Poli-Pix: Help put community groups in the picture this election and win!

A not-for-profit community theatre in Perth has snapped up $3000 in prizes for dramatic photographs featuring campaigning federal candidates, while promoting its mission and latest show.

The recently formed Arena Theatre Productions WA Inc. has already won in two rounds of the PoliPix competition - a joint initiative of the Community Council for Australia and Our Community - which awards groups up to $2000 each week for the best snaps featuring candidates' visits during the campaign.

Arena first invited Swan Liberal candidate Kristy McSweeney to ham it up with performers from its "crazy comedy" show How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse. Not to be outdone, Perth Labor MP Patrick Gorman got into the act, appearing in another Arena pic picked by Guardian photographer and competition judge Mike Bowers, who loved its "energy and creativity". Australian Federation Party candidate Nigel March also mugged for the cameras. The theatre has used the visits to press for more arts sector support.

As Arena's chair and artistic director Simon Love said, "Hit hard by covid, the arts sector needs ongoing support from governments, from the grassroots and up".

The extra attention had sparked a spike in Arena's Facebook followers, with the troupe now planning to repeat its zombie show over Halloween and the next Perth Fringe Festival.

Weekly entries close each Thursday COB until the election, and a $2000 grand prize will be awarded for best picture.

Each week’s winner will demonstrate news sense, insight and photographic prowess, and there’s an additional $2000 prize for the best of the best.

Our Community group managing director Denis Moriarty said election time was the perfect time for not-for-profits to stand out.

“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.”

CCA chair Tim Costello said that with 1.3 million workers and annual turnover of more than $150 billion, the sector was underestimated.

“The research shows voters are more likely to back politicians that support their local charities and community groups,” Reverend Costello said.

CCA CEO David Crosbie said the competition aimed to attract more than 1000 photo entries.

Read the media release about the competition on the CCA website, and see more pictures from the competition here.