A impressive community response to the Clarence Valley Council’s inaugural IN FOCUS photo competition has led to calls for the entries in future competitions to be published as a coffee table book. The council’s social and cultural services manager, Judy Banko, said funding restrictions meant it was impossible to produce the entries in the 2015 competition as a book, so council was looking for innovative ways for entries in the 2016 competition to be published. “A few other councils across the State have used crowdfunding to support community projects, so we thought we’d do the same for this project,” she said. “The theme for the 2016 competition is Faces of Community so it will provide a great reflection of the Clarence Valley. “And if the quality of photography for 2016 is as high as it was in 2015 – and I’ve no doubt it will be – it will make a magnificent keepsake. “Through the use of crowdfunding we should be able to turn this project into a reality.” Crowdfunding is the practice of raising funds for a campaign or project by seeking small donations from a large number of people, typically via the internet. “It provides a new way for the community to support local initiatives and engage with innovative ideas. I encourage people to get online and check out this great project, make a donation, and share their support on their social networks,” Dr Banko said. The campaign is running for eight weeks, ending Saturday, January 30, 2016. Head to www.pozible.com/project/198699 to make a donation or to learn more about this project. The Clarence Valley IN FOCUS photography competition “Faces of Community” is still open and calling for entries. Enter your SLR, compact camera or mobile phone images for your chance to win $500. Head to www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/infocus to enter.