Tony judges for Katie Rose

Tony Wellington

Wildlife photographer Tony Wellington took time off from snapping his “critters” as he calls them to judge a contest at Katie Rose Cottage Hospice Op Shop at Tewantin.

Manager Tina Grigson told Noosa Today the op shop had received a generous donation of photo frames and entrants were invited to visit the shop pay an entry fee of $5, collect a frame and fill it with a creative representation of the Noosa environment.

There were three categories, under 12 years, under 18 years and over 18 and more than $500 worth of prizes had been donated by the community.

They included a three-course chef special luncheon at Noosa River Kitchen, family day pass on the Mary River Rattler, family pass to the Tree Top Challenge, the Ginger Factory Play, Taste and Discover bundle, family day pass to Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World.

Commenting on the entries Tony, who is also a former Mayor of Noosa, said: “What struck me about the images entered into the Katie Rose Hospice photo competition was how inspired the photographers were by both Noosa’s landscape and its wildlife.

“The quality of the work was very high, so choosing winners wasn’t easy. Taken as a whole, the entries paid tribute to Noosa’s natural environment and the very qualities that make Noosa such a wonderful place to live.”

Winners were: Over 18: First, Peta Hempsall, of Pomona, a pink sunset in Pomona highlighting Mt Cooroora. Second, Anonymous, of Tewantin, a kookaburra in a tree. Third, Irene Mews, of Tewantin. with the moon on Noosa River at the Marina. Fourth, June Phillips, of Tewantin, for her frogs. Under 18: Zoe Taylor, of Tewantin, mantis on a daisy.