Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the west

Photo: Sydney, Australia

NAIDOC Week (8-15 July 2018) will be celebrated in Melbourne’s west through a photography competition with entrants tasked to capture portraits of inspirational local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The theme for the annual national week of recognition is ‘Because of her, we can!’-  highlighting the contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to our communities, our history and to our nation.

Mayor of Brimbank, Councillor Margaret Giudice said the competition aimed to emphasise and celebrate the many roles that Indigenous women play in our community.

“Brimbank City Council is committed to ensuring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people are celebrated throughout the municipality.

“We encourage a supportive, inclusive and respectful environment for all our community members.

“This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is not only a chance to celebrate the triumphs of Indigenous women, but to recognise the importance of continuing work to reduce adversities still experienced by Indigenous women in our communities,” the Mayor said.

Western Health’s Manager Aboriginal Health, Policy and Planning, Jacqueline Watkins, who has worked with the Western Region Councils and Local Aboriginal Network on the photography project, said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme was timely.

“It gives us the opportunity to reflect, celebrate and acknowledge many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who work tirelessly with community and family to make the West a better place to live and work,” Ms Watkins said.

“Western Health is committed to becoming a leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, by providing a culturally respectful, high-quality, safe, collaborative and holistic health care organisation.”

Community members are invited to submit photos of inspirational women who live or work in the west that highlight the incredible role, achievements or contributions of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The photographs should be accompanied by a paragraph about the subject of the photo.

The portraits will be judged by the Weenthunga Health Network, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisation.

Thirty (30) portraits will be chosen for display as part of the NAIDOC Week 2018 Exhibition, launched during NAIDOC week, and will then be on public display throughout western region municipalities.

Submissions will be accepted until Tuesday 29 May 2018.

More information: Brimbank.vic.gov.au.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia each July in recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The photography exhibition is run by Western Health and proudly supported by Brimbank City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Moonee Valley Council Western Region councils and Local Aboriginal Network.