MADEC is proud to announce the 12 talented young photographers who have been selected as finalists in the inaugural Places & Spaces Photography Competition.
The competition received a diverse range of entries from young people across the region, showcasing creativity, passion, and unique perspectives on the places and spaces that inspire them. The finalists’ works will be exhibited at Gordon White Library, Mackay, from 1-30 September 2025, thanks to the generous support of BB Print.
The top 12 finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
- Bodhi Barba (16 years old) – (I’m) Waiting for the Sun, 2025
- Heidi Anne Gay (16 years old) – The Moon, 2025
- Kaleb Gray (16 years old) – Beach Access, 2025
- Ariana Hayes (14 years old) – Channel of Dragonflies, 2024
- Andy Kelly (17 years old) – My Awesome Photo, 2024
- Seepa Kosetatino-Liufau (16 years old) – Our Mother’s Alofa, 2025
- Flynn Raymond Kynaston (12 years old) – Easter Sunday, 2025
- Ryder Peter Kynaston (13 years old) – Paint the Sky, 2024
- Cade Mackay (15 years old) – Flow, 2025
- Louis McCulloch (16 years old) – Maybe it was the Weather, 2025
- Mikaela Villamayor (16 years old) – Quietude, 2025
- Jocee Walker (17 years old) – God’s Work, 2025
“This competition is about more than photography—it’s about giving young people a platform to share their stories and their view of the world,” said MADEC’s CEO, Jasmine Lowry. “The creativity and heart that these finalists have captured in their images is inspiring, and we’re proud to showcase their work to the wider community.”
The competition winner will be revealed in September alongside the exhibition. The first prize recipient will receive a Fujifilm Instax Mini camera, proudly sponsored by Garricks Camera House Mackay.
“We were thrilled with the response to our very first competition,” Ms Lowry added. “Every single entrant demonstrated incredible skill and perspective, and we hope this opportunity encourages them to keep exploring their passion for photography.”
Places & Spaces Photography Exhibition
Dates: 1-30 September 2025
Location: Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant QLD 4740
