Photographers put Nambour’s parks, streets and natural beauty in focus
Nambour’s character, natural beauty and green hinterland backdrop have taken centre stage in a successful new photographic competition which attracted 92 entries.
The winners of the inaugural Nambour Through Your Lens Photographic Competition 2026 have been announced, with Pauline Diefenbach taking out the CBD category, Jennifer Barker winning the nature category and Oliver Watt named the under-15 winner.
Ms Diefenbach’s winning image was taken in Howard Street and captured Nambour’s vintage character through a creative reflection of Everyday Living in a shopfront window.
Organiser Rhonda Billett said Ms Diefenbach had submitted several impressive photographs demonstrating her love for the town. “We just love her passion and eye for Nambour,” she said.
Mrs Diefenbach said she appreciated the photography competition. “Having lived in Nambour since the 1950s it is great to see the community finding positive things in our town. Well done to all of the participants.”
Ms Barker won the nature category with her photograph of the waterfalls at Cilento Park. The judges selected the image from a strong field of nature photographs, praising its composition. “I love photographing black & white trees,” said Jennifer. “But I fell in love with the colours in this shot. Very pleased I got to win.”
Young photographer Oliver Watt impressed the judges with several entries before his photograph showcasing Nambour’s distinctive green hinterland backdrop was chosen as the under-15 winner.
“I love photography and I’m hoping one day I can turn my passion into a career,” said Oliver. “I took the photo down near my local park in Nambour.”
Ms Billett said all three winners were thrilled when contacted with the news.
The competition was launched by I Am Nambour, Nambour Chamber of Commerce and Sunshine Coast Council to encourage residents and visitors to show the town through their own eyes. The competition encouraged photographs featuring the CBD, green spaces, wildlife, waterfalls, waterways and other recognisable parts of Nambour.
Ms Billett said receiving 92 entries was a strong result for the competition’s first year. “Ive Absolutely loved running this comp for Nambour. I am Nambour also look forward to running it again in 2027.”
The top 50 photographs, including highly commended entries, were displayed at the Nambour Showgrounds during the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show this long weekend.
A people’s choice category will also be conducted through Facebook over the coming weeks, giving the community an opportunity to vote for its favourite image.
