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Moray Eel Snaps Top Prize in Lake Macquarie Photography Competition

today5 February 2025

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Winner – Adults – Things that grow and move – Meggie Watson – Stout Moray

newy.com.au – An awe-inspiring underwater capture of a stout moray eel has earned photographer Meggie Watson a top honour in Lake Macquarie City Council’s Explore Our Great Outdoors photography competition.

Watson’s striking shot, taken beneath the surface, won the adult Things that Grow and Move category, showcasing the eerie yet captivating presence of the marine creature in its natural habitat. Competition judge and acclaimed nature photographer David Diehm described the image as a “brilliant capture, with great lighting and composition.”

On land, Max Moore took out the adult Great Outdoors category with a breathtaking silhouetted sunset scene featuring a family picnic by the lake. As a recent arrival to Lake Macquarie, Moore expressed his appreciation for the region’s scenic beauty.

“From the heritage-rich areas around West Wallsend to the tranquil lake shores teeming with pelicans and black swans, this place is a photographer’s dream,” he said. “Watching the sunset reflect across the water or simply strolling along the promenade among families and pets is a reminder of the strong community spirit here.”

In the kids’ Things that Grow and Move category, Jonathon Scott’s Wings and Water—an elegant portrayal of pelicans and swans—soared to victory, while Xanthia Wadwell’s vibrant, floral-framed shot of Redhead Beach and its famous lifeguard tower secured the top spot in the kids’ Great Outdoors category.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, who presented the awards, praised the competition for its ability to inspire locals to embrace their natural surroundings.

“This initiative encourages people to get outdoors, connect with nature, and appreciate the stunning environment we’re lucky to have,” he said. “The creativity and passion displayed in this year’s photography competition have been truly impressive.”

For a closer look at the winning entries and runners-up, visit lakemac.com.au/eogo.

Adult winner – things that grow and move – Meggie Watson with competition judge David Diehm (left) and Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz (right)

 

Adult winner – Great Outdoors – Max Moore with competition judge David Diehm (left) and Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz (right)

 

Winner – Adults – Great Outdoors – Max Moore – Family picnic at sunset, Warners Bay – NSW

 

Youth winner Xanthia Wadwell with competition judge David Diehm (left) and Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz (right)

 

Winner, Kids Great Outdoors Xanthia Wadwell. Flowers in Focus

 

Winner – Kids – Things that grow and move – Jonathan Scott – Wings and Water

 

Written by: Newy Staff


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