Councillor Alex Makin said it’s the time of year when Maroondah residents and visitors are invited to show their own special view of Maroondah – taken through the eye of a camera lens.

“The Photo Competition provides a great opportunity for people to capture the spirit of Maroondah. Favourite places, special landmarks, the great outdoors, happy families, sporting shots and artistic creations are all popular choices,” said Cr Makin.

“Look out for the brightly coloured orange brochure which details the three competition sections, the great prizes on offer and the entry form,” said Cr Makin.

The open section is for everyone aged 18 or over, and the winner will receive a Digital Camera to the value of $500, while the runner up will win three Hoyts La Premiere double passes.

The intermediate section is for anyone aged between 13 and 17 years, making it ideal for secondary school students. First prize is a camera and film processing to the value of $200. Second prize is four Hoyts movie passes and a Hoyts La Premiere double pass.

The junior section caters for photographers up to 12 years. The winner will receive a camera and film processing to the value of $100, while the runner up will receive four Hoyts movie passes.

A Mayor’s Encouragement Award will also be made, and the winner will receive an Eastland shopping voucher to the value of $200.

“Up to three photos can be entered per person, so you can afford to be creative. There are a lot of photo possibilities in Maroondah – you are only limited by your imagination!” said Cr Makin.

This year’s Maroondah Photo Competition entries will be on show at Maroondah Art Gallery, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood from Thursday 19 July to Saturday 18 August.

The Mayor will present the prizes during the first week of the exhibition and each entrant will receive an invitation by mail to attend the awards presentation.

The prizes have kindly been donated by Croydon Camera House, Hoyts, Eastland Shopping Centre.

Closing date for entries is 30 June 2007 and photos must have been taken after 1 July 2006.

Entry forms are available from Croydon and Ringwood Libraries, Croydon Camera House, Eastland Shopping Centre and Council’s Service Centres at Braeside Avenue, Ringwood; Civic Square, Croydon and Level 2, Shop Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood.

“So whether your camera is high-tech digital or low-tech disposable, get out there and start snapping!” said Cr Makin.