This is the second year Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent has hosted the competition, which encourages school-age students to embrace their creative side and showcase the region through photography.

This year’s theme was ‘change’.

The kindergarten to year 2 section was won by Bailey Sidebottom from Pelaw Main Public School, with Nate Reed (Kearsley) the runner-up and Summer Preece (St Philip’s Christian College) third.

Alexis Gardner of St Patrick’s Primary School won the years 3 to 6 division, with Makayliah Townley of Nulkaba second and Kira McDonald of St Philip’s third.

St Philip’s students Paige Searle and Brandon Desborough were the winner and runner-up respectively in the high school section, with Olivia Page and Emily Watson of Kurri High sharing third place.

The judges included photographer Fran Lynch, youth services coordinator Will Doran and council’s media and communication officer Stephanie Moscovis.

“I am so impressed by the high calibre of submissions demonstrating students’ creative flair to gain prize money for their school,” Ms Lynch said.

The winners each received $450 for their school, with $150 to the runners-up and $100 to the third place-getter. 

Winning students were awarded their certificates by sponsor Michael Hope (of Hope Estate) and Cr Bob Pynsent in front of their teachers and peers at Cessnock Library on November 19.

Winners will have their photos displayed at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries. All entries can be viewed on Cessnock City Council’s Facebook page.