NAIDOC Week may be nearly three months away, but Western Health and local councils are calling for entrants in a photography competition to highlight the role of indigenous women in the community.
The theme for the annual national week of recognition (July 8-15) is Because of Her, We Can! to highlight the contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made to their communities and history.
Entrants can take portraits of inspirational local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said it was a chance to celebrate indigenous women in the community.
“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,” she said.
Western Health’s Aboriginal health, policy and planning manager Jacqueline Watkins, said this year’s 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,” Ms Watkins said.
Submitted photos 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 portraits will be chosen to be on display throughout western municipalities.
Submissions will be accepted until Tuesday May 29. Application forms are available at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
