Politzer Prize

“This site overlooks the Harding River, Roebourne, Western Australia. The building was constructed in the 1890's. Ned Cheedy, a Yindjibarndi Elder from Millstream, is only slightly younger than the building in the background. At 105 years of age he exhibits more resilience to the harshness of our outback than the roofless relic. Born on Hooley Station where he worked before moving to Roebourne for his children's education, he still lives alone medicine free. Before I captured this image of Ned he was providing the background rhythm to the didgeridoo with his mulga wood boomerangs at an initiation ceremony.”

Politzer Prize (Special Commendation)

“Look Good... Feel Better is a free community service program helping cancer patients deal with the use of skin care, make-up, hats, turbans and wigs helping to restore their appearance and self image. Workshops are held at the Joondalup Health Campus with volunteers from the Cosmetic Industry Community Service Program who are experienced beauticians, beauty advisers or wig experts.”

A-PAC Award

“Nestled on the edge of the Simpson Dessert, where the dust never settles, the community of Birdsville comes together to host their local race meeting. Constantly challenged by seasonal droughts and flooding, the community's resilience shines through every spring when people from across the country make their pilgrimage to the outback races. Beneath an endless blue sky, the jockeys racing colours bring excitement to the crowd as the horses thunder towards the finish line.”

“The simple pleasures of life - a perfect day at City Beach.”

“Increased flows of water in the iconic Snowy River provides benefits for the environment and local community.”

“Taken at Port Kembla steelworks in August this year not long after BlueScope Steel announced the closure of the No. 6 Blast furnace and the consequent loss of 1,200 jobs in the Illawarra region. As well as the iconic steelworks, locals know Port Kembla for being one of the best surfing beaches in the region. At a distance the colours in this photo bring to mind a beach landscape on a hot summer's day; while close up, weather beaten steel is revealed behind the bright paintwork. Steel signifies not only the industrial heritage of the Illawarra community but also its underlying resilience. A blue sky is the promise of better times to come.”

“No matter what the surrounds, siblings can be the worst enemies but their love still remains.”

“A grandmother drops her granddaughter off at school. Parenting the second time round requires strength and resilience. It's not without its challenges but it brings great reward and happiness.”

“Nyla a sweet staffy girl only 2 years old waiting to be adopted. The RSPCA head office is located directly opposite my electorate office in Burwood East. It is Australia's leading animal welfare charity group. The Victorian Coalition State Government recently legislated a ban on dangerous dogs and restricted breeds, which has unwittingly resulted in irresponsible owners dumping their once loved pets. Breeds such as the Staffordshire bull terrier or cross breeds, that can be confused with pit bull terriers are being dumped. "Adoption row" is currently overflowing and with Christmas looming, there are many four legged friends waiting for a new home.”

“We did it! The crowd erupts as Barellan United, with the very last kick of the game, wins the Northern Riverina first grade grand final. The town, one of the worst affected by the crippling drought, had not won a premiership for 13 years. With football clubs being the social and sporting pulse of many country communities, lack of success on the field and a severe lack of rain gave Barellan and district little to celebrate. The town's football team, the Two Blues, went through the 2011 home and away games undefeated but gave its resilient supporters a nerve‐racking time before remarkably booting the winning goal in the dying seconds.”

“Meet Prada, the healthy, resilient but imploring face of the campaign to protect the remaining and rapidly dwindling Tasmanian devil population from extinction. We are in a race against time to find a cure for the Devil Facial Tumour Disease and to protect the habitat of the last disease free population in Tasmania's Tarkine wilderness. To that end, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary's management, including Petra Harris, have joined Tarkine Trails, the Bookend Trust and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy to place infrared cameras in the Tarkine in a bid to find a solution and build resilience as the disease advances.
PS. The Devil Wears Prada.”

“Canoe on Noosa River in sunset with reflection.”

“After surviving years of drought, two floods and a bushfire, this gum tree typifies the resilience of our flora.”