The popularity of selfies is behind the winning entry in Redland City Council’s Koalas in Design art challenge.

The competition focused on promoting the importance of koala conservation and how students could help protect them, with winners presented with their awards at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) by Mayor Karen Williams.\

The overall winner was an entry from Wellington Point State High School students, who tapped into the digital selfie photo craze to promote the message of koala protection.

It features an oversized koala sculpture with its legs acting as a seat on which people can sit and take a selfie to share on social media to encourage cyberspace conversations about koalas.

Two runners’ up awards went to Cailin Baynton from Victoria Point State High School for a sculpture design titled ‘How much can a koala bare’ and Lili Leaney from Cleveland District State High School for her mural design called ‘The only tree’.

Cr Williams said all the entries were thought provoking.

“Redlands Coast young artists have used this challenge to showcase their talents to promote ways to protect our region’s koalas,” Cr Williams said.

“The conservation of our koalas is a priority for the whole of Council but we also need to tap into the younger generation to get their ideas as well.

“The quality of the entries we received demonstrates not only the wealth of creative talent across Redlands Coast but also that our younger residents share our goals of keeping koalas safe and healthy.

“I know judges had a tough time selecting a winner and I commend all the entrants on their great efforts.”

The winning team will now work with an artist at RPAC to bring the sculpture to life and it will become part of Redland City Council Art Assets for placement in the city at a site yet to be decided.

All entries in the challenge will be on display at RPAC until October 31.