What does a photo competition have to do with Landcare? Shouldn’t you be out planting trees, you ask? Who does it benefit and is it worth the effort?
Well meet Darcy Jono Schmidt, a 17 year old who lives near Kaimkillenbun, in the Western Downs region, between Bell and Dalby.
Darcy was one of 55 entrants in the Under 18 category of the 6th annual “Focus on Farms” photo competition organised by Gomaren & Doctors Ck. Landcare Group, based in Goombungee. More than 400 images were contributed from Toowoomba, Western Downs, Goondiwindi and the Southern Downs regions
Not only does Darcy have a particular interest in photography, he is passionate about life on the land and is inspired by his surroundings. As well as being involved in the family business of raising Wagyu cattle, he has a developing interest in native bees and their important role in the biodiversity of the region. Darcy also has a talent for wood work. A recent project is the chess board which is made from recycled inland Rosewood fence posts and Crows Ash (Flindersia australis). He is no slouch at metal work either, judging by the workbench he has created for himself.
Darcy’s images give us a privileged insight into life on his parents’ farm. In return, such a
competition gives him the opportunity to share his view of the world with a wider community. The medium of photography challenges him to think about how to articulate and to document his interests and inspirations, now and into the future.
Darcy and the other 54 entrants in the Under 18’s category are the Land Carers of the future, irrespective of whether they live in the country or whether they live in town. Each entry conveys a story of why it is so important to remain connected to the land. The competition provides the conduit for everyone to share their Landcare stories and the variety of images received is a great testament to the Landcare philosophy that “Landcare is for Everyone”.
One of the judges, Joan van Kuijck, commented:
“Another takeaway we got from the entrants was the absolute care and respect for nature all of the
photographs showed. This is quite reassuring in a world where it is easy to forget where we come from and how attached to the land we once all were.”
Joan also commented:
“Photography is truly a beautiful medium to work with and the images presented to us this year prove we all focus on the world differently and all of us cherish the wonderful life that this part of southern Queensland has to offer.”
The images submitted by Darcy Jono Schmidt and the other participants give us an opportunity to acknowledge the Landcare ethos and what this grass-roots organisation has achieved over the years. The images inform policy makers and inspire us all to be more mindful of what we have at stake.
Darcy’s involvement in Landcare into the future, and that of all who took the time to contribute their images, is warmly welcomed. Worth the effort? You bet.
All contributed entries will be on display at the Goombungee Jacaranda Festival on November 5th. The images will then go on display in the Toowoomba Regional Council’s mobile library and in other libraries throughout the Darling Downs region.