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Explore the winning entries of the 2026 Boroondara Photography Competition.
Photographers of all ages and abilities submitted photographs from the past and present, capturing what they love about the people, places and natural environment in Boroondara.
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 ‘Love from Boroondara’ exhibition to vote for your favourite work in the People’s Choice Award. Voting closes Saturday 20 June and the winner will be announced Wednesday 24 June.
Image credit: Yuxin Yang, ‘Saturday morning café’, 2024, digital photograph, image courtesy of the artist.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
Highly Commended: Ian Joseph, ‘BOAT HOUSE’, 2026
Artist Statement: Studly Park Boat House Kew: My intention was to catch that quiet moment when day slips into night - the sky still warm, the river already dark. I wanted the restaurant's lights to spill onto the water.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer did a great job capturing the building and trees in sharp focus during twilight. The warm, glowing lights and the golden colours of the setting sun create a very dreamy and charming scene. This photograph shows a well-known spot where people gather and celebrate in such a magical way.
Highly Commended: Ian Joseph, ‘BOAT HOUSE’, 2026
Artist Statement: Studly Park Boat House Kew: My intention was to catch that quiet moment when day slips into night - the sky still warm, the river already dark. I wanted the restaurant's lights to spill onto the water.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer did a great job capturing the building and trees in sharp focus during twilight. The warm, glowing lights and the golden colours of the setting sun create a very dreamy and charming scene. This photograph shows a well-known spot where people gather and celebrate in such a magical way.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
Third Prize: Eli Madziwa, ‘Rings in the pool’, 2026
Artist Statement: Glen Iris VIC 3146, Australia: The big splash of my sister's feet.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has done a great job capturing this splash at just the right moment, making this photo feel lively, playful and fun. The movement of the water is well focused, and turning the camera downwards fills the photo with the beautiful blue colours of the pool. This photograph shows off a beloved summer activity and moments of family fun outdoors.
Third Prize: Eli Madziwa, ‘Rings in the pool’, 2026
Artist Statement: Glen Iris VIC 3146, Australia: The big splash of my sister's feet.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has done a great job capturing this splash at just the right moment, making this photo feel lively, playful and fun. The movement of the water is well focused, and turning the camera downwards fills the photo with the beautiful blue colours of the pool. This photograph shows off a beloved summer activity and moments of family fun outdoors.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
Second Prize: Eli Madziwa, ‘My gran holding my sister's hand in the garden’, 2026
Artist Statement: Howitt St, Glen Iris, VIC 3146, Australia: My Gran holding my sister's hand in the garden.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is a lovely response to this year’s theme, showing a special moment between child and grandparent. The close focus and framing of the two hands make this moment feel close and personal. Taking this photograph in a garden was a great decision, the soft dappled sunlight and beautiful colours create a warm and familiar environment full of love and comfort.
Second Prize: Eli Madziwa, ‘My gran holding my sister's hand in the garden’, 2026
Artist Statement: Howitt St, Glen Iris, VIC 3146, Australia: My Gran holding my sister's hand in the garden.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is a lovely response to this year’s theme, showing a special moment between child and grandparent. The close focus and framing of the two hands make this moment feel close and personal. Taking this photograph in a garden was a great decision, the soft dappled sunlight and beautiful colours create a warm and familiar environment full of love and comfort.
Primary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
First Prize: Tommy Hui, ‘My climbing tree’, 2025
Artist Statement: Anderson Park: It is my favourite tree to climb at our local park. My friend Hugh was climbing and walking on a branch with the sunset and the Melbourne city skyline in the background.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is full of surprises and hidden details. The way the silhouetted tree fills the photograph is exceptionally engaging and helps the viewer to imagine themselves in the tree, having a quiet adventure while watching sport and appreciating the classic Melbourne sunset. The gentle glow outlining the figure and tree, combined with warm colours and hazy cityscape, beautifully capture an everyday afternoon in a beloved Boroondara park.
First Prize: Tommy Hui, ‘My climbing tree’, 2025
Artist Statement: Anderson Park: It is my favourite tree to climb at our local park. My friend Hugh was climbing and walking on a branch with the sunset and the Melbourne city skyline in the background.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is full of surprises and hidden details. The way the silhouetted tree fills the photograph is exceptionally engaging and helps the viewer to imagine themselves in the tree, having a quiet adventure while watching sport and appreciating the classic Melbourne sunset. The gentle glow outlining the figure and tree, combined with warm colours and hazy cityscape, beautifully capture an everyday afternoon in a beloved Boroondara park.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
Third Prize: Aryan Shali, ‘Where Friendships Begin’, 2026
Artist Statement: Beckett Park, Balwyn: Playgrounds were where I spent most of my time outside home and school. This image is a reminder of the many hours spent playing, meeting friends, and creating childhood memories.
Judges’ Comments: Positioning the noughts and crosses in a sequence to look like hugs and kisses transforms this photograph into a love letter to parks and playgrounds and why they matter to communities. The low angle offers a unique perspective which really draws the viewer in. The colours are rich and warm, making the day feel happy and relaxed, illustrating the fun of being outdoors.
Third Prize: Aryan Shali, ‘Where Friendships Begin’, 2026
Artist Statement: Beckett Park, Balwyn: Playgrounds were where I spent most of my time outside home and school. This image is a reminder of the many hours spent playing, meeting friends, and creating childhood memories.
Judges’ Comments: Positioning the noughts and crosses in a sequence to look like hugs and kisses transforms this photograph into a love letter to parks and playgrounds and why they matter to communities. The low angle offers a unique perspective which really draws the viewer in. The colours are rich and warm, making the day feel happy and relaxed, illustrating the fun of being outdoors.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
Second Prize: Keyte Hipkins, ‘Bubblegum Crest’, 2026
Artist Statement: Anderson Park, Hawthorn East: Depicted is a Galah, captured towards the end of the day as the sun was setting. I was fortunate enough to spot 3 in a tree, and the one I photographed had a beautiful ray of golden light across its face, highlighting features and creating an incredible contrast across the rest of its body. The photo was perfectly sharp and had an amazing backdrop, with the clear blue sky filtering through the leaves. In its beak, you can see a small twig it severed from the tree it was on, giving the image a playful air too.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has used a narrow depth of field very skilfully, showing the bird in sharp detail while blurring the background to give the photograph a calm and intimate feel. The rich colours and soft light really stand out, waiting for the dappled sun to light the subject demonstrates great patience and attention to natural surroundings.
Second Prize: Keyte Hipkins, ‘Bubblegum Crest’, 2026
Artist Statement: Anderson Park, Hawthorn East: Depicted is a Galah, captured towards the end of the day as the sun was setting. I was fortunate enough to spot 3 in a tree, and the one I photographed had a beautiful ray of golden light across its face, highlighting features and creating an incredible contrast across the rest of its body. The photo was perfectly sharp and had an amazing backdrop, with the clear blue sky filtering through the leaves. In its beak, you can see a small twig it severed from the tree it was on, giving the image a playful air too.
Judges’ Comments: The photographer has used a narrow depth of field very skilfully, showing the bird in sharp detail while blurring the background to give the photograph a calm and intimate feel. The rich colours and soft light really stand out, waiting for the dappled sun to light the subject demonstrates great patience and attention to natural surroundings.
Secondary School Photographers, Young Photographers’ Competition
First Prize and Best in Competition: Sihan Jiang, ‘The Long Way Home’, 2026
Artist Statement: Maling Road, Canterbury: This photograph shows a woman guiding her child, walking side by side, in a quiet alley. This photo shows the urban isolation that many people feel nowadays, the confinement by steel and concrete, and the vulnerability of people. This photo also shows the guidance and protection of the woman giving to the child, mentorship, parenthood, and responsibility. This ultimately shows the resilience and the connection of the people of Boroondara, despite the urban isolation.
Judges’ Comments: Excellent work using buildings and fences to create a narrow perspective, drawing focus to the figures. The moody tonal colours create a feeling of intimacy and warmth around the pair. The compositional layering of ground, buildings, strangely shaped trees and skyline is very compelling. This photograph captures the romantic aspects of everyday urban living and the harmony between nature and human activity.
First Prize and Best in Competition: Sihan Jiang, ‘The Long Way Home’, 2026
Artist Statement: Maling Road, Canterbury: This photograph shows a woman guiding her child, walking side by side, in a quiet alley. This photo shows the urban isolation that many people feel nowadays, the confinement by steel and concrete, and the vulnerability of people. This photo also shows the guidance and protection of the woman giving to the child, mentorship, parenthood, and responsibility. This ultimately shows the resilience and the connection of the people of Boroondara, despite the urban isolation.
Judges’ Comments: Excellent work using buildings and fences to create a narrow perspective, drawing focus to the figures. The moody tonal colours create a feeling of intimacy and warmth around the pair. The compositional layering of ground, buildings, strangely shaped trees and skyline is very compelling. This photograph captures the romantic aspects of everyday urban living and the harmony between nature and human activity.
Historical photograph – 1800 to 2022, Open Photography Competition
Highly Commended: Jan Case, ‘Red Gum Flowers.’, 2022
Artist Statement: Ferndale Road, Glen Iris: My favourite red gum tree flowers. In a front garden close to my house, so easy to visit. I used my phone in portrait mode to light up the flowers. I also managed to capture a bee seeking nectar. The camera you have with you is the best one.
Judges’ Comments: The use of light and shadow in this photograph to contrast the vibrant pinks of the flower is dramatic, romantic and very visually pleasing. These elements highlight and play tribute to the unique beauty of this Australian native flower, capturing it in sharp focus while revealing the delicate softness of the petals and buds.
Highly Commended: Jan Case, ‘Red Gum Flowers.’, 2022
Artist Statement: Ferndale Road, Glen Iris: My favourite red gum tree flowers. In a front garden close to my house, so easy to visit. I used my phone in portrait mode to light up the flowers. I also managed to capture a bee seeking nectar. The camera you have with you is the best one.
Judges’ Comments: The use of light and shadow in this photograph to contrast the vibrant pinks of the flower is dramatic, romantic and very visually pleasing. These elements highlight and play tribute to the unique beauty of this Australian native flower, capturing it in sharp focus while revealing the delicate softness of the petals and buds.
Historical photograph – 1800 to 2022, Open Photography Competition
Third Prize: Xiaowei Yin, ‘Ready for Adventure’, 2022
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at caravan street, Balwyn. This photograph captures Ziggy, our young and adventurous cat, standing by the window and looking eagerly outside. His bright, curious eyes reflect his playful personality and constant desire to explore. Known for opening doors on his own and venturing out whenever he can, Ziggy brings energy and character to our home. The image highlights the quiet intimacy of everyday domestic life, where even a simple window becomes a doorway to adventure.
Judges’ Comments: The window frames the scene very effectively; the low angle and numerous furniture legs clearly depict a cat’s view of home. There is a strong compositional contrast between the homely, loving feel to the colourful, lively objects positioned in one window and the cat’s longing stare through the other. This photograph humorously illustrates the conflicting tension between taking comfort in the familiar and the desire for adventure.
Third Prize: Xiaowei Yin, ‘Ready for Adventure’, 2022
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at caravan street, Balwyn. This photograph captures Ziggy, our young and adventurous cat, standing by the window and looking eagerly outside. His bright, curious eyes reflect his playful personality and constant desire to explore. Known for opening doors on his own and venturing out whenever he can, Ziggy brings energy and character to our home. The image highlights the quiet intimacy of everyday domestic life, where even a simple window becomes a doorway to adventure.
Judges’ Comments: The window frames the scene very effectively; the low angle and numerous furniture legs clearly depict a cat’s view of home. There is a strong compositional contrast between the homely, loving feel to the colourful, lively objects positioned in one window and the cat’s longing stare through the other. This photograph humorously illustrates the conflicting tension between taking comfort in the familiar and the desire for adventure.
Historical photograph – 1800 to 2022, Open Photography Competition
Second Prize: Varlin Duncan, ‘Steps to a Higher Education’, 2014
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. The precise location is shooting down at the steps to the Advanced Technologies Centre (ATC) building. The photo depicts two students sitting on the steps to the ATC building. One student is the model student doing graphic design work while the other student is on her phone. The duality of the model student and the student on the phone, both studying but still having the time to 'doom scroll' on their path to a higher education.
Judges’ Comments: The viewpoint of this photograph offers a dynamic perspective, complementing the polished, minimalist aesthetic familiar to designed public spaces. The visual symmetry is highly engaging, particularly the way the two individuals, separated in position, dress, and choice of activity, are still connected by a centred, bold stripe. This photograph thoughtfully reflects on points of connection and isolation and how public design is used to strengthen community.
Second Prize: Varlin Duncan, ‘Steps to a Higher Education’, 2014
Artist Statement: This photo was taken at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. The precise location is shooting down at the steps to the Advanced Technologies Centre (ATC) building. The photo depicts two students sitting on the steps to the ATC building. One student is the model student doing graphic design work while the other student is on her phone. The duality of the model student and the student on the phone, both studying but still having the time to 'doom scroll' on their path to a higher education.
Judges’ Comments: The viewpoint of this photograph offers a dynamic perspective, complementing the polished, minimalist aesthetic familiar to designed public spaces. The visual symmetry is highly engaging, particularly the way the two individuals, separated in position, dress, and choice of activity, are still connected by a centred, bold stripe. This photograph thoughtfully reflects on points of connection and isolation and how public design is used to strengthen community.
Historical photograph – 1800 to 2022, Open Photography Competition
First Prize: Suzie Wells, ‘Dancing with the Birds’, 2013
Artist Statement: Golf Links Estate, Boroondara: My daughter Lucy playing on the road with the Corellas.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is incredibly evocative, joyful and playful, capturing this fleeting moment with exceptional skill. The red outfit and white bird contrast beautifully against the lush green textures, enhanced further by framing the photograph to prominently feature the road. The slightly high angle, paired with the child’s arms mimicking the birds' wings, suggests an innocent moment of imaginative fun.
First Prize: Suzie Wells, ‘Dancing with the Birds’, 2013
Artist Statement: Golf Links Estate, Boroondara: My daughter Lucy playing on the road with the Corellas.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph is incredibly evocative, joyful and playful, capturing this fleeting moment with exceptional skill. The red outfit and white bird contrast beautifully against the lush green textures, enhanced further by framing the photograph to prominently feature the road. The slightly high angle, paired with the child’s arms mimicking the birds' wings, suggests an innocent moment of imaginative fun.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
Highly Commended: Michael Persin, ‘Choosing a pose’, 2024
Artist Statement: My home, Balwyn: I've been experimenting with composites and unusual perspectives.
Judges’ Comments: Highly creative and considered, this photograph thoughtfully incorporates historical art influences, like surrealism and dadaism. The seamless blending of the two angles creates a visual puzzle, drawing the viewer in. This portrait explores ideas around hidden or overlooked identities, revealing or recognising a person from multiple sides.
Highly Commended: Michael Persin, ‘Choosing a pose’, 2024
Artist Statement: My home, Balwyn: I've been experimenting with composites and unusual perspectives.
Judges’ Comments: Highly creative and considered, this photograph thoughtfully incorporates historical art influences, like surrealism and dadaism. The seamless blending of the two angles creates a visual puzzle, drawing the viewer in. This portrait explores ideas around hidden or overlooked identities, revealing or recognising a person from multiple sides.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
Highly Commended: Sophie Noonan, ‘A moment in time Series 3’, 2026
Artist Statement: Grace Park tennis courts, 3122: This photographic series documents a casual tennis match between my brother and his friend at the Grace Park Tennis Club. For me, this image represents a simple, authentic moment - two companions engaging in an activity purely for the enjoyment of the game. Having spent a significant portion of my childhood participating in holiday programs at these very courts, I felt an immediate calling to return to this location for this competition. My intention was to capture a fleeting "moment in time" that honours the history of the site and my personal connection to it. To evoke the "memory-like" essence of my upbringing, I applied a vintage aesthetic to the series. This stylistic choice aims to emulate the nostalgia of my early years at the club, transforming a modern match into a timeless narrative.
Judges’ Comments: Dramatic and intriguing, the harsh cropping and soft focus on the figures in this scene raises a lot of narrative questions. Are they playing, taking a break or having an argument? Angling the camera to frame only the red clay court and focus on the net adds a rich, polished and dynamic feel to this photograph, like it could be part of a high-end sports campaign.
Highly Commended: Sophie Noonan, ‘A moment in time Series 3’, 2026
Artist Statement: Grace Park tennis courts, 3122: This photographic series documents a casual tennis match between my brother and his friend at the Grace Park Tennis Club. For me, this image represents a simple, authentic moment - two companions engaging in an activity purely for the enjoyment of the game. Having spent a significant portion of my childhood participating in holiday programs at these very courts, I felt an immediate calling to return to this location for this competition. My intention was to capture a fleeting "moment in time" that honours the history of the site and my personal connection to it. To evoke the "memory-like" essence of my upbringing, I applied a vintage aesthetic to the series. This stylistic choice aims to emulate the nostalgia of my early years at the club, transforming a modern match into a timeless narrative.
Judges’ Comments: Dramatic and intriguing, the harsh cropping and soft focus on the figures in this scene raises a lot of narrative questions. Are they playing, taking a break or having an argument? Angling the camera to frame only the red clay court and focus on the net adds a rich, polished and dynamic feel to this photograph, like it could be part of a high-end sports campaign.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
Highly Commended: Alexa Delbosc, ‘Grass-dart and flower’, 2026
Artist Statement: Rix Street, Glen Iris: This year my garden is full of tiny grass-dart butterflies. This one seems a little disappointed with the state of the flower it landed on.
Judges’ Comments: There is a gentle humour and personality to this photograph, as if the butterfly has been caught picking a bad flower and hopes the viewer won’t notice. The depth of field is skilfully controlled, capturing the details of the butterfly while creating a soft, glowing environment, enhancing the subtle charm and beauty of an imperfect flower on a perfect day.
Highly Commended: Alexa Delbosc, ‘Grass-dart and flower’, 2026
Artist Statement: Rix Street, Glen Iris: This year my garden is full of tiny grass-dart butterflies. This one seems a little disappointed with the state of the flower it landed on.
Judges’ Comments: There is a gentle humour and personality to this photograph, as if the butterfly has been caught picking a bad flower and hopes the viewer won’t notice. The depth of field is skilfully controlled, capturing the details of the butterfly while creating a soft, glowing environment, enhancing the subtle charm and beauty of an imperfect flower on a perfect day.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
Third Prize: Rudie Liu, ‘Commuters at 6 pm’, 2026
Artist Statement: Canterbury train station: Taken at 6 pm from the car park at Canterbury station. It depicts commuters coming home from work and school.
Judges’ Comments: The composition of this photograph, including the low camera angle, bright light and prominent shadow, demonstrates the photographer’s patience and attention to detail. The positioning of the figures looks almost choreographed and is very visually impactful. This photograph affectionately captures the mood of commuting home, a feeling deeply known within the Boroondara community.
Third Prize: Rudie Liu, ‘Commuters at 6 pm’, 2026
Artist Statement: Canterbury train station: Taken at 6 pm from the car park at Canterbury station. It depicts commuters coming home from work and school.
Judges’ Comments: The composition of this photograph, including the low camera angle, bright light and prominent shadow, demonstrates the photographer’s patience and attention to detail. The positioning of the figures looks almost choreographed and is very visually impactful. This photograph affectionately captures the mood of commuting home, a feeling deeply known within the Boroondara community.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
Second Prize: Julia Brotherton, ‘Swept up in the excitement’, 2025
Artist Statement: Mont Albert Rd, Surrey Hills: Little corellas on Mont Albert Road, having a feast and generally being delightful, entertaining and raucous.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph transforms a chance encounter into an imaginative, endearing and highly humorous take on civic life. Excellent decision to place visual focus on the sign, suggesting love for their community has motivated these cheeky birds to help keep streets tidy, or perhaps clean up their own mess. The muted purple tones complement the autumn day, giving the photograph a gentle and engaging quality.
Second Prize: Julia Brotherton, ‘Swept up in the excitement’, 2025
Artist Statement: Mont Albert Rd, Surrey Hills: Little corellas on Mont Albert Road, having a feast and generally being delightful, entertaining and raucous.
Judges’ Comments: This photograph transforms a chance encounter into an imaginative, endearing and highly humorous take on civic life. Excellent decision to place visual focus on the sign, suggesting love for their community has motivated these cheeky birds to help keep streets tidy, or perhaps clean up their own mess. The muted purple tones complement the autumn day, giving the photograph a gentle and engaging quality.
Boroondara today - 2023 to 2026, Open Photography Competition
First Prize: Bill Chan, ‘Misty Match’, 2025
Artist Statement: Macleay Park, Balwyn: Got kin support from the kids’ family even under misty weather.
Judges’ Comments: Atmospheric and cinematic, this photograph captures the familiar experience of a cold, misty morning. The tonal contrast is fantastic; the details are clear while still retaining the evocative beauty and softness of a foggy day. The three figures clustered in chaotic movement are strikingly balanced by the three still figures spaced apart. This scene encapsulates family and community life in Boroondara, reflecting a shared love of sports and connection that endures, no matter how freezing.
First Prize: Bill Chan, ‘Misty Match’, 2025
Artist Statement: Macleay Park, Balwyn: Got kin support from the kids’ family even under misty weather.
Judges’ Comments: Atmospheric and cinematic, this photograph captures the familiar experience of a cold, misty morning. The tonal contrast is fantastic; the details are clear while still retaining the evocative beauty and softness of a foggy day. The three figures clustered in chaotic movement are strikingly balanced by the three still figures spaced apart. This scene encapsulates family and community life in Boroondara, reflecting a shared love of sports and connection that endures, no matter how freezing.