The Community Environment Network (CEN) turns 25 this year and to kick start the celebrations chose World Environment Day (June 5) to announce its #Reconnect amateur photography and short film competition, with less than a week left for entries.
“CEN has grown to be the peak environmental organisation on the Central Coast and our vision continues to be to stand up for ecological sustainable development (ESD) and oppose threats to it,” Chair, Gary Chestnut, said.
“To mark our 25th anniversary we want to talk about the importance of nature to all of us.
Chestnut said CEN wanted to encourage everyone on the Central Coast to #Reconnect with nature.
“We know that Central Coast residents love nature – that is why we live here but, in the rush and bustle of everyday life, we often don’t take enough time to immerse ourselves in nature’s beauty, poetry and therapy.
“We want to give everyone who lives on the Central Coast the opportunity to use their smart phone to take a photograph or make a short film about reconnecting with nature.
“Perhaps you have a favourite spot in nature or a favourite activity you want to depict or perhaps you have a message about reconnecting with nature that you would like to portray in a short, five to 10-minute film.”
Entries are open until July 6 and the winners will be announced at CEN’s 25th Anniversary Dinner to be held at Mingara on Saturday, July 23.
All photographs will be exhibited at the dinner and the winning film and photograph will receive cash prizes.
The #Reconnect competition is free to enter at www.cen.org.au/events, where conditions of entry are also available.
“CEN’s 25th anniversary is an important milestone for our Executive Committee, life members, staff and volunteers,” Chestnut said.
CEN CEO, Samantha Willis, said it was important to have an independent, member-based group like CEN to educate people about the environment, give people the opportunity to engage more with nature, and campaign to protect the Coast’s beautiful and precious areas for future generations to enjoy.
“The dinner will give CEN an opportunity to reflect on past activities, showcase our current projects and campaigns and look to the future,” she said.
Meanwhile community members are invited to attend the gala 25th anniversary dinner on July 23.
Tickets are $70 per person, which includes canapes, two courses and table beverages and bookings are essential at www.cen.org.au/events.
Source: Community Environment Network
