After attracting hundreds of entries from across Australia and capturing life on cotton farms in 2024, Cotton Australia’s Click photo competition is back for 2026.

Cotton Australia is calling on growers, farm staff, families and cotton communities to share their stories through the lens, with entries now open for the Click 26 Photo Competition ahead of the Australian Cotton Conference in August.

This year’s theme, The people behind Australian cotton, focuses on the individuals, places and everyday moments that shape the industry — from time in the paddock to family life and connections within cotton-growing communities.

The competition includes three main categories:

People of Cotton
Photos that capture the people who grow, work in and support the Australian cotton industry, including growers, farm staff, contractors, researchers, families and teams.

Life in Cotton Country
Images that reflect life in cotton-growing regions, from community events and local gatherings to everyday moments in cotton towns.

Working in Cotton
Photos showing people working across the cotton production cycle, from planting and crop monitoring through to harvest, garment production as well as the use of technology and safe work practices on farm.

Entries are also open in the Wildcard category, Our Cotton Story, where participants can submit a photo alongside a short paragraph explaining the story behind the image.

This category was a standout in the previous competition, offering a deeper insight into the experiences and perspectives of people living and working in cotton communities.

Selected entries will be displayed at the Australian Cotton Conference and may also be featured across Cotton Australia publications, reports, presentations and digital platforms.

The competition is open to entrants aged 14 and over. All images must be taken in Australia and reflect safe work practices.

A total prize pool of more than $6,000 is on offer, with winning entries to be announced at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast, where delegates will also vote in a People’s Choice award. Prizes include:

• Overall winner: $2,000 voucher – choice of Camera House, JB Hi-Fi or a Qantas travel voucher
• Runner up: $1,250 voucher – choice of Camera House, JB Hi-Fi or a Qantas travel voucher
• People’s Choice: $1,000 voucher – choice of Country Road, Big W, Target, Sheridan or R.B. Sellars
• Category winners: 4 × $500 vouchers – choice of Country Road, Big W, Target, Sheridan or R.B. Sellars

The competition provides an opportunity to share a clear and authentic view of the cotton industry, highlighting the people and communities behind it.

For more information on how to enter and the competition guidelines, read the Terms & Conditions.