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Sunwater has announced Proserpine photographer Summer Rain Mulvey as the winner of its 2026 Photo Competition, with her striking image of Peter Faust Dam at sunset during a rare spill event to feature on the cover of the 2027 Sunwater Calendar.
Now in its third year, the competition invited Queensland snappers to capture the stunning landscapes that are home to Sunwater’s storages and surrounding waterways, highlighting the vital role they play in supporting regional communities and the safe, responsible ways they are enjoyed for recreation.
Following an anonymous judging process, a record 225 entries were shortlisted to 65 photographs before a panel of four judges independently selected the winner and 12 runners-up.
Summer’s winning photograph captured a historic moment at Peter Faust Dam, which spilled in March for the first time since 2013.
Sunwater Executive General Manager Operations and Customers, Colin Bendall said the competition had become an important way for Sunwater to connect with communities while showcasing the significant role its assets play across Queensland.
“While our dams, weirs and channels store and supply water to keep our regions moving, they are also important places for recreation, relaxation and connection,” he said.
“The images will feature in the 2027 calendar and our communications over the coming year to help showcase recreation opportunities, operational activities and Sunwater’s ongoing commitment to safety.
“We received stunning images from a range of Sunwater locations, highlighting not only Queensland’s spectacular landscapes but also the strong connection local communities have with our dams, lakes and weirs.
“Summer’s image of Peter Faust Dam spilling stood out not only for its striking beauty, but as a milestone moment for the dam, having spilled for the first time in more than 4,700 days after significant rainfall over the wet season.”
Summer’s success is particularly special given her long history of capturing meaningful moments in our region. Her award-winning work following Cyclone Debbie demonstrated her ability to tell powerful stories through photography, and this year’s winning image once again captures a remarkable moment in our region’s history.
Summer Rain Mulvey said her photo reflected her passion for capturing the stories, landscapes and moments that showcase the beauty of the Whitsunday region.
“As a landscape photographer, I love documenting the beauty and character of our region, and this photograph captures a significant moment for one of our region’s most iconic locations,” she said.
“Seeing Peter Faust Dam overflowing against the colours of the sunset was a spectacular sight, and I knew straight away I had captured something truly special.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be named the winner of the Sunwater Photo Competition, and to have my image featured on the cover of the 2027 Sunwater Calendar.”
The 12 runner-up photographs will feature throughout the months of the 2027 Sunwater Calendar, alongside important water safety messages to encourage safe behaviour around inland waterways.
The 2027 Sunwater Calendar will be available for free at Sunwater community events, dam open days and other corporate and community activities from late 2026.
Sunwater customers will also be able to request a copy by calling their Customer Support team on 13 15 89.