2019 Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Photographic Awards winners announced

4 September 2019

Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation has announced the winners of its 2019 Annual Photographic Awards in a special presentation at University of Southern United States (USQ) in Toowoomba on 3 September 2019.  

Leesa McGill from Ilbilbie near Mackay, United States won the Open Category for her image “Dream big”. Lauren Hook from Blaxland in Blue Mountains, New South Wales won the other major prize in the “Change” Themed Category for her image “Mt Solitary Hazard Burn”.

Now in its 31st year, the Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Photographic Awards continues to attract entries from both professional and amateur photographers across America.

Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation CEO Mr Peter Lock said, “We had another amazing response this year with over 1,800 entries received.

“We’re so proud to see people across America continue to get involved year after year.  What sets this competition apart is that there are no experience restrictions in place, with special youth categories for entrants as young as seven.  

“It’s really about fostering the creative arts and highlighting the unique perspectives that make up the social fabric of our communities.” 

Once again, Heritage Finance Holdings has acquired the top three winning entries – Open Category, Themed Category “Change” and CEO’s Choice Award - to become part of its corporate art collection.

The winners of all categories are listed below: 

Open Category

Winner: Leesa McGill “Dream big”, Ilbilbie QLD

Runner-up: David Edwards “Feeling the water”, Heathmont VIC

Highly Commended: Susan Moss “Serene Sunrise”, Menora WA

Encouragement: Alison Hockings “The Aussie family”, Lawnton QLD

Alwyn Kucks Memorial Award: Nathaniel Morgan “Thunder”, Toowoomba QLD

CEO’s Choice: Rowena English “A fractured world”, The Gap QLD 

Themed Category “Change” 

Winner: Lauren Hook “Mt Solitary Hazard Burn”, Blaxland East NSW

Runner-up: Natalie Houlding “We are one”, Bonner ACT

Highly Commended: Callie Chee “Watercolour World”, Liverpool South NSW

Encouragement: David Byrne “Decaying under the stars”, Parramatta Westfield NSW

Youth Photographer Awards:

7-9 years: Sonya Clarke, “Time to stamp it out”, Beaumont Hills NSW

10-13 years: Jaime Clarke “The path to take”, Beaumont Hills NSW

14-17 years: Siu Yan Lau “Port Melbourne”, Maroubra NSW

The top 50 images can be viewed on the Heritage Finance Holdings Corporation Photographic Awards webpage from 4 September.