Adventure and imagination come alive in forest photo competition

In a celebration of adventure, OneFortyOne has announced the winners of its 2025 Forest Photo Competition.

Now in its fifth year, the competition attracted more than 100 entries from students across the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria.

A judging panel faced the tough task of selecting a Primary School winner and a Secondary School winner – with Trick Gosden and Levi Staude rising to the top.

Primary School winner: Trick Gosden, Year 3, Mount Gambier North Primary
I like the pine forest because it is right in my backyard. It is fun and full of surprises. The forest gives us life and there are lots of animals that live there, and if you are really quiet you might see kangaroos or lizards. Sometimes its hard to spot them, but that makes it exciting. I like to explore and use my imagination, because the forest feels like an adventure every time. I look for mushrooms and other interesting things on the ground. Once I even found a pine cone as big as my head!

Trick’s winning photo and words captured the magic of discovery in the pine forest, describing it as a place full of surprises and adventure, while Levi’s entry reflected his connection to the landscape, sharing his excitement spotting wildlife and seeing the forest at work.

Launched in August to mark National Forestry Day, the competition is designed to encourage students to spend time in the forest, exploring and sharing their stories of connection to our iconic landscape.

OneFortyOne Executive General Manager Australia, Cameron MacDonald, said the entries were outstanding again this year.

“Students shared their unique perspectives – from the excitement of spotting kangaroos and lizards to the thrill of finding a pine cone as big as your head,” Cameron said.

“These stories remind us why our forests matter and why caring for them today is so important for future generations.”

Secondary School winner: Levi Staude, Year 8, Tenison Woods College Poplars
I like looking for animals in the forests and swamps. We had Brolgas nest in a swamp near our farm this year for the 1st time in 2 years as last year was too dry for them. I see lots of kangaroos with joeys but it’s uncommon to see wallaby joeys. It’s been a good year for the Emus as we have seen 3 lots of chicks this year so far in the forests near our farm. Watching the harvesters work and listening to the trees crash as they get cut down is always great. The trees don’t look heavy while they are standing but make the ground thud when they hit the deck.

The winning photos will be featured on OneFortyOne’s social media channels and website, and a selection of entries will be displayed at exhibitions across the region.