WIN!
OPEN CATEGORY (over 18 years old)
1 PRIZE: Zero-X D400 Foldable Drone
2 PRIZE: K & F Concept Camera Bag
JUNIOR CATEGORY (under 18 years old)
1 PRIZE: Alliums Mini Projector with 5G WiFi
2 PRIZE: Influencer Video Rig Starter Kit
Encouragement Award
VSGO Camera Cleaning Kit