Josh Burrows (Mr Sircuit Leather) from Victoria [ pictured ] has been chosen as Mr Leather Australia & New Zealand 2009. Judges chose him from 5 other National contestents: Peter Fitzgerald (Laird Leather Man and 1st Runner up), Anthony Lowe (Sydney Mr Leather and 2nd Runner Up), David Mitchell (Mr Queensland Leather), Graham Rowe (Mr Leather Men United Sydney), Garry Morrison (Mr Leather South Australia).

“Wow, I’m so honoured to be Mr Leather 2009” Burrows told Same Same,

I’m only very new to the leather scene… I’ve been involved in Melbourne’s leather scene now for only about 13 months, but I’ve never felt more welcome and supported. It’s the friendliest group on the scene and I feel very proud to be a part of it, and I promise to represent this amazing community that I’m a part of as best as I can… not just in Chicago but everywhere I go.”

Josh Burrows is only the second Mr Leather Australia & NZ to be chosen since the competition has been run under Melbourne Leather Pride (MLP). Since being under the MLP banner, the competition has seen record participation from other states in Australia and has included international participation from New Zealand. Sadly there were no contestants representing New Zealand in this year’s competition. Organisers say it was a number of factors including bad timing and the pressures of the current economic crisis that resulted in a New Zealand representative not being present this year.

Burrows not only won a swag of prizes but will go on to represent Australia at the 2010 International Mr Leather Competition in Chicago; The biggest competition of it’s kind in the world. Mr Leather Australia NZ 2008, Queenslander Pierre Brand led the Aussie contingent this year in Chicago and has nothing but fond memories of the past 12 months where he held the prestigious Australian title:

“It’s been an amazing 12 months for me. The whole experience of being Mr Leather Australia and going to Chicago for IML this year has changed my life in more ways than I can explain.” he said,

“I’m made friends for life and had an amazing journey this year. Now it’s time to hand it on. I’m going to miss being a sash queen [ laughs ]… Seriously, It must have been impossible to pick a winner this year. The contestants were all so strong and passionate. Josh is a great choice. I know he will do us all proud both here and overseas.”

The Mr Leather Australia & NZ competition was also an opportunity to honour other significant contributions to the leather community. Taking out the award for Artistic Excellence was Melbourne Photographer Peter Leslie, for his exhibition Dancing In The Daylight which featured in this year’s program. Check out a selection of images from Peter Leslie’s extraordinary exhibition here

MC Extraordinaire, Bondage expert and community supporter Lorrie Lane was honored with the Community Award for his significant cultural support and contribution to the gay and lesbian fetish community over the years.

“It’s not often you’ll ever see a tear in my eye. It’s just not my style. But I have tears tonight and I’m deeply honoured… and I won’t lie, I’m shocked to get this amazing award.” Lane told the audience when receiving his award,

Everything I do, I do to teach and help our community grow and enjoy… It’s such a pleasure.”

It’s shaping up to be an exciting time, not just for Australia’s Leather community but for the international leather community according to festival coordinator Alex Schoeffel:

“As well as being just a competition that is unique to gay culture, Mr Leather Australia and New Zealand and IML in Chicago sums up all the things we aspire to… Supportive, sincere, sexy, safe, sane and yes, filthy. It’s great that we Aussies and Kiwis have our own unapologetic flavour as well. Great contestants from overseas keep International Mr Leather from being homogenous.”

Check out Same Same’s coverage of the 2009 Mr Leather Australia & New Zealand competition here.