Entries are now open for the 2026 Central West Is Best Photo Competition.

 

This year’s theme, ‘Central West Stories’, invites photographers to look beyond the view and capture what makes a place matter. From our towns and streets to the landscapes, people, events and everyday moments that shape the region, every entry is a chance to tell us why the Central West is home. We’re especially keen to see our towns through your lens, so get out into the main street, the local market, the corner where everyone stops for a chat.

 

The competition is open to all residents of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West region and photos must be from the region which includes the LGAs of Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.

 

There are two categories, Junior (under 18) and Open, with a total prize pool of $1,500 on offer.

 

Entrants may submit up to four photos, taken recently or in the past, provided they tell the story of the Central West. All submissions must be the photographer’s own original work.

 

To enter, simply submit your photos along with a sentence or two explaining how they reflect the theme ‘Central West Stories’. All entries must be received before the closing date.

 

Entry is free and open to all ages and photographic abilities. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, it’s an opportunity  to celebrate local pride, share unique perspectives, and tell the story of the Central West through colour and connection.

 

Entries CLOSE Friday 16 October, 5pm (AEST).  We can’t wait to see your entries!

 

Categories & Prizes

• There are two categories: Junior (under 18 years ) and Open (18 years and over).
• Open Category: First place $750 and Second place $250.
• Junior Category: First place $350 and Second place: $150.

 

Submissions

• Entries are to be submitted using the entry form below.  Emailed entries will not be accepted.
• Images need to be 300 dpi or high resolution in JPEG format.
• Entries need to be received by RDA Central West by 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026.
• Maximum of four entries per person. 

 

Terms & Conditions

Promoter

• The promoter of this competition is Regional Development Australia Central West (ABN 55 418 618 640).

Eligibility

• Entry is open to all residents of Regional Development Australia Central West region – Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin LGAs.
• Images from locations outside the Central West LGAs above will not be accepted.
• AI-generated or heavily manipulated composite images are not eligible for entry. All submissions must be the original work of the entrant and captured using a camera (including smartphones). Minor editing (e.g. cropping, exposure, contrast) is permitted.

Entry Requirements

• Each entrant may submit up to four (4) high-resolution images.
• Each entry must be entered in accordance with these Terms & Conditions. 
• By entering the competition, each entrant agrees to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
• The competition opens at 9 am on Monday 7th September and closes at 5pm (AEST) on Friday 16 October 2026.  Late entries will not be accepted.

Copyright and Usage

• All copyright remains with the photographer/entrant.
• All entries may be used to promote RDA Central West.
• By entering the competition, entrants grant RDA Central West permission to use the images for not-for-profit promotional purposes.  This includes, but is not limited to, use on websites through their website, social media channels, printed and digital marketing material and for media publication where applicable.
• Image credits will be used where possible. RDA Central West cannot guarantee that credits will always be published, particularly in third party media.
• Entrants will not receive compensation for the use of submitted images.

Consent and Permissions

• Entrants are responsible for obtaining the necessary permission from any identifiable individuals featured in their photographs.
• By submitting such images, the entrant confirms that consent has been obtained.

Judging and Prizes

• Entries will be judged based on their creativity, quality, and ability to encapsulate the theme ‘Central West Stories’.
• Prizes will be awarded across the two categories: Junior (under 18 years ) and Open (18 years and over).
• The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Prizes cannot be exchanged or redeemed for cash.
• The distribution of prizes is at the discretion of RDA Central West. 

Notification

• Winners will be notified by email in November 2026 and announced via the RDA Central West social media platforms.