GAWS Graduates 2027 Calendar Competition – Entries CLOSED
August 03, 2026
This year’s theme is ‘SIT. STAY. SAY CHEESE’ a playful celebration of personality, connection, and the perfectly imperfect moments that make life with pets so special.
From sit-worthy sofa supervisors and stay-close cuddle buddies to bowtie moments, backyard chaos, zoomies, sleepy eyes, and tongue-out grins, we want to see your GAWS Graduate exactly as they are at home: loved, relaxed, and completely themselves.
We’re looking for those real moments that make your pet impossible not to photograph. Because every SIT, STAY, and SAY CHEESE is a moment worth capturing.
To enter, your pet must:
Entries open now – don't miss your chance to make your pet a GAWS superstar in 2027!
Snap 2 photos of your pet in their everyday moments and share a short caption or story about the joy they’ve found in their forever home
Let’s celebrate the joy, love, and second chances that GAWS helps create, one happy pet at a time.
Conditions
You may submit up to TWO (2) landscape images of your pet.
All images must be landscape orientation and at least 2MB in size.
Animals must have been adopted from Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS). We may request additional information to verify eligibility.
Competition is open to all past GAWS Graduates, including pets adopted by staff, former staff, and volunteers.
Competition closes 11:59pm Thursday 20 August 2026.
Finalists will be announced Tuesday 1 September 2026 via website, Facebook & Instagram.
Tips & tricks for the perfect pic
Lighting
Natural lighting is key. Take your photo in the middle of the day and try to position your animal by a window.
Example: Evening photo with artificial light vs day time by a window.
Background
Ensure the surrounding area around your pet is free from household items. Keeping your
shot tight (close up) will eliminate the background 'noise' that can be present in a home.
Get your pet's attention
Using your pet's favourite toy or treat, hold it behind the camera to get your pets attention. It may take a squeak of a toy, a silly sound from you – but it works as their eyes and ears will look alert.
An engaged pet really comes through the lens and brings your pet's personality out.
Landscape image
Hold your camera or mobile horizontally.
Submit two different landscape images of your pet (please note – images MUST be landscape).
2027 Graduates Calendar
Sponsorship opportunities
We’re inviting local businesses to partner with GAWS and support the animals in our care through the GAWS Graduates 2027 Calendar.
Through a small sponsorship contribution, businesses can gain valuable exposure through one of GAWS’s most loved community fundraising initiatives.
Your support helps make a real impact, ensuring that 100% of proceeds from calendar sales go directly toward the care of animals at GAWS, providing them with everything they need while they wait for their forever homes.
This partnership is a meaningful way to align your brand with a trusted local organisation while demonstrating genuine community support and impact.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Contact the GAWS Marketing and Fundraising Team for more information: fundraising@gaws.org.au
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