- Winners of the Department of Communities 'Golden Lens: A Season of Connection' photography competition announced
- Competition celebrates the artistic skills of older Western Australians
- Selected winners will be featured in the upcoming WA Seniors Card 2024-25 Discount Directory
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch has announced the winners of the Department of Communities 2024 'Golden Lens: A Season of Connection' photography competition, which celebrates the artistic skills of older Western Australians.
The competition gives WA Seniors Card members the chance to demonstrate their photographic talent and share images that reflect the lives of seniors and seniors' interests during the holiday and festive period.
Importantly, the competition aims to promote the importance of ageing well by celebrating the skills of Western Australians through the art of photography and demonstrating that people can create at any age.
More than 80 entries were received from 38 WA Seniors Card members.
This year the competition had four categories - Artistic Photography, Cherished Moments and Traditions, Seasonal Wonders, and Directory of Joy. The competition also included a People's Choice award.
The winners and runners-up in each category are:
Artistic Photography
- Winner: Darryl Collett for 'Oil and Water'
- Runner Up: Lesley Halligan for 'Freeway Havoc'
Cherished Moments and Traditions
- Winner: Richard Goodwin for 'Kids' Carols Around the Trees'
- Runner Up: Anthony Henderson for '5 Generations Festive Celebrations'
Seasonal Wonders
- Winner: Michael Brooker for 'Lone Fisherman'
- Runner Up: Jeanette Sarnowski for 'Busselton Jetty'
Directory of Joy
- Winner: Gary Tate for 'Ebike'
- Runner Up: Miriam Romiti for 'On the Santaland Train'
People's Choice:
- Winner: Donna Legge for 'Seasonal Wonders - Golden Glow'
- Runner Up: Nola Daniell for 'Seasonal Wonders - Western Australia Christmas Tree'
The panel of judges included representatives from Have a Go News, Camera Electronic, and the Department of Communities.
Selected photos will be featured in the WA Seniors Card 2025-26 Discount Directory when released later this year.
Key prizes have been donated by participating WA Seniors Card business partners, and Minister Punch will also host a lunch at the Terrace Hotel for the winners where they will be presented with their awards.
Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The Golden Lens competition is a fantastic opportunity for our WA Seniors Card members to share the stories of their lives and interests through the power of image.
"Our seniors lead diverse and interesting lives, and love to share their stories - so what better way is there to speak a thousand words than through a photograph.
"This year's competition has produced some remarkable images that capture those special moments during the holiday season and I've been impressed by the level of skill and artistry of the entrants.
"Eliminating ageism in WA is at the heart of the Cook Labor Government's 10-year Seniors Strategy for WA and will be significant in the way we move forward and enable seniors to prosper.
"This competition is yet another initiative that demonstrates that commitment and action."
