Dalby photographer narrowly misses out on top spot at Queensland Gives Photo Challenge awards

A Dalby photographer was one of five finalists at a state photography competition for her piece depicting two cowboys deep in conversation at the Dalby Show.

Chat with the Old Man submitted by Katie Robertson, photographed in Dalby

The winner of the 2024 Queensland Gives Photo Challenge has been announced at state parliament with a Dalby photographer’s submission narrowly missing the top prize.

A Gold Coast entry, Nourishing Our Country, took home the top prize on Monday.

The heartwarming image taken by Melina Muensterman depicts a warm embrace between Havafeed Food Rescue co-ordinator Tracey Talbot and recipient-turned-volunteer Peter.

Nourishing Our Country – submitted by Marika Mammen – photographed on Gold Coast

Also in the finals was Dalby photographer Katie Robertson’s with her piece Chat with the Old Man featuring a father and son deep in conversation at the Dalby Show.

Ms Robertson previously told the Dalby Herald the photo focused on the stigma surrounding men's mental health.

“It was just a photo I casually snapped between different horse events,” she said.

“I glanced over and saw my good mate Mickey talking with his dad and it was one of those heartwarming moments I thought I’d grab on camera and share with them.

“There is still such a stigma around men’s mental health and it portrays a young son looking up to his dad seeking that approval and advice and even second guessing himself because that’s what men do, they will tell us the good things but they won’t let us know the bad things going on inside their minds.

“This photo shows the big smile on the cowboys face as he gets the approval from his dad.”

Ms Robertson said regional areas were full of inspiration for photographers wanting to capture the reality of life in Australia.

“I think rural is what Australia is, you think of America you think of Washington or New York, when I think of Australia I think of rural outback and without our farmers we are nothing,” she said.

“A lot of my work is getting in touch with friends and saying can I take some photos on your farm, work on my skill set, build up my repertoire and then I give them the photos back as a thanks.”

Queensland Gives chief executive Tara Castle said this year’s Photo Challenge judging panel had a difficult task selecting the winning photograph from a top-quality field of finalists, each of which had a compelling backstory and captured the essence of philanthropy, kindness and giving.

“The calibre of images submitted to our Photo Challenge competition improves every single year and our 2024 entries are testament to that. Our judges were hard pressed to select just five finalists from a field of entries from across the state, and then doubly challenged to decide on a winner,” she said.

“Melina’s winning photo perfectly captures how the spirit of giving can become a catalyst for change and help inspire others to find their own way to support people in need.

“The subject of the (winning) photo, Peter, was a client of Havafeed and was so inspired by their generosity and purpose that he began volunteering for the organisation, which has given him a new purpose and changed his entire life.”

All finalists’ photographs will be part of a travelling roadshow hosted across a number of corporate offices in Brisbane.

Originally published as Dalby photographer narrowly misses out on top spot at Queensland Gives Photo Challenge awards