Unfortunately, Vast Arts and Desert Channels Group have had to cancel the Channel Country Photography Competition Gala Dinner that was to be held on 1 October, 2011, due to a lack of finalists being able to attend.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused, however we are a not for profit organisation and need to be mindful of running events that may not be financially viable nor adequately reflect the quality and achievements of the entrants," Project Officer Miss Shelley Colvin said.

Please be assured that the committee is in the process of organizing another presentation to acknowledge the finalists and our sponsors publicly, which will include a display of the works entered.

In relation to the competition, the 12 finalists were chosen by the judges and notified by Vast Arts during the week. The calendar will still be printed and will be available from 3 October, 2011. Please contact Vast Arts or Desert Channels Group in Longreach to purchase a copy. All funds raised go to a significant natural resources project headed by DCG.

This year, the Channel Country Photography Competition aimed to encourage regional and emerging photographers and to attract visitors to the region to capture ‘the essence of the outback’.

We were overwhelmed with over 200 entries of outstanding caliber and Vast Arts, in collaboration with Desert Channels Group and our sponsors are excited about a bigger and better 2012!.