A spectacular night sky photo titled ‘Where Two Rivers Meet’ has been awarded first prize in West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) photo competition.   

The celestial image was chosen for its unique perspective of West Gippsland’s rivers. Taken by Sale resident Iryna MacMillan, it perfectly reflects the theme of rivers being much more than just water. 

“I was chasing the Milky Way at Swing Bridge. In the image we can see the Milky Way, the planet Venus and a pink Aurora on the left. It was a beautiful night and very inspiring,” said Iryna who moved to Australia from Ukraine over 20 years ago.  

With her flair for photography, it’s the second time Iryna has entered the competition coming runner up in 2024.

“I’m an amateur nature photographer. I love nature, but mostly I love the Night Sky…. I love taking night photos of our Milky Way Galaxy and unpredictable Aurora too. I call this my Night Sky Therapy…. because I’m alone with all these stars around me…. But when I get reflection of the stars in a river it’s an extra bonus,” Iryna said.

Colin Cook took out second prize for his vibrant image of Lower Latrobe Wetlands shot during a memorable visit to Heart Morass with the Latrobe Valley Camera Club.  

“The Heart Morass project is a shining example of how human intervention can restore the natural balance of ecosystems. Located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, this ambitious initiative has successfully transformed degraded farmland back into its original wetland state, benefiting both the environment and local communities,” said Colin. 

Spoilt for choice, the judges also nominated two special mentions to Paula Welland for her photo titled ‘Fishing’ and Kylie Jackson for her image ‘Durt’Yowan’. 

“I remember my Dad handing me his camera at Marlo with a 24 exposure film and l used the entire film on taking photos of the pelicans. More than just water, the Latrobe River not only provides recreational value in the form of fishing and peaceful moments in nature but also serves as a powerful reminder of the vital connection between water, food and life. With fishing, relaxation and lessons learned, what more could you want from water?” said Paula.  

Kylie’s image ‘Durt’Yowan’ captures the rich, ancient beauty of rivers at their headwaters where they start their journeys.  

“This photo symbolises life, representing growth, renewal, and nourishment. It conveys peace and tranquillity,” said Kylie of her image.  

Judges were impressed with the number and quality of images submitted in this year’s competition. 

“It was very difficult to choose the winners – and we thank everyone for taking the time to submit and to share their reasons why West Gippsland’s waterways are much more than water to them,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.  

“The photos showcase the many ways, places and times that people connect, respect and enjoy the region’s rivers and wetlands.”  

Entrants were asked to take photos of the rivers and wetlands in West Gippsland that receive environmental water deliveries to promote and support healthy waterways and ecosystems. These are: 

• Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) – including the Lower Latrobe Wetlands such as Dowd Morass, Heart Morass and Sale Common
• Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
• Carran Carran (Thomson River) – including Heyfield Wetlands.

“We are proud to be caring for catchments and delivering water into the environment to keep rivers and wetlands flowing and healthy for nature, wildlife and our highly valued community,” Martin concluded.

The annual competition will be held again in early 2026.

West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.

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