Entries are now open for Regional Development Australia Central West’s 2026 Central West Is Best Photo Competition, inviting photographers to capture the people, places and everyday moments that tell the story of the region.
This year’s theme, Central West Stories, asks entrants to look beyond the postcard view – from main streets and local markets to landscapes, events, communities and the familiar corners that give a town its character.
The competition is free to enter and open to residents of the RDA Central West region across Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin local government areas. Entrants can submit up to four photographs, accompanied by a sentence or two explaining the story behind the image.
There are two categories – Junior (under 18) and Open (18 and over) – with a total prize pool of $1,500.
Entries close: 5pm, Friday 16 October 2026
Entry: Free
Who can enter: Residents of the RDA Central West region
Prizes: $1,500 across Junior and Open categories
Photographs must be original work and submitted as high-resolution JPEG files through the official entry form. AI-generated or heavily manipulated composite images are not eligible.