Sustainability Through Your Own Lens Photography Competition

Bee/lieve in the future

My photo symbolises that one day keeping this planet alive might come down to us.The photo is of our urban beehive in our backyard. They thrive there and live a happy life. Sustainability is an important role in the everyday life of day to day people living in our forever changing world. I see sustainability as a key element on planet Earth along with nature, life and harmony. That's why this photo reminds us of our role in keeping our future planet thriving.

Belmont Primary School - Uma - Year 4

Beetroot harvest

We like to grow beetroot because it is healthy and gives us yummy food to cook with. Because it is grown close to home, we don’t have to drive food so far, which is better for the planet. Growing beetroot is one way we can care for the Earth and prepare for changing weather patterns.

St Aloysius School Redan - Lucy - Year 1

Flower

I took this picture because there are fewer of these plants around right now, which shows they are preparing for spring. This plant is common in Victoria, and its blooming times vary depending on the species and location. While it sometimes flowers in winter or autumn, it rarely blooms in summer. Seeing it bloom now makes me think about climate change and how this plant is adapting to changing conditions.

St Mary Mac Killop Catholic Primary School, Bannockburn - Hanna - Year 4

Heart and nature

This photo of trees reminds me of a heart and nature. I took this photo because I thought trees are our best helper for the environment, trees give us shade, and homes for animals. Our trees give us clean air to breathe and are a really pretty part of nature. Trees also give more biodiversity to animals and to the world. I think my photo really represents wildlife and nature. You can look at this photo and be like this shows the beauty of nature and overall, just how wonderful it is like to go outside!

Wendouree Primary School - Amelia - Year 4

Working as a team to build a climate-ready future

The Maribyrnong River is really important to our community. It flows through Keilor and is home to many animals, birds and plants. Lots of people walk, ride and play near the river, and it is a special place where we can enjoy nature. But the river needs our help. Pollution and rubbish can hurt the animals and make the water dirty. If we all look after the Maribyrnong River, it will stay healthy and strong for the future. Caring for it now means that kids like us, and the animals, will always have a safe and beautiful place to enjoy.

Overnewton Anglican Community College, Keilor - Zara - Year 5

Ballarat at night

The reason I chose this image of Ballarat at night is because if we're not careful we could destroy the beautiful bush that surrounds us. But if we chose clean energy we could be prepared for what’s to come. We could save our Earth and ourselves. The bush is home to many of our unique animals like kangaroos wallabies and echidnas if we give in to coal and fossil fuels we would hurt millions of them and potentially wipe them of existence. So this photo represents what’s happening and what’s to come.

St Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East - Evangeline - Year 5

Looking towards the future

The camera is slightly submerged in water to create this image. The photo to me represents the beauty of what a few little water droplets combined can create. I hope in the future we have learnt from our mistakes and failures and put our main focus towards caring for the waterways and ocean and to reduce climate impact by looking for alternatives for our Co2 producing factories to save our planet from a world of polluted air, oceans and waterways.

St James Parish School, Sebastopol - Bentley - Year 6

Love the earth, love yourself

A climate ready future looks like love. Love for the planet and love for the earth. If we care for the planet, we can work towards solving the problem that is climate change. A climate ready future means people who are ready and willing to encourage others to be ready too. Here are some Haikus I wrote. What would you prefer. A dead and lifeless planet. Or something more green. What would you prefer. A dead and lifeless planet. Or something more clean I prefer colour. My future is in colour. In screaming colour Be clean, be green.

Toorak College, Mount Eliza - Annika - Year 6

Lightning bolt

This image of a lightning bolt in a rainbow, which is quite a rare occurrence, is a prime example of why reducing climate change is so important. By doing whatever we can, whether its something as simple as picking up rubbish, or something complex like making an impact on the world stage, we can preserve the beauty and wonder of the earth.

Billanook College, Mooroolbark - Sam - Year 9

Rainbow

The image of the two-rainbow lorikeet nestled among the eucalyptus branches reflects what a climate ready future means to me: protecting biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain it. A climate future is one where all kinds of wildlife continue to thrive alongside of us, with access to healthy environments, clean air, and stable weather. Building this future requires a nation-wide effort, to preserve natural habitats, reduce emissions, and live more sustainably so that the beauty of nature can continue to flourish.

Melbourne Girls College, Richmond - Thalia - Year 11

From industry to innovation

This image reflects both the challenges and opportunities of creating a climate-ready future. The construction and industry in the foreground show how human activity shapes the environment, while the wind turbines in the distance symbolize a shift towards cleaner, renewable energy. It reminds us that a sustainable future requires balance - developing infrastructure while protecting ecosystems. A climate-ready society means transforming industries, restoring landscapes, and embracing innovation in energy and design. This photo captures the transition in progress, encouraging us to imagine how today's actions can build a resilient, greener tomorrow where people and nature thrive together.

Portland Secondary College - Akshara - Year 9

Seeds of tomorrow

This image captures a eucalyptus tree photographed from below using the leading lines technique. This perspective from below, emphasizes the tree’s growth, reminding us that every tree began as a seedling. This idea reflects the human journey, where small concepts can grow into large realities and are long lasting. Just as a seedling requires care and time to flourish, building a climate ready future depends on the choices and actions we take today. The photograph is a symbol of hope, progress and the importance of nurturing growth to ensure a sustainable world for generations to come, starting from today.

Xavier College, Kew - Matthew - Year 10