Ten years ago, Denman Prospect was just beginning its story. Today, it’s a suburb shaped by thousands of everyday moments - morning coffees, first homes, park hangs, family milestones and even a couple of very famous turtles.

So to celebrate a decade of life in the community, we invited residents to be the storytellers.

The 10-year anniversary community competition called on locals to share what living in Denman Prospect has meant to them. From heartfelt reflections to joyful snapshots of pets, homes and neighbourhood life, more than 100 entries poured in - each one a small window into the connections that have grown here over the past decade.

With finalists selected by the Capital Estate Developments team alongside Her Canberra and Communities at Work, the final decision was handed to the community itself, with residents voting for their favourites. And on 25 November, the winners were officially announced.

In the Home Pride in Denman Prospect category, two residents were recognised for the love and care they’ve poured into their homes and gardens. Keen Hoe captured the joy of growing something beautiful from the ground up, sharing, “Thanks to Denman Prospect, now I have my dream herbs and vegetables garden overlooking the beautiful landscape.” Elissa’s entry popped with colour, describing her garden as “our own little Floriade in Denman Prospect —my husband’s pride and joy since leaving the ADF after 40 years.”

The Paw-some in Denman Prospect category delivered three joyful winners and plenty of smiles. Anna shared a snap of “Gary the Kangaroo enjoying some Denman Prospect sunshine at the park with the ping pong tables”. Melanie’s much-loved schnauzer, Hubble, stole hearts with a detailed portrait of growing up alongside the suburb - from sculpture walks and space playground adventures to Christmas parties and birthday pizza celebrations at Denman Kitchen. And Marichris captured simple everyday happiness through dog Luna, who “always enjoys her walks around Denman Prospect, often stopping to sniff and roll around on the fresh grass.” Each winner received a $200 Petbarn voucher to Majura Park.

Four residents were recognised in the Living the Denman Prospect Life category, each receiving a $100 Denman Kitchen voucher. Yin’s powerful entry traced the parallel growth of a backyard garden and a growing family, from the transformation of a Japanese maple to the arrival of baby Miles. Aaron captured “remarkable moments” of his son Patrick in motion, where “curiosity meets courage and adventure.” Corinne shared dreamy early morning skyline views from her east-facing home, while Kimberley reflected on three decades in Canberra, calling Denman Prospect “the most scenic suburb here in Canberra,” with unforgettable sunrises, sunsets and access to Mt Stromlo.

Then came the two special awards. The Denman Prospect Star - awarded to the most-voted entry overall and prized with a $5,000 Qatar Airways voucher - went to Alexandra and her two pet turtles, Major Dim Sum and Captain Won Ton. Their park adventures captured the imagination of voters across the suburb, and Alexandra will now be packing her bags for a very big adventure, with a $5,000 Qatar Airways voucher. With direct flights from Canberra, it marks a fittingly global reward for two very local celebrities.

The final honour, the Denman Prospect Director award, was selected by the team at Willinga Park and awarded to Madeleine for her video capturing her family’s life in Denman Prospect.

“We love our home and pretty much wanted to show our family in the UK what they were missing,” said Madeleine of her entry.

Madeleine and her family will enjoy a one-night stay at Willinga Park and have been invited to create a special video to share with the wider community.

Beyond the prizes, the competition has become a living archive of what the last 10 years have looked like through the eyes of those who call the suburb home. Denman Prospect has become not just a place to live, but a neighbourhood with its own identity and heart.

From first homes to lifelong memories in the making, the past decade has been shaped by the community itself. And if the stories shared through this competition are anything to go by, the next 10 years promise even more moments worth celebrating.