We’re spoilt living in Byron Shire.  The amazing landscape, the laid back lifestyle and diverse range of people.

Byron Shire Council is looking for images that showcase the spirit of the Shire in its newly launched photographic competition www.byron.nsw.gov.au/photocomp.

If you live in Byron Shire and have a passion for capturing the very best of what the region features, here’s your chance to win $1,000 in cash or other sensational prizes.

Mayor Simon Richardson said, “we’re a vibrant, opinionated, beautiful, but never dull community and Council is looking for photographers to capture why you love living here.

“The winning photos will be used to show the world who we truly are and feature in promotional and education campaigns,” he said.

In 2012, Council’s Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) developed an identity and destination brand for Byron Shire.

Mayor Richardson said the photography competition is an opportunity for residents to creatively express their interpretation of the new brand and have a say in how we attract visitors to the Shire that love this place as much as the locals do.

“Byron Bay and its surrounding towns and villages are iconic destinations.  However, they have been missing an overarching brand and images to provide an identity for the Shire.

“As a result we now have a strong key message of ‘Don’t Spoil Us, We’ll Spoil You’ that will feature images that will reflect the Shire and encourages respect for our region.

“With our boundless creative talent and spectacular skylines, mesmerising sunsets, crystal clear water and happy faces, this is our time to shine.  And I can’t wait to see the entries,” Mayor Richardson enthused.

There are seven competition categories including the spirit/people of the Shire, events and markets, landscapes,towns and villages, at work in the Shire and overall winner. The competition also incorporates the successful Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce Brunswick Heads. Simple Pleasures photography competition.

“A special category on the laidback coastal village of Brunswick Heads has been included and when considering previous entries from the Brunswick Heads. Simple Pleasures competition, this category will be captivating,” Mayor Richardson said.

There are some fantastic prizes to be won including the $1000 major cash prize courtesy of Byron Shire Council, $500 gift voucher from the Crystal Castle, Fujifilm Finepix X100 Digital Camera valued at $1,000 courtesy of Byron Photo Magic, an accommodation and breakfast package from the Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, $300 in cash courtesy of Splendour in the Grass, two nights accommodation at Hotel Brunswick including a dinner and drinks voucher and $300 cash courtesy of Lilianas Cafe.

Dowload a copy of the entry form and competitions terms and conditions at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/photocomp or pick up a copy at the Byron Farmers Markets on Thursday 30 May, Mullumbimby Famers Markets on Friday 7 June and New Brighton Farmers Markets on Tuesday 11 June.

Photographers must live within Byron Shire. Images must be a minimum file size of 500Kb up to 10MB and a minimum resolution of 300dpi.

Entries close at 5pm on Friday, 12 July 2013 and can be emailed to photocomp@byron.nsw.gov.au or posted to Byron Shire Council, PO Box 219, Mullumbimby NSW 2482.