Victorian Students Capture Climate Hope in State-Wide Photography Competition
Three students from across Victoria have been awarded top honours in Sustainability Victoria’s Through Your Own Lens photography competition – a state-wide initiative inspiring climate-ready thinking among schools participating in the ResourceSmart Schools program.
A’isha (Year 9, Upper Yarra Secondary College), Savannah (Year 7, Greater Shepparton Secondary College), and Ella (Year 3, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Traralgon) each won first place in their respective categories – Senior School, Middle Years, and Lower Primary – from among 90 entries submitted by 28 schools across the state.
The 2025 competition invited students to explore the theme Building a Climate-Ready Future through photography and written reflection, encouraging them to consider how communities, nature, and infrastructure are adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Senior School Winner: A’isha – Growing Towards a Better Future
A’isha’s image features a vibrant dandelion thriving after winter. Judges praised its “beautiful reflection with a striking image and creative use of focus,” noting the natural light and colour created a caring and empathetic mood.
“This image illustrates the small, simple wonders of our world,” A’isha said. “To build a climate-ready future, we must protect these things that provide us with pollination and stable habitats, ensuring these treasures of life are safe.”
Middle Years Winner: Savannah – Future
Savannah’s photograph stood out for its emotional depth and visual impact. Judges described it as “a unanimous winner with striking impact,” highlighting the powerful use of darkness, contrast, and reflection to convey emotion and technical strength.
“To me, building a climate-ready future is about preparing the next generation on how to take care of our environment,” Savannah said. “Even something so small can make a huge difference.”
Lower Primary Winner: Ella – Water
Ella’s image highlights the vital role water plays in sustaining life and ecosystems. Judges praised her reflection for its clarity and practical message, saying, “The circle of light blue in the sky is eye-catching and contrasts well with the other colours.”
“Water is a very important natural resource to all living things,” Ella said. “We can all make small changes that make big differences, such as keeping rubbish out of our waterways and not wasting water.”
Sustainability Victoria CEO Matt Genever congratulated all entrants, saying, “This competition is a powerful reminder of the creativity and insight young people bring to the climate conversation. It’s inspiring to see students leading the way with a strong sense of care for the world around them.”
Winners will receive cash prizes to support sustainability projects at their schools, a printed and framed copy of their photograph, and an invitation to the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards – Victoria’s largest celebration of sustainability in schools – where their work will be featured in a special exhibition.