Smile – it’s time for a picture with a politician!
Election time is selfie time for almost every political candidate. And what better selfie to have circulating on social media than a cut through photo of a political candidate visiting a local do-good charity or community group?
Even better when you know that charities and community groups want to encourage these visits from politicians almost as much as political candidates want to be part of them.
And even better still when you know a charity or community group involved in these visits can win up to $4000 in a new competition for the best picture of a political candidate visiting a local charity during this campaign.
Famous news photographer Mike Bowers has agreed to judge a special weekly award of $2000 for the best ‘poli-pix’ in a competition to encourage more engagement between politicians and their local charities and community groups. A further $2000 will be available to the best of the best pictures during the campaign. The Poli-pix competition is jointly run by the Community Council for Australia (CCA) and Our Community: https://www.communitycouncil.com.au/poli-pix All entries will be considered.
Tim Costello, Chair of CCA, said; “We think it is important for all politicians and all governments to better understand the invaluable work of charities and community groups in their electorates and beyond. Even if we are just looking at the economic impact of these groups, charities employ over 1.3 million Australians and contribute around 12% of GDP with a total annual turnover above $150 billion. When we include all the not-for-profits you are talking about at least one in five Australian workers employed in this sector, and even more volunteering. This is one of the reasons the research shows voters are more likely to back politicians that support their local charities and community groups.”
Denis Moriarty, Group Managing Director of Our Community said; “Community groups are the heartbeat of Australian life, and yet a lot of people down-play their role, not just in our economy, but in all our lives. Our sector is rarely seen as important enough to be in the room when major national policy decisions are being taken by governments. We want to change that, increase understanding, and have charities and community groups more involved in government decision making to build stronger and more productive communities across Australia.”
David Crosbie, CEO of CCA said he was looking forward to seeing some outstanding photos. “I am not sure if Mike Bowers and the judging panel prefer animals or people, ribbons or medals, portraits or action shots, but I am looking forward to finding out. I hope to see more than a thousand photos from a thousand visits during the election campaign.”
Charities and not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to invite their local candidates to visit and take a photo – it could win them a prize. They can submit their photos here.
