Explore the winning entries of the 2025 Boroondara Photography Competition.
Budding photographers of all ages and abilities submitted photographs from the past and present, capturing the surprising, secret and lesser known aspects of buildings, natural environments, and people in Boroondara.
You can view our Hidden Boroondara exhibition on our Online Exhibitions page.
About the exhibition
Judges considered photographs in 2 categories:
- Open Photograph Competition for people of all ages
- Young Photographers Competition for school-aged photographers.
Learn more about the competition on our Boroondara Photograph Competition page.
This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Boroondara Library Service.
People’s Choice Award
Visit ‘Hidden Boroondara’ exhibition to vote for your favourite work in the People’s Choice Award. Voting closes Saturday 2 August and the winner will be announced Wednesday 6 August.
Image credit: Bach Tran, detail from ‘Reflection under the bridge(s)’, 2024, digital image, dimensions variable, image courtesy of the artist.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Highly Commended: Asher Nguyen, ‘The Future of a Cat', 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken in Asher's backyard in Ashburton. The picture is of his pet cat, Mokey.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer clearly showed great care around their subject to capture such a moment of quiet concentration, inspiring curiosity into the hidden lives of our pets. Very good use of light to show the detail of the cat’s soft fur and delicate whiskers.
Highly Commended: Asher Nguyen, ‘The Future of a Cat', 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken in Asher's backyard in Ashburton. The picture is of his pet cat, Mokey.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer clearly showed great care around their subject to capture such a moment of quiet concentration, inspiring curiosity into the hidden lives of our pets. Very good use of light to show the detail of the cat’s soft fur and delicate whiskers.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Highly Commended: Alexander Lam, ‘The secret beauty of Boroondara', 2025.
Artist Statement: Just on the border of Boroondara, I found a bridge. It was amazing during the golden hour. When I looked at the photo, it looked like somewhere completely different - maybe somewhere in the mountains - but it is actually in Boroondara. This photo is taken in the anniversary outer circle trail, Ashburton.
Judges’ Comments: The colours in this photo are warm, golden and peaceful. Great job capturing the details of the sunbeams and reflections in the water to create a strong contrast with the rocks and trees. The photographer has demonstrated great patience, waiting until the light looks its best.
Highly Commended: Alexander Lam, ‘The secret beauty of Boroondara', 2025.
Artist Statement: Just on the border of Boroondara, I found a bridge. It was amazing during the golden hour. When I looked at the photo, it looked like somewhere completely different - maybe somewhere in the mountains - but it is actually in Boroondara. This photo is taken in the anniversary outer circle trail, Ashburton.
Judges’ Comments: The colours in this photo are warm, golden and peaceful. Great job capturing the details of the sunbeams and reflections in the water to create a strong contrast with the rocks and trees. The photographer has demonstrated great patience, waiting until the light looks its best.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Third Place: Tess McGowan, ‘Fine Thread', 2025.
Artist Statement: This is my picture, 'Fine Thread'. It is a spider web spread out on a black fence. It is something beautiful that most people overlook. I took this photo around the block from my house near Lynden Park in Camberwell.
Judges’ Comments: It can be very tricky to photograph something as fine as a spider web, especially in front of a busy background. The photographer has done a fantastic job using natural light to show the web’s details in such focus. The colours create a very soft and gentle atmosphere in the photo.
Third Place: Tess McGowan, ‘Fine Thread', 2025.
Artist Statement: This is my picture, 'Fine Thread'. It is a spider web spread out on a black fence. It is something beautiful that most people overlook. I took this photo around the block from my house near Lynden Park in Camberwell.
Judges’ Comments: It can be very tricky to photograph something as fine as a spider web, especially in front of a busy background. The photographer has done a fantastic job using natural light to show the web’s details in such focus. The colours create a very soft and gentle atmosphere in the photo.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Second Place: Ethan Lee, ‘The Weight of Stone, the Lightness of Form', 2025.
Artist Statement: This picture is taken in the playground at Hays Paddock in Kew East. The image depicts a black tadpole water sculpture hidden in Boroondara.
Judges’ Comments: The focus of this photo is very impressive, skilfully revealing the small details and textures of this sculpture. It looks like you can reach into the image and touch it. The light shows the glossy, wet surface, giving some life and character to this slippery stone eel.
Second Place: Ethan Lee, ‘The Weight of Stone, the Lightness of Form', 2025.
Artist Statement: This picture is taken in the playground at Hays Paddock in Kew East. The image depicts a black tadpole water sculpture hidden in Boroondara.
Judges’ Comments: The focus of this photo is very impressive, skilfully revealing the small details and textures of this sculpture. It looks like you can reach into the image and touch it. The light shows the glossy, wet surface, giving some life and character to this slippery stone eel.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
First Place: Sandra Luu, ‘Rainbow Park', 2025.
Artist Statement: Balwyn Park playground, Balwyn. Interesting texture of the playground through rainbow slinky.
Judges’ Comments: Vibrant and colourful, this photograph shows exceptional imagination, bursting with energy and joy. The experimental angles, composition and saturated colours creatively transform this timeless toy into a portal, perhaps leading to a strange new world.
First Place: Sandra Luu, ‘Rainbow Park', 2025.
Artist Statement: Balwyn Park playground, Balwyn. Interesting texture of the playground through rainbow slinky.
Judges’ Comments: Vibrant and colourful, this photograph shows exceptional imagination, bursting with energy and joy. The experimental angles, composition and saturated colours creatively transform this timeless toy into a portal, perhaps leading to a strange new world.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Highly Commended: Bach Tran, ‘Admire the view', 2022.
Artist Statement: Main Yarra Trail ( inside Boroondara ), Kew. As one is faced with hidden opportunities across the bridge, they pause to admire the view of Boroondara's Main Yarra Trail before exploring a new chapter of their life.
Judges’ Comments: The perspective and composition of this photograph immediately draws the viewer into the scene. The lighting is very soft, warm and grounded, uniting the earthy tones and textures of the rusty metal, fallen leaves and surrounding trees. This photograph reveals the harmony and beauty that can exist between built structures and the natural world.
Highly Commended: Bach Tran, ‘Admire the view', 2022.
Artist Statement: Main Yarra Trail ( inside Boroondara ), Kew. As one is faced with hidden opportunities across the bridge, they pause to admire the view of Boroondara's Main Yarra Trail before exploring a new chapter of their life.
Judges’ Comments: The perspective and composition of this photograph immediately draws the viewer into the scene. The lighting is very soft, warm and grounded, uniting the earthy tones and textures of the rusty metal, fallen leaves and surrounding trees. This photograph reveals the harmony and beauty that can exist between built structures and the natural world.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Highly Commended: Albert Kemp, ‘Moonlight', 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo depicts a near half-moon illuminated behind leaves. I took this in our backyard in Kew, and I like how the moon is nearly surrounded by leaves and has a soft, misty feel.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph uses negative space and minimal light effectively to create a sense of mystery, which is very fitting for the subject matter. The choice to focus the lens on the silhouetted leaves and present the moon as a glowing blurred orb is creative and evocative.
Highly Commended: Albert Kemp, ‘Moonlight', 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo depicts a near half-moon illuminated behind leaves. I took this in our backyard in Kew, and I like how the moon is nearly surrounded by leaves and has a soft, misty feel.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph uses negative space and minimal light effectively to create a sense of mystery, which is very fitting for the subject matter. The choice to focus the lens on the silhouetted leaves and present the moon as a glowing blurred orb is creative and evocative.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Third Place: Nicholas Walmsley, ‘The silence surrounded by hustle', 2025.
Artist Statement: The Charles St and Wellington St intersection, taken from inside the Trinity Grammar school playground, depicts the school crossing, usually packed by students, this time silent. Surrounded by more than a thousand students learning.
Judges’ Comments: The framing of the scene through the window is a very clever response to the theme ‘Hidden Boroondara’. The photographer has transformed an ordinary street scene into a secretive and mysterious observation of our daily world, often unseen or unappreciated. Thoughtful and well-executed.
Third Place: Nicholas Walmsley, ‘The silence surrounded by hustle', 2025.
Artist Statement: The Charles St and Wellington St intersection, taken from inside the Trinity Grammar school playground, depicts the school crossing, usually packed by students, this time silent. Surrounded by more than a thousand students learning.
Judges’ Comments: The framing of the scene through the window is a very clever response to the theme ‘Hidden Boroondara’. The photographer has transformed an ordinary street scene into a secretive and mysterious observation of our daily world, often unseen or unappreciated. Thoughtful and well-executed.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
Second Place: Jason Li, ‘All Souls Chapel Star Trails', 2023.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at Camberwell Grammar School's All Souls Chapel. The soft glow of the chapel signifies the warmth and vibrancy of the school community, flanked by the scintillating star trails capturing the rotation of the earth.
Judges’ Comments: Technically ambitious and excellently shot to capture the sweeping movement of the stars, the photographer has shown an impressive level of skill. The composition frames the arches of the stars over the building with the vibrant colours of the window in the centre to create an effective contrast between earth and sky.
Second Place: Jason Li, ‘All Souls Chapel Star Trails', 2023.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at Camberwell Grammar School's All Souls Chapel. The soft glow of the chapel signifies the warmth and vibrancy of the school community, flanked by the scintillating star trails capturing the rotation of the earth.
Judges’ Comments: Technically ambitious and excellently shot to capture the sweeping movement of the stars, the photographer has shown an impressive level of skill. The composition frames the arches of the stars over the building with the vibrant colours of the window in the centre to create an effective contrast between earth and sky.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers Competition
First Place: Luca Iakovidis, ‘Feathered harmonies', 2024.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken in Glen Iris on Denman Avenue. It depicts the beauty of Boroondara's natural wildlife. The magpies joined together to sing a morning chorus, an event so common yet easily missed by residents going about their day. It made me think about how people should stop to appreciate and enjoy these hidden moments.
Judges’ Comments: The magpie's poses look staged as if they are participating in a choreographed performance. The photographer has done a fantastic job taking a chance encounter and filling it with energy and personality. Beautifully composed, the angle of the photograph complements the magpie's proud-looking stances, and the dark tones enhance the dramatic feel of this scene.
First Place: Luca Iakovidis, ‘Feathered harmonies', 2024.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken in Glen Iris on Denman Avenue. It depicts the beauty of Boroondara's natural wildlife. The magpies joined together to sing a morning chorus, an event so common yet easily missed by residents going about their day. It made me think about how people should stop to appreciate and enjoy these hidden moments.
Judges’ Comments: The magpie's poses look staged as if they are participating in a choreographed performance. The photographer has done a fantastic job taking a chance encounter and filling it with energy and personality. Beautifully composed, the angle of the photograph complements the magpie's proud-looking stances, and the dark tones enhance the dramatic feel of this scene.
Historical - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 1800s to 2021, Open Photograph Competition
Third Place: Phil Hawkins, ‘Old and new in Tooronga', 2008.
Artist Statement: In the foreground is the vacant former site of City Bricks quarry and brickworks, which operated from around 1900 until the quarry pit was closed in 1983. In subsequent years, bricks were still sold from this site - the dilapidated and graffitied sales office is shown on the left. A number of development proposals for the former brickworks site were proposed from the mid-1980s but either not approved or not proceeded with. During the 1990s and 2000s, part of the site was used for overflow parking for employees of the Coles Myer head office in the background of the photo. When this photo was taken in 2008, the site was closed off and earmarked for a second phase of apartments and housing following the apartments constructed on the former shopping centre site. However, this did not proceed, and finally, the site was sold to St Kevin's College, who established sports fields on this site, which opened in 2017. This photo was taken adjacent to Tooronga Road in Hawthorn East.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer’s use of composition to compare the raw, weathered, graffiti-covered structure in the foreground and the corporate-looking, shiny, grey building in the background tells a powerful story of a changing urban landscape. This photograph inspires curiosity about this location’s history, what function this abandoned building served, and why it was left to decay as new structures were built.
Third Place: Phil Hawkins, ‘Old and new in Tooronga', 2008.
Artist Statement: In the foreground is the vacant former site of City Bricks quarry and brickworks, which operated from around 1900 until the quarry pit was closed in 1983. In subsequent years, bricks were still sold from this site - the dilapidated and graffitied sales office is shown on the left. A number of development proposals for the former brickworks site were proposed from the mid-1980s but either not approved or not proceeded with. During the 1990s and 2000s, part of the site was used for overflow parking for employees of the Coles Myer head office in the background of the photo. When this photo was taken in 2008, the site was closed off and earmarked for a second phase of apartments and housing following the apartments constructed on the former shopping centre site. However, this did not proceed, and finally, the site was sold to St Kevin's College, who established sports fields on this site, which opened in 2017. This photo was taken adjacent to Tooronga Road in Hawthorn East.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer’s use of composition to compare the raw, weathered, graffiti-covered structure in the foreground and the corporate-looking, shiny, grey building in the background tells a powerful story of a changing urban landscape. This photograph inspires curiosity about this location’s history, what function this abandoned building served, and why it was left to decay as new structures were built.
Historical - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 1800s to 2021, Open Photograph Competition
Second Place: Kai O'Yang, ‘Tree we love', 2010.
Artist Statement: The Rhus aff. viminalis at Riversdale Park Camberwell. This tree has been climbed by numerous kids in Camberwell. We love to sit at that bench and watch them having fun.
Judges’ Comments: There is a quiet, timeless quality to this photograph that immediately draws the viewer in. The photographer has done a great job identifying strong silhouettes in the landscape that emphasise the atmospheric beauty of a foggy day, like the path guiding the eye gently through the scene. The absence of people increases the sense of gentle stillness and reflection.
Second Place: Kai O'Yang, ‘Tree we love', 2010.
Artist Statement: The Rhus aff. viminalis at Riversdale Park Camberwell. This tree has been climbed by numerous kids in Camberwell. We love to sit at that bench and watch them having fun.
Judges’ Comments: There is a quiet, timeless quality to this photograph that immediately draws the viewer in. The photographer has done a great job identifying strong silhouettes in the landscape that emphasise the atmospheric beauty of a foggy day, like the path guiding the eye gently through the scene. The absence of people increases the sense of gentle stillness and reflection.
Historical - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 1800s to 2021, Open Photograph Competition
First Place: Phil Hawkins, ‘Death of a shopping centre', 2008.
Artist Statement: Tooronga Village shopping centre dated to the 1960s, but its fate, along with the adjacent former brickworks site, was uncertain from the mid-1980s onwards. In 2006, plans were eventually approved for a new enclosed shopping mall, along with apartments and offices. The original shopping centre finished trading in March 2008 and was demolished over May and June of that year. This is the view of the old centre from Tooronga Road. The new shopping mall opened in 2010.
Judges’ Comments: The temporary fencing, faded signage, and graffiti all thoughtfully capture this place as a moment in time, representing both the symbolic and physical transformations across our community. There is a sense that the photographer felt the significance of documenting a once-local landmark on the brink of disappearance from our urban landscape so that its history is not so hidden.
First Place: Phil Hawkins, ‘Death of a shopping centre', 2008.
Artist Statement: Tooronga Village shopping centre dated to the 1960s, but its fate, along with the adjacent former brickworks site, was uncertain from the mid-1980s onwards. In 2006, plans were eventually approved for a new enclosed shopping mall, along with apartments and offices. The original shopping centre finished trading in March 2008 and was demolished over May and June of that year. This is the view of the old centre from Tooronga Road. The new shopping mall opened in 2010.
Judges’ Comments: The temporary fencing, faded signage, and graffiti all thoughtfully capture this place as a moment in time, representing both the symbolic and physical transformations across our community. There is a sense that the photographer felt the significance of documenting a once-local landmark on the brink of disappearance from our urban landscape so that its history is not so hidden.
Boroondara today - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 2022 to 2025, Open Photograph Competition
Highly Commended: Benjamin Buratto, ‘Abandoned’, 2024.
Artist Statement: My photo was taken on Gwenda Avenue, Canterbury. It is an abandoned house awaiting demolition or repair shot at golden hour in July 2024.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has captured the soft light and shadow in this scene very effectively to give this abandoned house a sense of haunting stillness. The lush overgrowth adds to the feeling of time passing and nature slowly reclaiming the forgotten, ruined structure.
Highly Commended: Benjamin Buratto, ‘Abandoned’, 2024.
Artist Statement: My photo was taken on Gwenda Avenue, Canterbury. It is an abandoned house awaiting demolition or repair shot at golden hour in July 2024.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has captured the soft light and shadow in this scene very effectively to give this abandoned house a sense of haunting stillness. The lush overgrowth adds to the feeling of time passing and nature slowly reclaiming the forgotten, ruined structure.
Boroondara today - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 2022 to 2025, Open Photograph Competition
Third Place: Paul Feikema, ‘Aerial view of the Boroondara General Cemetery looking west towards the city’, 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken with a drone overlooking the cemetery in Kew in the afternoon, looking towards the west.
Judges’ Comments: This image offers a striking new perspective of a familiar location in our local community. The photograph is carefully composed, using the structured paths and walls of the cemetery to create balance. A striking choice framing the cluster of towers making up Melbourne’s CBD and the dense suburban surrounds, further emphasising the tranquil peace of this place of rest.
Third Place: Paul Feikema, ‘Aerial view of the Boroondara General Cemetery looking west towards the city’, 2025.
Artist Statement: This photo was taken with a drone overlooking the cemetery in Kew in the afternoon, looking towards the west.
Judges’ Comments: This image offers a striking new perspective of a familiar location in our local community. The photograph is carefully composed, using the structured paths and walls of the cemetery to create balance. A striking choice framing the cluster of towers making up Melbourne’s CBD and the dense suburban surrounds, further emphasising the tranquil peace of this place of rest.
Boroondara today - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 2022 to 2025, Open Photograph Competition
Second Place: Yuxin Yang, ‘Saturday morning café’, 2024.
Artist Statement: A young man having a quiet coffee while being absorbed on his phone in Zoobibi cafe.
Judges’ Comments: Cinematic, intimate, and atmospheric: this photograph feels like a still from a noir film. The contrast is excellent, offering a rich range of tones and depth, which is challenging to achieve in black-and-white photography. The solitary seated figure with their back turned adds to the mood of the scene and speaks effectively to this year’s theme, evoking quiet contemplation of their life.
Second Place: Yuxin Yang, ‘Saturday morning café’, 2024.
Artist Statement: A young man having a quiet coffee while being absorbed on his phone in Zoobibi cafe.
Judges’ Comments: Cinematic, intimate, and atmospheric: this photograph feels like a still from a noir film. The contrast is excellent, offering a rich range of tones and depth, which is challenging to achieve in black-and-white photography. The solitary seated figure with their back turned adds to the mood of the scene and speaks effectively to this year’s theme, evoking quiet contemplation of their life.
Boroondara today - Hidden Boroondara photograph taken 2022 to 2025, Open Photograph Competition
First Place and Best in Competition: Arun Alexander, ‘Behind the blooms’, 2024.
Artist Statement: This is my deaf cat Kenji watching me garden from the backyard screen door on hot summer days. He usually lazes near the screen, lapping up the afternoon sun and curiously watching bees pollinating the blooms on the steps.
Judges’ Comments: The composition is exceptionally considered, taking advantage of the straight lines of the house and steps. The rich, warm colours in the foreground contrast beautifully with the neutral colours in the background. These elements frame the work deliberately yet effortlessly, drawing the viewer’s eye to the doorway and cat, like a gentle invitation to learn more about the hidden life of the occupants. The scene feels lived-in and loved, a joyful glimpse into a home.
First Place and Best in Competition: Arun Alexander, ‘Behind the blooms’, 2024.
Artist Statement: This is my deaf cat Kenji watching me garden from the backyard screen door on hot summer days. He usually lazes near the screen, lapping up the afternoon sun and curiously watching bees pollinating the blooms on the steps.
Judges’ Comments: The composition is exceptionally considered, taking advantage of the straight lines of the house and steps. The rich, warm colours in the foreground contrast beautifully with the neutral colours in the background. These elements frame the work deliberately yet effortlessly, drawing the viewer’s eye to the doorway and cat, like a gentle invitation to learn more about the hidden life of the occupants. The scene feels lived-in and loved, a joyful glimpse into a home.