A vibrant dandelion, with its petals stretching outwards, against a brilliant backdrop of colourful bokeh – this is the picture taken by an Upper Yarra Secondary College student which won first place in a Victoria-wide photography competition.
Year nine student, A’isha took the top prize in Sustainability Victoria’s Through Your Own Lens photography competition – a state-wide initiative to inspire climate-ready thinking across schools participating in the ResourceSmart Schools program.
Up against 90 entries received from 28 schools across the state, A’isha’s image titled Growing Towards a Better Future, won the senior school category.
Her photograph features a vibrant dandelion thriving after winter and was praised for her striking composition and thoughtful reflection.
A’isha said the image “illustrates the small, simple wonders of our world.”
“The ability of this dandelion to grow back strong and vibrant after a cold, harsh winter is remarkable.
“To build a climate-ready future, we must protect these things that provide us with pollination and stable habitats, ensuring these treasures of life are safe,” the year nine student said.
This year, the Through Your Own Lens competition invited students across Victoria to explore the theme, building a climate-ready future, through photography and written reflection.
The initiative encourages young people to consider how communities, nature, and infrastructure are adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Judges praised A’isha’s entry for its “beautiful reflection with a striking image and creative use of focus”.
“We appreciate the natural light and colour in this photo, which really pop. The subject, colour and reflection together create a caring and empathetic mood,” the judges stated.
Students were recognised across three categories: lower primary, middle years and senior school.
Sustainability Victoria’s chief executive officer Matt Genever congratulated A’isha and all entrants for their artistic visions of a climate-ready future.
“This competition is a powerful reminder of the creativity and insight young people bring to the climate conversation.
“A’isha’s image beautifully captures the resilience of nature and the importance of protecting it. It’s inspiring to see students leading the way with a strong sense of care for the world around them.”
Winners received cash prizes to support sustainability projects at their schools, a printed and framed copy of their photograph, and an invitation to the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards – Victoria’s largest celebration of sustainability in schools, where their work will be featured in a special exhibition of finalists’ images.
