The 2019 competition recently launched with the exciting new theme 'Beyond the Dust'.

Western Landcare's Local Landcare Coordinator, Jasmine Whitten said the official launch on May 13 was well received.

"We've had four entries so far which is really quick," she said.

The competition has been running for approximately 20 years, to showcase the reality and beauty of the Western region.

Ms Whitten is originally from Tamworth and moved to Cobar for her new role earlier this year.

Upon her arrival she saw through the media the many dust storms that the region was experiencing.

"That started a conversation with my team 'how can we turn it around?', how can we create a positive image of this western region?' because we are so much more than dust storms and drought. That's where 'Beyond the Dust' came from," Ms Whitten explained.

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The competition coordinator said the theme will be different for everyone.

"So it will be interesting (to see) what photo's we end up getting," she said.

For Ms Whitten, she hopes the photography competition is a way for entrants to showcase where they live and just how resilient they are.

"I think people will be a key theme throughout all the photos that come through, along with animals of course," she said.

In the past the photography competition has been held a earlier in the year, but organisers decided to push it back in 2019 to align with other events in the region, Ms Whitten said.

"I was getting messages form people asking when the competition was opening, so it's super popular," she said.

"I think it will be good that we're doing it a little later because we're hitting the tourist season now so anyone can take photos out here, doesn't matter if you don't live out here, just as long as the photo has been taken in the Western region you can enter."

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The Western area encompasses the Local Land Services Western region, which covers approximately 40 per cent of NSW.

Ms Whitten said it was fine for entrants to submit photos that were taken on their phones.

The winners will be announced in August at the Wentworth Show.

The judging committee will be made up of Western Landcare representatives, Western LLS and a professional rural photographer.

All entries must be submitted by the website, which can be found at lifeandlight.com.au and they have to have been taken no earlier than January 1, 2017.

To keep up to date with the latest competition news or to find out more search 'Life & Light Photo Competition' on Facebook.