Rural Aid is proud to launch the 6th annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, inviting Australians to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land. Running from 14 July to 31 August, the much-loved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell their stories through the lens, stories of rugged beauty, resilience and community spirit in the face of hardship. This year’s competition comes after another challenging season of natural disasters, with floods, fires, and droughts once again testing the resolve of the nation’s rural heartland. “Every year, we are humbled by the entries we receive, each photo is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farming families and communities,” John Warlters, Rural Aid CEO, said. “The Spirit of the Bush competition is more than a showcase of talent. It’s a reminder of the grit and determination that keeps rural Australia going, even through the toughest of times.” Entrants are invited to submit a high-resolution, landscape photograph that represents the true Spirit of the Bush. Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and using the hashtag #SOTB2025. Entries can also be submitted, and the competition terms and conditions can be reviewed via our website at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/. A panel of judges will select ten winning images, each of which will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card. Winners will be announced on 15 September 2025. “This is a celebration of the people and places that make our regions special,” Mr Warlters said. “Whether it’s a hardworking farmer, a storm rolling across a paddock, or a quiet moment at sunset, every image has the power to connect Australians with the bush.” Rural Aid encourages everyone with a passion for photography and the country to pick up their camera and show the world what the 'Spirit of the Bush' means to them.
