On World Rivers Day in September 2019, MidCoast Council launched a competition inviting the community to share photos showing 'What I love about the Manning River and why'.

Council received 185 images from 69 entrants, beautifully depicting one of the region's greatest assets.

Related reading: The river runs dry - Manning River at zero flow

Of the 185 entries, 15 images were awarded with the winner being Mark Gutterson's Our River - our future.

Runner up went to Christine Price's Rolling Clouds and the Junior winner was Sam Lambert with Isolation of Brimbin Reserve.

Given the serious drought that is affecting the area, the importance of the Manning River has never been more evident and the images provided reflect the system from all angles and the many different ways it can be used and enjoyed.

The Manning River, its waterways and the estuary support a significant economy, rich and bio diverse environment and a long history of spiritual, cultural and recreational interests, but it's no secret it is suffering in the drought.

Related reading: Un:Seen exhibition is powerful and confronting

The exhibition is a great reminder of what it's like when the river is thriving and why it's so important for the region.

All the spectacular and thought provoking images make up the exhibition that wowed visitors to the Gloucester library throughout December and now moves to Manning Regional Art Gallery.

It will finish at the gallery on Monday January 20, before making its way to Harrington Library from January 21 to February 28.

The exhibition can be viewed this week at Manning Regional Art Gallery on Macquarie Street, Taree, during opening hours - 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.

Find out more about the Manning River and council's various projects to protect and care for it on council's website www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Part-of-your-everyday/Council-Projects/Our-Manning-River