The 2026 Goulburn Broken Catchment calendar cover photo is an Emu by Rebecca Polonski.
A community photo competition that celebrates native animals, plants and landscapes has reached a 20-year milestone.
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The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s annual calendar, featuring images of the local natural environment taken by amateur photographers, marks its 20th edition in 2026.
The coveted front cover image chosen for the 2026 calendar is an emu in the morning mist at Puckapunyal, taken by Rebecca Polonski. The photo was selected from more than 280 entries.
Goulburn Broken CMA project officer Janice Mentiplay-Smith has produced the calendar since the 2011 edition.
“After two decades, the calendar continues to attract submissions from a wide variety of amateur photographers, who have captured the natural beauty of the catchment,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.
“This year’s calendar features reptile, wetland, mammal, frog, insect, plant, bird, flower and even fungi images from across the local landscape.
“Birds have always featured prominently in the calendar, but 2026 is the first time we’ve had an emu on the cover.”
Rainbow bee-eaters by Kerryn Buckley.
The first calendar was produced in 2007, led by the Broken Boosey Conservation Management Network and the Goulburn Broken CMA. It has continued every year since, through a range of partnerships.
In addition to the photos, the calendar is jam packed with information about the environment and actions we can all take to preserve, protect and appreciate nature.
“The calendar photo competition continues to attract new interest from people who are out and about in nature with their camera, right across the catchment,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.
“The calendar showcases the variety of biodiversity in the Goulburn Broken catchment. From tiny native bees to large wetlands, there is always something new to see and learn.”
The Broken Boosey Conservation Management Network Advisory Group assisted in selecting the top photos. Moira Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council and Mitchell Shire Council are supporting partners.
The free calendar is available for collection while stocks last from the Goulburn Broken CMA office, 168 Welsford St, Shepparton.
Drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 4pm, or otherwise by appointment.
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