Hunter student wins Australian Government’s Bringing new energy photography competition

Port Stephens resident Grace Dunning, 15, is the winner of the Australian Government’s Bringing new energy to Australia photography competition, which invited Hunter students to show what the energy transformation means to them.  

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Grace, a student at St Philip’s Christian College, Port Stephens Campus, won with a layered photograph of herself titled Head in the Clouds. She said the image represented “human connection with nature”.

The competition is part of the Bringing new energy to Australia campaign, an initiative of the Australian Government’s Net Zero Economy Agency that showcases the Hunter’s role in Australia’s net zero transformation. 

The photograph will feature in an upcoming exhibition, ‘The people and places powering Australia’s future’, showing at The University of Newcastle from November 11-29, 2024.  

Competition runners up were Amelie Phare, 14, a student at Callaghan College, Waratah Campus and Lucius Crick, 15, from St Philip’s Christian College, Waratah Campus. Storm Delaney-Bates, 14, from Lambton High School, was highly commended for his image of a solar powered boat. 

The panel of judges comprised Trevor Power, Acting CEO of the Net Zero Economy Agency; Simone Jordan, Chair of Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council and Indigenous Employment Partner at University of Newcastle; professional photographer Katherine Griffiths; John Purcell, CEO of Career Links; and CleanTech investor Gunilla Burrowes. 

“We were blown away by the quality of submissions from high school students across the Hunter,” said Mr Power. “The region is playing a critical role in the country’s energy transformation, and it’s important that we recognise the impact and opportunities this brings the next generation of Hunter residents. Seeing so many powerful photographs, including Grace’s winning entry, really brought the Bringing new energy to Australia campaign to life.” 

Griffiths said: “Grace’s submission is an inspiring photograph that captures a sense of calm and optimism for the future. Though the image is personal, it speaks to everyone, showing that sustainable change starts with individuals. It reminds us that we all have a part to play in creating a cleaner future and invites viewers to think about their own role in this journey.” 

The Net Zero Economy Agency is responsible for promoting orderly and positive economic transformation to ensure Australia, its regions and workers realise and share the benefits of a net zero economy. 

Activities in the region will run until the end of November and include an interactive information hub at Charlestown Square shopping centre as well as mobile hubs at events like Career Links’ Mini EV Challenge. 

To find out how the Hunter is powering the energy transformation, visit futuremadeinaustralia.gov.au. 

The judges 

·                     Trevor Power - Acting CEO, Net Zero Economy Agency   

·                     John Purcell - CEO, Career Links 

·                     Simone Jordan - Chair of Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council and Indigenous Employment Partner at University of Newcastle  

·                     Katherine Griffiths - Exhibition photographer 

·                     Gunilla Burrowes - CleanTech expert and investor 

The winners 

·                     1st place: Grace Dunning, 15, St Philip’s Christian College, Port Stephens Campus 

·                     Runner up: Amelie Phare, 14, Callaghan College, Waratah Campus  

·                     Runner up: Lucius Crick, 15, St Philip’s Christian College, Waratah Campus 

·                     Highly commended: Storm Delaney-Bates, 14, Lambton High School 

Exhibition details 

·                     Dates: Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 29, 2024 

·                     Opening times: Monday-Saturday, 9-5pm 

·                     Location: McLarty Room, Shortland Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 

·                     Cost: Free to enter