“ The State of the Future Youth Photo Competition invited Victorian young people aged 18 to 30 to enter a photo of themselves in their local Victorian community with an accompanying caption about their hopes for the future. Three winners were chosen by a panel of judges based on their interpretation of the theme and their originality and creativity. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone for participating. ”
Tayla Richardson
'I envision a future in which our individual choices, no matter how small, echo. Where positive influence ripples, like the wings of a butterfly through the atmosphere, eroding division, carving a path for universal access and inclusion. Where we see non-linear, cascading effects on entrenched complex systems. A time in which we are aware of our light, our expanding impact; amplified through voicing, combining and valuing one another’s lived experience. A cohesive world, in which we collectively call in rather than call out, acknowledge our interconnectivity and are conscious that one moment of connection can transform a life.'
Thanh Dang Thien Nguyen
'Does my face look asymmetrical, my brother asked. Amidst the digital noise, social media has irreparably exacerbated our insecurities, becoming a leading cause of declining mental health among young people. Every new trend becomes a magnifying glass, targeting a new area for hyper-fixation. The quest for validation morphs into a relentless pursuit of unattainable perfection. But my hope resides in our generation as we strive to rewrite the narrative, aiming to share our stories with the hope of forging genuine connections. In this digital age, let us be empathetic, kind, and authentic.'
Bettina Zurzolo
'My hope for the future lies in the trees, as they symbolise strength, individuality, growth and interconnection. I use these as a reminder of my own.'