Every picture tells a story – and nature is full of stories. A photography competition launching on Saturday 28 May provides an opportunity for people to connect with parks in the Newcastle region.

The initiative is a partnership between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Newcastle Museum. Park visitors are invited to share meaningful moments at their local national park using the medium of photography.

Selected images will be printed for an exhibition and People’s Choice vote at Newcastle Museum.

The photographer whose image wins the People’s Choice prize in each of two categories will receive a 1 year NPWS All Parks Pass, worth $190.

Newcastle Discovery Coordinator Shani Milgate said that a series of free guided tours have been scheduled over several weekends in May and June. “The idea is that by joining a guided tour and hearing about the parks’ natural and cultural heritage, photographers can become immersed in the environment”, Shani said.

“Images may be taken at any time up until 19 June in one of four Newcastle parks during the competition period and not necessarily during one of the guided walks.”

Participating parks include Awabakal Nature Reserve, Hunter Wetlands National Park, Glenrock State Conservation Area and Blue Gum Hills Regional Park.

Entries will be accepted in two age group categories, ‘Open’ and ‘16 years and under’. Selected photographs will be printed & exhibited at the Newcastle Museum between 18 July and 15 August.

Visit the Museum during the exhibition to vote for your favourite photo.

Entry details are available from the NPWS website. A photostream displaying selected entries can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/parkspeoplepics/

Light refreshments will be provided on all tours. Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Phone Discovery Coordinator 02 4946 4112.

GUIDED TOUR DATES

Awabakal Nature Reserve – Sat 28 May, 1pm to 4pm

Awabakal Nature Reserve – Sun 29 May, 9:30am to 12:30pm

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park – Sun 5 June, 9:30am to 12:30pm

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park – Sat 18 June, 2pm to 5pm

Hunter Wetlands National Park, Ash Island – Sun 5 June, 2pm to 5pm

Hunter Wetlands National Park, Ash Island – Sat 18 June, 9:30am to 12:30pm

Glenrock State Conservation Area – Sat 4 June, 1pm to 4pm

Glenrock State Conservation Area – Sun 19 June, 9:30am to 12:30pm

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Hunter Wetlands National Park
Hunter Wetlands National Park