Shaylee Morris has been named as the winner of the 2024 Mount Gambier Library Youth Week Photo competition.
The theme was “what it means to be a young person in Mount Gambier” and entries poured in from across the city.
The winning entry by Shaylee depicts one of Mount Gambier’s cutest icons – an Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul possum.
In her entry, she said Mount Gambier is “unique”.
“As a young person in Mount Gambier who also suffers from significant mental, physical and chronic health conditions, it can be incredibly hard to keep positive and enjoy life especially with the limited health and youth resources we have in the region, however when you stop for a moment and ‘smell the roses’ you can realise how beautiful of a town Mount Gambier really is,” she said.
“It is such a unique area.
“Nowhere in the world is quite like it, and that’s why living here is one of the best things, in my opinion. 15 years being a member of the community and it still mesmerises me with all its natural beauty and being so close to wildlife.
“There is nothing quite like being able to walk out of your front door and smell the fresh country air, see wildlife wandering down the main street of the town and living in natural gardens, welcoming all their visitors with open arms; or should I say paws.
“One of my most favourite places to visit and take photos of is the Balumbul/Umpherston Caves.
“When I visit there day and night, I am at peace.
“Away from the noise of the world, not a worry in the world, my mind is quiet, I am simply grounded and enjoying the views of the greenery and little critters who take residency in the cave walls.”
Shaylee won a $100 Camera House voucher.
