2022 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts and Photography Competition photo book

Cover artwork by Louise DeMarco Jelavic “Bossley Park Choir” 2021 Visual arts first placegetter Published July 2022 by Fairfield City Council

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Welcome to the Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition photo book

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Fairfield City Council’s 2022 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition saw 54 visual art and 414 photograph submissions entered, whereby entrants showed off their creative talents in capturing the essence of our City.

The judging panel included Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone, Deputy Mayor Dai Le, Councillor Marie Saliba, Councillor Carmen Lazar, 2021 visual arts first placegetter Louise DeMarco Jelavic and Fairfield City Museum & Gallery Coordinator.

The new ‘Waste to Art’ category which was offered as a collective class effort to primary school classes in years 3 to 6 had 9 entries.

These pages feature just some of this year’s fantastic entries including the winning and highly commended works.

This year’s theme ‘Love Where You Live – Support, Protect and Explore’ attracted entries from artists and photographers in the primary, secondary and adult categories, which showcased the landscapes, experiences and attractions unique to Fairfield City.

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and congratulations to our winners. We have enjoyed exploring Fairfield City through your eyes and look forward to next year’s submissions.

Judges made their selection based on the skill and strong visual appeal of the works submitted.

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Message from the Mayor The 2022 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition presented participants with the opportunity to visually interpret the ‘Love Where You Live – Support, Protect and Explore’ theme to capture the essence of the City.

This year’s competition was our best yet more than 480 submissions received. The calibre of works was impressive and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter. As I look through each submission, I feel great pride for our City and the creativity expressed by our residents.

I hope you find the time to visit the exhibitions at Fairfield City Council Administration Centre and Whitlam Library Cabramatta and get inspired to enter next year.

Frank Carbone Mayor of Fairfield 4

Message from A/City Manager Council has thoroughly enjoyed seeing the calibre of our City’s creative talent captured in the 2022 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition submissions.

Year after year we are overwhelmed with the growing interest and response to the competition, with this year’s new ‘Waste to Art’ class group category a welcome addition.

I would like to congratulate everyone who submitted their works, which clearly reflect the diversity of our people and City.

I look forward to seeing more fantastic works next year.

Rhonda Tyne Acting City Manager

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Visual Arts Adult

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First Prize

The Capture Fairfield competition is a great initiative by our local Council and a wonderful opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent and promote our beautiful City and community spirit.

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Louise DeMarco Jelavic Artist and Capture Fairfield Judge

Melvy Connell, Adult category ‘Landscape 1’, acrylic on board

1st

At Western Sydney Regional Park, near Lizard Log, there is a path off the main walking track that looks mystical. The path is small, it curves, it is overgrown, the ground is undulating and there are tall water reeds that hide the small ponds underneath. It is really beautiful. I have titled this work “Landscape 1” because it’s my first painting where landscape is the subject matter.

I am an artist who works with painting and drawing. I enjoy exhibiting my work in my local community, it is wonderful to meet other artists and see their work.

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2nd

Second Prize

Svetlana Panov, Adult category ‘Curiosities from Orphan School Creek’, ceramic sculpture

This piece was created and inspired by many walks around Orphan School Creek. I tried to capture what I saw and what I felt while being surrounded by such beauty. I chose to keep it white, because I wanted the detail to be the most important aspect.

I am an artist who enjoys using many mediums, with a strong focus on ceramics. I am also an educator and facilitator in art.

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3rd

Third Prize

Diane Yousouf, Adult category ‘Lockdown Shuffle’, painting

During lockdowns, going for a walk in the local park was the main opportunity for exercise. In this artwork there are two people enjoying a walk in Fairfield Park. Also present are many local birds.

As a longtime resident of Fairfield I appreciate the many parks and reserves available for recreation in the Fairfield area. I believe it is important for people to have opportunities to explore the natural environment and get exercise. It is also important to have hobbies that provide emotional and psychological outlets. I have been studying and developing my art practice over many years. I enjoy my painting activities and am experienced in many different styles.

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Highly Commended

Janet Nguyen, Adult category ‘Orphan School Creek’, painting I capture the beauty and essence of Orphan School Creek, as it should be a green ecosystem thriving with natural flora and fauna. This scene was captured on one of my many walks around my local area.

Self taught artist who enjoys painting as a hobby. I was born in Fairfield Hospital, went to school in Fairfield and have lived here all my life. I am very proud of my local community and hope to contribute back.

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Highly Commended

Jospehine Refalo, ‘Cockatoo’, oil painting

The pink and white cockatoo is painted in oils. I chose this bird, the cockatoo, as I live opposite a reserve which they gather on the tree tops. We have many species in Fairfield but this would be my favourite.

Cockatoos are recognisable by their prominent crest and curved bill. They like to eat seeds, tubers, corms, fruit, flowers and insects.

I have been a resident of Fairfield for the past 58 years. I have always wanted to learn to paint and now I have the time to learn. I discovered one day in 2019, Bonnyrigg Library were offering oil painting classes for free. I joined the class and have not looked back.

We have a senior volunteer painter who guides us as we paint. I have enjoyed going and making new friends.

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Visual Arts Secondary The main ideas I explored throughout my painting was the things I love about Fairfield City, specifically my childhood memories and how in my memories these places are intertwined. I included iconic places such as the Fairfield Adventure Park and Fairfield Leisure Centre in my piece as they are both examples of places that I have very fond memories of.

The Fairfield City sign is at the centre of my artwork demonstrating the way it is diverse and everyone is welcome. This artwork explores the diversity of Fairfield and how we are all intertwined and united as a community. The branches represent how as a community, we are all connected while still being diverse.

My name is Lilian Meli, I am 15 in year 10 and go to Fairfield High School. I’m half Maltese and Filipino and I’ve lived in Fairfield my whole life. Art is my passion and I love drawing and painting especially.

1st

First Prize

Lilian Meli, Fairfield High School ‘Welcome to our City’, painting 12

Second Prize

Tiffany Pao, School ‘Arc’, painting

2nd

The main focus of the artwork is the well known Pai Lau Gate in Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta. The piece was created using warmer colours, and desaturated them when needed in order to create the tiles. There are geometric shapes throughout the image. This artwork is supposed to represent the unity between us. Due to it’s large size and iconic look, I deemed it to be a good reference to paint. However, I chose to leave the background blank due to the belief that our area can be anything with shaping. The point is, our area can be changed within the future and it’s up to us to determine how it’s sculpted.

I am a year 8 student from Canley Vale High School. My interests are art and history. I have been doing art since I was a toddler, and my parents have supported me through the years. I enjoy using different mediums with my main ones being acrylic paint, digital, and lead pencil.

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3rd

Third Prize

Timmy Le, School ‘The Bland Oak Tree’, painting

The Bland Oak tree, at Oakdene Park represents a significant aspect of the heritage of Fairfield City, dating back to 1850 when it was planted by doctor and politician, Dr William Bland.

Growing up in Fairfield, I had occasionally went to Oakdene Park, peaceful with a beautiful scenery, yet the large oak tree roots stands tall and grand. It is a local significance that tells a rare story from the thick roots that reside itself into the ground to its large, overhanging leaves and branches, that has been growing with the ever-developing Fairfield City over the century. Bland Oak is a striking tree, a historical symbol of Fairfield City.

I enjoy the outdoors and exploring the beauty of the nature in Fairfield City which allows me to forget all of my problems to just appreciate the peaceful moments in life.

I enjoy creating artwork out of enjoyment in my free time and try new things in life.

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Highly Commended

Jade Truong, St Johns Park High School ‘Everlasting Love’, digital artwork After an exhausting day, I decided to go on a walk to a nearby park. I strolled around endlessly trying to calm my headspace. As my hopes left my soul, I spot two adorable cats. These cats were simply having fun, looking like a lovey dovey couple, enjoying the flora and fauna around them. It brightened my thoughts, seeing two animals enjoying life. This event in my life slowly became the inspiration for this piece.

My name is Jade Truong and I am a year 7 student attending St Johns Park High School. Going out on walks remain a great love of mine, seeing many unique areas of Fairfield City really brighten my day.

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Visual Arts Primary

My artwork is based on the fact that Fairfield City Council is a very diverse and multicultural community, that doesn’t judge anyone by their skin tone, religion, or culture they come from.

I have included Cabramatta’s Pai Lau Gate, which represents welcoming and harmony. My illustrations of all the people from different backgrounds demonstrates that everyone is equal and that we can learn from each other’s traditions.

The lion dance symbolises luck and good fortune.

The words ‘diverisity makes us strong’ means that if we all treat each other with respect and equality, our differences will make us strong.

I am in a composite class this year, currently in my final year of primary school. I have a strong passion for Visual Arts and enjoy creating my own artworks.

1st

First Prize

Angelina Bui, St Johns Park Public School ‘Diversity Makes Us Strong’, sketch 16

2nd

Second Prize

Degan Pearn, Horsley Park Public School ‘Horsley Park, My Heart, My Home’, drawing with coloured pencil

As I walk through Horsley Park Reserve, I see and hear kookaburras laughing, black cockatoos squawking and I smell the native flowers blooming.

The old fences surrounding the reserve reminds me of its history, the iron farm cut outs high on poles remind us that Horsley Park is surrounded by farms.

The Aboriginal artwork yarning circle is to remember, protect and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. It also represents Horsley Park coming together as a community, we're all one big family.

I am 9 years old and I am a nice, caring and creative person. I represent my class being in the Student Leadership team. My dream is to display my artworks to encourage people to always follow their dreams.

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3rd

Third Prize

Angelina Huynh, St Johns Park Public School ‘The Fairfield Special’, markers, water paint and pen

My artwork is about different places in these four special frames. The first frame represents the Cabramatta Gate. The second frame is about Fairfield City. The third frame is about a drawing of Fairfield Eats where you can enjoy food. The last frame is about fireworks. I chose these colours to represent our pride for Fairfield. This artwork was inspired by many places that I love visiting in Fairfield.

My name is Angelina and I am in 5N. I have a strong passion for Visual Arts and enjoy creating artworks.

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Highly Commended

Nikita Tran, St Johns Park Primary School ‘Fairfield Rain and Flowers’, pen and water paint My artwork is inspired by rain and flowers. it has a sunset with flowers and tear drops dripping from the leaves in Fairfield.

I am Nikita and currently in 4H. I have a strong passion for Visual Arts and enjoy creating artworks.

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Educating for sustainability empowers our City’s residents with the confidence and ambition to know they can make a difference to our world, so this year we introduced a new ‘Waste to Art’ group category open to primary schools in our Local Government Area.

Students in years 3-6 were invited to work as a group to upcycle reusable waste into art. This involved using anything from cardboard packaging to scraps of clothing and items found in our natural environment. Classes were encouraged to create something new from reclaimed items which would have otherwise gone to waste.

This category aligns with the ‘Waste to Art’ curriculum and raising awareness and knowledge into issues surrounding waste in society.

First Prize

Class 3/4 Rizzardo, Horsley Park Public School ‘Fruit and Vegetable Farm’ Mixed media

1st

Fairfield City historically started as a farming community. Located in Horsley Park, we feel it is important to support our local businesses. We have used compost, recyclable materials and items of nature to create a fruit and vegetable farm symbolising the many farms in our Fairfield City and Horsley Park Community. The fruit and vegetable farms in Fairfield City is something that make us stand out and special and we must love and support our local farms.

Some of our materials include grounded coffee beans for the soil, cardboard packaging, paddle pop sticks and items of nature for the trees.

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2nd

Second Prize

Year 3-6 Garden Club, Marion Catholic Primary School Horsley Park ‘Love our Country, Love our City’ Mixed media

The children have chosen the map of Australia with Fairfield City on our map. This was applied on an old cork board using various recycled material and school waste. The children added their artworks on the outer cardboard to display their favourite things they love to do in our wonderful Fairfield City.

Our Garden Club, consisting of 14 students, participated in this project during their lunchtimes under the guidance of Mrs Angela Grima, our Sustainability and Garden Club leader.

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3rd

Third Prize

Class 4 Jellyfish, Fairvale Public School ‘Keep Australia Waste Free’ Mixed media

A representation of Australia covered in waste. Our class has been exploring; Australia and its states, examining the importance of our natural vegetation and resources to the environment, our animals and people. To appreciate Australia we must recognise what our environment provides for us and our animals. We value our land and want to protect it by thinking more sustainably.

Looking closely in our community, we found many forms of plastic, straws, food wrapping, masks and other reusable materials in our streets. We also analysed recyclable and non-recyclable materials learning about differing views on how sustainability can be achieved. We have represented Australia covered in waste in hopes to encourage to keep Australia waste free. We hope that everyone may contribute and play a part in thinking more sustainably as every piece of waste counts.

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Highly Commended

Class 5/6 Arnot, Horsley Park Public School ‘Our Lizard Log’, mixed media Our school has a yearly excursion to the Lizard Log at the Western Sydney Parklands to learn more about nature, the ecosystem and the habitats of the animals. We recreated the Lizard Log Park by first, sculpturing a lizard out of metal wiring and then covered it in snack wrappers and chip packets.

We also recreated a zip-line using cardboard scraps, paper twine from a paper bag, stepping logs and the trees of the park using items of nature.

The reason why we wrapped the lizard with snack wrappers and chip packets is to send a message to the community that we should not litter but protect our beautiful city. By not littering, we are protecting the environment, animal life and protecting the image of this beautiful park that we love in Fairfield City.

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Class 6 Yabbies, Fairvale Public School ‘Below the Surface’, mixed media

Class 5 Barracudas, Fairvale Public School ‘The Reality of our Oceans’, mixed media

Class 4 Tiger Sharks, Fairvale Public School ‘Coral Bottle Top Fish’, mixed media

Class 2/3 Clownfish, Fairvale Primary School ‘Swimming with the Clownfish’, mixed media 25

Photography Adult

1st First Prize

Le Loc Nguyen, Adult category ‘Happy Ending’ Cabramatta

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Second Prize

Martin Ratcliff, Adult category ‘Devoted Fairfield Couple’ Community Nursery, Prairiewood

2nd 27

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The submissions were successful in capturing the diversity and colour in our City.

Capture Fairfield Judge

3rd

Third Prize

Patrizia Zeppieri, Adult category ‘Working from Home’ The Dairy, Bossley Park 28

Highly Commended

Lin Cai, Adult category ‘Colours of Autumn’ Endeavour Sports Field, Fairfield West

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Photography Secondary

1st

First Prize

George Bazoon, Patrician Brothers’ Catholic College ‘Flashing Lights’ Fairfield City Centre 30

Second Prize

Grace Dinh, Fairvale High School ‘Collections of Rain’ Fairfield West

2nd 31

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This year’s submissions demonstrated how much Fairfield residents love the natural and built environments of the city where they live.

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Capture Fairfield Judge

3rd

Third Prize

Nathan Gerolimatos, Patrician Brothers’ Catholic College ‘Reminiscent Railway’ Fairfield Station 32

Highly Commended

Grace Dinh, Fairvale High School ‘Delicate Droplets’ Fairfield West

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Photography Primary

1st First Prize

Maci McLintock, Bossley Park Public Shool ‘Sky Bloom’ The Dairy, Sydney Western Regional Park 34

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The photography competition has encouraged local students to explore natural wonders in their community and get creative behind the lens.

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Natural Resource Officer Fairfield City Council

Second Prize

Lisa Lamiro, Bossley Park Public School ‘Path to the Sky’ Bossley Park

2nd

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Highly Commended

Grace Tato, Old Guildford Public School ‘Feeding in the Arvo’ Old Guildford

3rd

Third Prize

Mahmoud Ali, Old Guildford Public School ‘Sun (flower) Rise’ Old Guildford 37

Visual Arts

Dalin Shamonka, Adult category ‘My next-door neighbour’, Digital artwork

Amber Bolton, Adult category ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, letterpress drawer and glazed ceramic forms 38

Diane Yousouf, Adult category ‘Orphan School Creek’, pastel painting

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Melvy Connell, Adult category ‘The Ibis’, mixed media on paper

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Vanessa Di Pietro, Adult category ‘Vibrancy’, alcohol inks on yuppo paper

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Isabella Lieu, St Johns Park Public School ‘I love Fairfield’, mixed media

Emily Nguyen, Fairvale Public School ‘Lion Dancing’, sketch

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Birkita Tran, St Johns Park Public School ‘Fairfield Park’, painting

Katherine Ha, St Johns Park Public School ‘Fairfield Sydney Parklands’, mixed media

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Angela Doan, St Johns Park Public School ‘Magical night in Fairfield’, oil pastels and pen

Jenny Hu, St Johns Park Public School ‘Day and Night’, painting

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Hayden Lillis, St Johns Park Public School ‘Fairfield City’, pen, colouring pencils and oil pastels

Hillary Park, St Johns Park Public School ‘Diversity - Strong - Friendly’, sketch 45

Dove Amosa, Mount Pritchard Public School ‘Sunset in Fairfield’, painting

Nicole Chan, Mount Pritchard Public School ‘Lion Dance’, painting

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Jasmine Lao, Mount Pritchard Public School ‘Cabramatta’, painting

Karina Vo, St Johns Park Public School ‘Colourful Cabramatta’, water paint and markers 47

Photography

Alex Benetel, Adult category ‘Quietude’ Western Sydney Regional Parklands 48

Aleks Novakovic, Adult category ‘Owls’ Bossley Park

Bradley Wood, Adult category ‘The Visitor’ Abbotsbury 49

Andy Tan, Adult category ‘An evening stroll in Cabramatta’ Cabramatta

Andy Tan, Adult category ‘Cabramatta Train Station’ Cabramatta

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The submissions were successful in capturing the diversity and colour in our City.

Capture Fairfield Judge

Dean Pipatvong, Adult category ‘Season Change’ St Johns Park 51

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Through the eyes of Capture Fairfield we can see the true beauty of our vibrant places.

Cabramatta Place Manager Fairfield City Council

Alex Benetal, Adult category ‘Ethereal June’ Western Sydney Regional Parklands

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Danny West, Adult category ‘The Globe’ Fairfield Showground, Prairiewood

Claudia Marcelja, Adult category ‘When all is calm’ Cabramatta

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We know that Fairfield residents are proud to belong to a diverse multicultural community.

Social Planning and Cultural Development Officer Fairfield City Council

Claudia Marcelja, Adult category ‘Dreamy Vibes’ King Park, Wakeley 54

Stephanie Kacprazk, Adult “Neon Cuckoo Bee” - Prairiewood Le Loc Nguyen, Adult category ‘Non-stop Cabramatta’ Cabramatta

Monique Wood, Adult “Discovering Abbotsbury and Calmsley Hill ” - Abbotsbury

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Martin Ratcliffe, Adult category ‘Morning Reflection in Fairfield’ Cutler Road Reserve, Fairfield

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Dean Pipatvong, Adult category ‘Happy Feet’ Stormwater channel, St Johns Park

Giuseppe Ingui, Adult category ‘In the eye of the beholder’ Fairfield

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Martin Ratcliffe, Adult category ‘New Home Release in Fairfield’ Community Native Plant Nursery, Prairiewood

Kim Pham, Adult category ‘The visitors’ Cabramatta

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Viraphong Phomphithak, Adult category ‘Merchant Silhouette’ Cabramatta

Viraphong Phomphithak, Adult category ‘Emerging Cat’ 59

Matthew Heikkinen, Adult category ‘Sentinel Tree’ Lizard Log, Western Sydney Regional Parklands

Aleks Novakovic, Adult category ‘Neighbours’ Bossley Park 60

Ceclia Blake , Adult category ‘Bushland Adventure Ride’ Bonnyrigg Bush Tucker Path

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Charlotte Lee, Secondary student ‘Being Different’ Bossley Park

Charlotte Lee, Secondary student ‘Leaf Hearts Fairfield’ St Johns Park

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Byron Inthavong, Secondary student ‘Fairfield’s Cavoodle’

Linda Piper, Adult category ‘Playground in St Johns Park’

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The Capture Fairfield book gives the community the opportunity to shine through the eyes of individuals as they explore the hidden natural beauty of Fairfield City’s indigenous flora and fauna.

Emma DiMarzio, Secondary category ‘Folium in Umbra’ Moonrise Lookout Cecil Park

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Bush Care Officer Fairfield City Council

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Emma DiMarzio - Secondary student ‘Living on the edge’ Bossley Park

Charlotte Lee - Secondary student ‘Set on exploration’ Bossley Park

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George Bazoon, Secondary student ‘Adventures’ Fairfield Adventure Park

Natasha Wood, Secondary student ‘Family Fun’ Calmsley Hill City Farm

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Justin Nguyen, Secondary student ‘Bird Shot’ Fairfield

Nathan Gerolimatos, Secondary student ‘Garden of Eden’ Fairfield 67

Layla Rose Moshi, Secondary student ‘Ninja Warrior’ Koonoona Park, Villawood

Mylez Molo, Secondary student ‘Python Playground’ Fairfield

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Justin Nguyen, Secondary student ‘Road shot’ Wetherill Park

Filtomas Finekifolau, Secondary student ‘The beauty of sports’ Cabra-Vale Diggers Fairfield Athletics 69

Maci McLintock, Primary student ‘Morning Dew’ The Dairy, Sydney Western Regional Parklands

Ethan Lee, Primary student ‘The Tree’s Heart of Fire’ Cabramatta West

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Zayne Lobow, Secondary student ‘Chandelier in the sky’ Fairfield Easter Fair, Fairfield Showground

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Fairfield City Council would like to thank the 2022 Capture Fairfield Visual Arts & Photography Competition entrants.

We hope this year’s talent inspires you to capture the beauty of our City in 2023.

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Entries from this competition will form a pictorial history of our current heritage that will be preserved for future generations.

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Heritage Librarian Fairfield City Council

Chipping Norton Lake Lansvale

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