A photograph of a red robin in a winter snowscape has been declared the winner of the #lovegippsland 2018 Calendar of Gippsland photo competition.
The winning picture, taken by Nikita Leyshan of Lucknow, was one of nearly 220 competition entries.
Woodside’s Laura Millar was named the winner of the junior section for her photo of Port Albert.
The two winners will receive accommodation prizes donated by Beachcomber Caravan Park in Mallacoota and Bridges on Argyle in Traralgon.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the judges had a difficult task selecting the winners and 11 other photos to be included in the 2018 calendar.
With the theme Take a Break in Gippsland, the photos depict locations that could be destinations for tourists and day-trippers.
“I want to encourage more people to choose to take their holidays and short breaks in Gippsland,” Mr Chester. “By holidaying or exploring our region, you are helping to create local jobs.”
“This calendar will be hung on walls in homes and businesses around our region and beyond for a year. It will be a constant reminder of the beauty of our region and encourage people to visit this most beautiful part of Australia.
“The photographs selected for inclusion in the calendar capture the many and varied faces of our region, from the coast to the mountains and our towns, rivers, forests, lakes and beaches.”
More than 20,000 copies of Mr Chester’s calendar will be distributed across the electorate, including to 6500 small businesses, before the end of this month.
They will be available for free at Mr Chester’s electorate offices in Sale and Traralgon, as well as at locations including supermarkets, general stores, service stations, cafes, clubs and bakeries in towns across the electorate.
