By Bridget Cook
THE Balla Balla Community has marked Cranbourne’s 150th anniversary by celebrating the township’s past and present.
To mark the milestone occasion, the community centre held a special photography competition which called on residents to take recent photos of Cranbourne to show what it means to them.
The winners of the competition were announced last week and the 93 photographic entries are now on display at the centre for the public to enjoy.
The photos, which show what Cranbourne is today, are displayed alongside photos of Cranbourne’s history and artifacts – set up by the Cranbourne Historical Society.
Balla Balla Community Centre manager Maree Cullinan said organisers were amazed at the response they had to the competition from the community.
“We were blown away by the number of entries we received,” she said.
“We are very appreciative of the wonderful response from the community.”
Ms Cullinan said all entries managed to capture Cranbourne in a unique way.
“We asked people to capture what they see as the essence of their community, its people, lifestyles and the environment with their photographic entries,” she said. “The photos truly demonstrate what a vibrant and diverse place Cranbourne is, and that we can be very proud to live and work here.
“We would like to thank everyone who entered the competition and to congratulate everyone on their outstanding photographs.
“Your work showcases Cranbourne and we are proud to have them on display at the Balla Balla Community Centre.”
Brock Pendlebury took out the Junior category and also won Best in Show with his photo titled Old Shire Building.
Nicholas Garland was runner-up in the Junior category with his photograph Main Street.
Dayna O’Shannessy won the Intermediate category and Bridget Zarb was the runner up.
The Open section was won by Christie Stoneham with Anne Dent second and Kate Steel was named the winner of the Senior category with Carol Cole runner-up.
The winners each received $100 and the runners-up $50. Brock took home an extra $200 for winning the Best in Show competition.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Balla Balla Community Centre, 65 Berwick Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East, until 30 November.
For further details visit www.ballaballa.com.au.
