The winning image, captured by Becc Farrell from Marmor, features her cattle dog Rusty sitting happily in a trough full of water after a day in the paddock, while nearby cattle look on with what can only be described as a mix of curiosity, confusion and disbelief.
It’s a playful, character-filled photo that instantly makes you smile, and one that perfectly captures the spirit of life on the land in CQ.
After a rigorous judging process, Rusty’s winning moment stood out for its originality, storytelling, composition and emotional impact, offering a candid glimpse into the humour, heart and everyday reality of rural life.
Becc said the photo was taken at Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay in Marmor, after Rusty had been out mustering.
“I took the photo to capture a special moment of Rusty cooling off after a day in the paddock mustering. It’s rare to have so many cattle looking on so inquisitively all at once, which made it an even more special shot,” she said.
For Becc, the image is more than just a funny moment. It reflects what comes with living on the land.
“For me, the photo perfectly shows a day in the life of a working cattle dog. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime shot, and it’s hard not to smile when you see it. It really captures that sense of work and play we’re lucky to enjoy living on the land.”
FBA launched the competition earlier this year to encourage people across central Queensland to share photographs that capture the beauty, character and spirit of the region. With a strong rural focus, the campaign invited entries that showcased landscapes, communities and life on the land through a local lens.
Having received over 600 entries, the response highlighted the depth of pride people have in CQ and the many ways life in the region can be captured — from sweeping landscapes to everyday moments in the paddock like Rusty’s.
While there were many worthy entries in this year’s competition, Becc’s photograph ultimately rose to the top for its ability to tell a story in a single frame. It is warm, genuine and unmistakably CQ.
As the winner of the 2026 Your Backyard Photo Competition, Becc will receive a Great Keppel Island weekend getaway package.
FBA thanks everyone who entered the competition and shared their view of CQ through their lens.
