2013 Top GeoShot winners announced

Peter Power with his photo
"Coogee Cliffs" taken at
Coogee Beach in Sydney.

The winners of the 2013 Top GeoShot photographic competition were announced at a special awards ceremony at Geoscience Australia in Canberra today.

Over 350 outstanding entries were received for this year's competition, which nearly doubles the previous record of 191 entries received in 2012.

The overall winner was Peter Power from New South Wales with his photo "Coogee Cliffs" taken at Coogee Beach in Sydney. Mr Power described his inspiration as the weathering of the cliffs from the salt water and wind to create the beautiful coastline we see today.

The People's Choice award was taken out by Mieke Boynton from Western Australia; with her photo titled "Secrets and Whispers" of Hancock Gorge, Karijini National Park, Western Australia.

A promising natural photography career beckons for 17 year old Matt Tomkins from Aranda in the Australian Capital Territory, who was the winner in the Student category, with his photo "Wee Jasper Morning" Matt's photo captured the morning light and reflection of hills in Lake Burrinjuck dam near Yass, New South Wales. A total of 67 entries were received for the Student category.

Geoscience Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Chris Pigram said the competition encourages entrants to be as creative as they like, while capturing images of Australia's natural beauty.

"The range of images received was amazing, with entries received from all over Australia, including Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands"Dr Pigram said.

Student winner Matt Tomkins with his photo
"Wee Jasper Morning".

"Multiple entries featured Lake Eyre in central Australia, Kalbarri and Karijini National Parks in Western Australia, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and the Pinnacles in Western Australia"

The photographs were judged on their creativity and how well they fitted with the competition theme of "Exposed to the Elements".

The winning entries are available for viewing on Flickr following the awards ceremony, with all 350 Top GeoShot entries now on display in Geoscience Australia's foyer as part of Earth Science Week celebrations from 13-19 October 2013.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Geoscience Australia 24 hour Media Hotline 1800 882 035.

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