Tess, 19, and Nash, 11, took part in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Water Week Photography, Poetry and Art competition.

The winners were announced last week at the Glasshouse as part of the offficial opening of Hastings Water Week.

Tess took out the the youth painting section and Nash the junior photography section.

“I was really surprised. I didn’t really think I would win. It’s made me feel like I want to take more photos,” Nash said.

Nash’s brother brought him a digital camera for Christmas and he just started taking a few photos to try it out.

He photo the rainbow was judged the winner.

“I thought it was a bit different and hard to get so I thought I’d send that one in,” Nash said.

Tess’s winning painting was originally done for her HSC.

“I did it again and tried to perfect it a bit more. My Auntie Leonie liked the original and I did it again for her,” Tess said.

Her win in the competition came as a shock.

“It was a surprise. It’s encouraged me to do more paintings,” she said.

Their works will be featured in the 2010 Osmosis Calender which is now available from council offices and libraries in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope. A slideshow of images featured in this year’s competition are being presented at local libraries this week. It was Laurieton’s turn yesterday, Port Macquarie today and Wauchope tomorrow.