Icon Water encourages Canberrans to capture spring in the capital

Icon Water have partnered with Floriade Reimagined to launch a photography competition that focusses on the value of water as Canberrans welcome spring back to the bush capital.

This year’s Floriade will look a little different to previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with flowers blooming right across the ACT. Icon Water have been supporting Floriade Reimagined, by providing recycled water for the community gardens throughout the winter months. 

“We know how important Floriade is to the community, and like many of our fellow  Canberrans, we’ve been patiently waiting for the bulbs to bloom and spring to arrive” said Icon Water’s General Manager Customer Engagement Davina McCormick.

The competition launches today, Friday 11 September with entries open from tomorrow, to coincide with the commencement of Floriade Reimagined. 

“We’re launching our photography comp to celebrate this iconic event in its new format, while also engaging the community to raise awareness about water conservation".

“Last summer we kicked off the Care for Water campaign, when we were experiencing some of the driest years on record. While the ACT’s dams have received a healthy top up this year, it’s important that we keep up these great water saving habits so we can maintain Canberra and Queanbeyan’s water supply for generations to come”. 

While Icon Water are encouraging all photography skill levels to participate in the competition, entries must fit into one of three themes to qualify – ‘Water - our most precious resource’, ‘Water- the environment and/or animals’ or ‘Floriade blooms in Canberra’.

“This is a great opportunity as we head into the warmer months, to ensure Canberrans are focused on the value of water, and protecting this precious resource” said Ms McCormick.

The diverse judging panel is made up of experts in photography, water and events and includes:

• Icon Water’s Managing Director Ray Hezkial
• Hilary Wardhaugh, a long-time career professional photographer based in the Queanbeyan Canberra region
• Vickii Cotter, Managing Director of Visabel, a full-service festival and event project management consultancy company and the face behind many iconic Canberra events such as Enlighten Festival and Floriade
• Dr Kit Devine who has spent nearly 20 years working in Sydney, London and LA as an animator and effects artist for film and TV projects.

The judges will have the tough job of selecting from 30 shortlisted entries with a total prize pool of $5000. The overall winner will be chosen by the panel first, and will be awarded a prize of $2000. The competition team at Icon Water will then separate the remaining 29 entries into over 18 and under 18, and the judges will pick the top entry for each category with a prize of $1000 going to each.

All 30 entries will then be shared on Icon Water’s Instagram account, where the community will have the opportunity to decide the ‘People’s Choice’ award by sharing, liking and commenting on their favourite photo.

Icon Water will be announcing the winner’s on their website and Instagram account.

“It’s been a really challenging year for many Canberrans and we’re looking forward to bringing some fun and creativity to the community while also focussing on the value of water, and it’s role in creating and sustaining life here in the ACT” said Ms McCormick.

For more information on how to enter the competition visit iconwater.com.au/photocomp.