Canungra Times photographer Katie O’Brien has taken out two of three photography awards at the recent Queensland Country Press Association Awards.
Katie, who won Best Community Portrait at the 2025 awards, won the same category again for a photo of a group of young cowboys at Canungra Rodeo and also won Best Sports Photo, again for a photo taken at Canungra Rodeo.
Judge Derek Moore said Katie’s photo of the cowboys showed exactly what it’s like to grow up in regional Queensland.
“It’s great to see how you’ve balanced the ‘toughness’ of the rodeo world with the friendship and energy of the younger generation,” he said.
“It really highlights how these local traditions aren’t just for show – they’re a huge part of who these kids are and how they’re being raised.
“You’ve done a wonderful job of turning a simple moment into a powerful story about community and pride.”
Katie’s high-octane action shot in the Best Sports Photo captured the intense symmetry between horse, rider, and calf at the critical moment of the chase.
“The centered, head-on composition creates a powerful sense of momentum, while the frozen arc of the lasso perfectly frames the calf to emphasize the technical skill involved in the sport,” Mr Moore said.
“With a sharp focus that makes the main subjects pop against the dusty arena, it is a compelling and professionally executed example of sports photography that fully captures the raw energy of the rodeo.”
Scenic Rim Media, the locally owned and run company that contains Canungra Times, Tamborine Mountain News and Beaudesert Bulletin, had a successful night, competing against many larger publications.
Tamborine Mountain News was awarded second place in Best Free Newspaper, while Beaudesert Bulletin Editor Susie Cunningham took out third place in Journalistic Excellence for an Individual Journalist.
Beaudesert Bulletin also won third place for Best Locally Produced Print Advertising Campaign for a series of advertisements for Hoof and Paws veterinary surgery.
