An image of a stunning sunrise captured at Lightning Ridge has won a Christmas Card photo competition.

Photos of scenery from all across the Western Plains made the shortlist for the 2023 contest which was conducted by Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton.

The winning image, taken by Naomi Stone from Lightning Ridge in named "Sunrise at Kangaroo Hill" and shows beautiful morning light streaming across the sky.

 According to Mr Coulton, the captures the intensity of the sunrises experienced in Outback New South Wales.

“Ms Stone’s photo includes such eye-catching colour that it immediately got my attention, and I think a sunrise is always a hopeful thing, which is a nice message as well. The rocky soil and old structures featured in this photo are an iconic reminder of the industry out at Lightning Ridge, which is opal country; this is a nod to both the history of the area and how resource-rich the Australian outback is."

Mr Coulton described the quality of the entries as "outstanding".

The list of 14 finalists provided photos from ten talented photographers with Samantha Smith from Cobar having three of her photos selected: "Cobar Sound Chapel", "Sunset in Cobar at the Old Reservoir" and "Sound Chapel from Within."

The list of finalists include:

• Beth Lynch from Dubbo for her photo ‘Spring days spent in the serenity of Dubbo’s gardens’ taken at the Shoyoen Japanese Gardens.
• Mark Middendorf from Warren for his photo of a child at play in a paddock.
• Rowie Hawley from Warren for her photo of a fence post against the horizon.
• Geoff Wheeler from Dubbo for his photos: ‘Mt Mullaley’, ‘Storm to the west of Dubbo’ and ‘Rural Serenity’.
• Warren Chad from Condobolin for his photo of cattle dog pups entitled ‘New Recruits’.
• Ted Miller of Coolah for his photo: ‘Vinegaroy Road in the evening’.
• Lyn Hunt from Gunnedah for her photo ‘Sunrise from Blackjack Road’.
• Samantha Smith from Cobar for her photos ‘Cobar Sound Chapel’, ‘Sunset in Cobar at the Old Reservoir’ and ‘Sound Chapel from Within’.
• Simon Bray from Dubbo for his aerial photo taken over Southlakes, Dubbo.
• Naomi Stone from Lightning Ridge for her photo ‘Sunrise at Kangaroo Hill

The photos will be featured in a collage on Mr Coulton's 2023 Christmas card and also on a limited print run of full sized 2024 calendars.