Year

2018

Result

Winner

Category

Nikon-Walkley Community/Regional Prize

Publications

Illawarra Mercury

Sylvia Liber

“Sea of Emotions”

“Life as a photographer is never the same from one day to the next”, says Sylvia Liber in her entry statement. “My work days generally start with finding powerful images in whatever job I’m assigned, from a simple weather photo to the extremes of the human condition.”

When you’re a regional photojournalist, versatility is essential. Liber has an arsenal of skills; she knows just how to light rippling muscles, and how to blur and stop motion for an exciting surf shot. She’s also mastered underwater photography, which Liber says requires not only technical skill but “physical endurance, great knowledge and understanding of the ocean, and lots of good humour”. As well as the toolkit, Liber has the local knowledge and contacts to get tip-offs on hard news stories like early-morning police raids.

The judges loved Liber’s entry as “the package”, where every shot is strong. “It covers news, action, documentary, sport. It’s creative, there’s diversity. She’s got it all. … and it’s all done well.”

Charlotte and Aley are two people on very different journeys of self-discovery. After years of torment, they come together in a love that transcends gender. Charlotte describes herself as trans, agender with a hint of girl, while Aley identifies as a transgender female who was assigned male at birth.

Desire for Change

Charlotte and Aley are two people on very different journeys of self-discovery. After years of torment, they come together in a love that transcends gender. Charlotte describes herself as trans, agender with a hint of girl, while Aley identifies as a transgender female who was assigned male at birth.

Brooke Macdonald and Olivia Mitchell have performed together for five years, and choreographed a dance to be performed by 24 students from Kiama High School at the 2018 South Coast Dance Festival. Photographed in the ocean, their every move was challenged by the pull of the current, cold water temperature and the weight of their dresses.

Deep Love for Dance

Brooke Macdonald and Olivia Mitchell have performed together for five years, and choreographed a dance to be performed by 24 students from Kiama High School at the 2018 South Coast Dance Festival. Photographed in the ocean, their every move was challenged by the pull of the current, cold water temperature and the weight of their dresses.

An Illawarra drug syndicate’s upline supplier, Loc Tho Nguyen, was arrested as part of sweeping police raids carried out throughout the Illawarra. Police blitzed his home, seizing guns, drugs and cash and arresting six other people as part of a wide-ranging investigation.

Walk of Shame

An Illawarra drug syndicate’s upline supplier, Loc Tho Nguyen, was arrested as part of sweeping police raids carried out throughout the Illawarra. Police blitzed his home, seizing guns, drugs and cash and arresting six other people as part of a wide-ranging investigation.

Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning and Hawaiian pro surfer Mason Ho took advantage of huge clean waves, whipped up by one of the biggest swells of the year, as they filmed for Rip Curl’s series The Search.

Swell Time

Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning and Hawaiian pro surfer Mason Ho took advantage of huge clean waves, whipped up by one of the biggest swells of the year, as they filmed for Rip Curl’s series The Search.

Daniel Knust was named ICN Natural Bodybuilding Champion after six months of intense training.

Body Sculpture

Daniel Knust was named ICN Natural Bodybuilding Champion after six months of intense training.