cairns

“Snow” & the Dodho Portrait Awards …

… always a rewarding experience to have a ’new’ image recognised and published nicely in a large format quality hard cover book. This portrait of “Snow” has just been selected at #8 of the Top 25 images in the 2026 Dodho Portrait Awards. The International awards recognises portraits that have “originality, visual impact, and compelling artistic vision”.

I met “Snow” whilst on assignment for Australian Geographic at the ‘Winds of Zenadth’ cultural festival on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait last September. Uncle Saila ‘Snow’ Savage is a Kaurareg Elder and the partner to Betty Mabo, daughter of the historic Murray Island legend Eddie Mabo. “Snow” … as the locals call him … is an utterly charming character and great visual subject matter. 

The Dodho awards are the work of the people at Dodho Magazine … an independent International photography publication of some renown. based in Barcelona and “born with the vocation to promote the work and projects of photographers from all over the world”.

It’s the fourth year in a row that I’ve been fortunate enough to have scored a recognition and publication in their Portrait prize … whilst my work has also made an impression in their other category awards (Fine Art, Color and Monochromatic) regularly over the past years. 

Top here below is this years Dodho Portrait selected work of “Snow” … whilst below are my three previous Dodho Portrait works … “Do Not Resuscitate – Peter “Potter” Thompson (2024), “100 Years & 3 Weeks – Alf Neal OAM” (2023) and “The Skin I’m In II – Carol Mayer” (2025).

Dodho also produce wonderful hard cover books showcasing the work of their selected photographers. Thanks Dodho … happy you are not extinct ! … and Thanks “Snow” !

The 2026 Dodho portrait publication “Portrait – The Best Photographs 2026” will be published and on sale in June.

Image © Brian Cassey

2026 Dodho Magazine Portrait Awards - International - Top 25 (#8) & Finalist - “Snow - Torres Strait Elder Saila ‘Snow’ Savage” - (and published in the hard cover volume “Portrait - The Best Photographs 2026”) Image by Brian Cassey"Snow" ... Saila "Snow" Savage is a prominent Torres Strait Island Australia personality and partner to Betty Mabo, daughter of the historic Murray Island figure Eddie Mabo.
2026 Dodho Magazine Portrait Awards - International - Selected images from the awards by Brian Cassey in years 2023, 2024 and 2025. ©BrianCassey

20th March … Category 5 Cyclones … Larry (2006) & Narelle (2026) … 

Twenty years ago today, 19th March 2006, category 5 Cyclone Larry was zeroing in on Innisfail, just like Cat 5 Cyclone Narelle is arrowing in on Coen Cape York Peninsula, landfall tomorrow. 

At daybreak on that Friday the 20th March ‘06 Larry barrelled into the township and across much of the Cassowary Coast, leaving devastation and ruined lives in it’s wake.

Working for newspaper media, I arrived in a peaceful Innisfail on the 19th and booked into the Riverside Motel … only half of that motel survived the cyclones hammering. Wind gusts, some over 240 km/h, made short work of infrastructure across a large area between Cairns and Townsville.

The story of Cyclone Larry kept me occupied for many months after that fateful emotionally and physically exhausting day. Here (below) I’m featuring just some of the many images I made showing the extent of the cyclone damage and the stoicism of the people of far north Queensland. They were published widely and syndicated around the planet.

It appears that the inhabitants of the Coen area may well tomorrow experience cyclonic winds in excess of Larry’s 240 km/h … and I have a first hand understanding of what that will mean for them.  I wish them luck and safety … 

Images © Brian Cassey 2006 … From Top … Kate Charleston emerges bloodied from her destroyed Innisfail home … an Innisfail resident tries making a phone call from the wreck of her home … 68 year old Clotilda Lazzarich under the remnants of her Mourilyan home … residents inspect the remains of their Innisfail home … the view from the Riverside Motel Innisfail during the passage of Cyclone Larry … Carol Milini in her saturated roofless Innisfail home … shattered buildings in the township of Mourilyan … a destroyed house near Babinda … Percy (73) and Faye Lowe (69) salvage trinkets from their unroofed Babinda home … as Larry abates Innisfail residents in shock explore the damage to their Innisfail township … a young family leave their destroyed home at Mission Beach … at this InnisfaIl home the only thing left standing was the ‘dunny’ … Judy Stevens salvages essentials from her roofless kitchen …

Blast From the Past … Northern Beachcomber … Off to Cairns Historical Society …

Way, WAY back in the late 80’s a handful of disenchanted The Cairns Post staff and contributors changed editorial track and published a new Cairns newspaper specifically catering to the northern beach suburbs communities.

The weekly ‘Northern Beachcomber’ became a reality in 1989 produced by the tiny team of Geoff Cooke (Editor), wife Rhonda Cooke (Reception & Admin), Pam Cooke (Typesetter), journalists Cat Atkins (Lindsay) and later Margo Nugent (Zlotkowski) … with myself producing all the photography. (NB … back in those days I was a shy young pup and all my photographs were published under my by-line ‘Sport ‘n’ Life Pictures’ ! )

For three years the ‘Beachcomber’ … Initially printed in Port Douglas … became an integral part of the beaches community and regularly broke stories regarding the colourful residents of the Cairns northern beach suburbs and anything specific to the area.

A thorn in the side of the Cairns Post until in 1992 News Ltd chose to ‘buy’ the ’Northern Beachcomber’ to nullify the opposition. The Post then ran the ‘Northern Beachcomber’ for a short while before closing it.

I must have known something back in those days as I carefully hoarded TWO copies of each edition in boxes under the house ! Coming across them a little while ago I offered a complete set of the newspaper to the Cairns Historical Society, who gladly snapped them up for historical reference and preservation ! They can now be accessed on request (I believe) at the Cairns Museum in the School of Arts building, corner of Lake and Shields Streets.

Just in time for the upcoming Cairns 150th Anniversary later this year …

Below is a small selection of ‘Northern Beachcomber front covers and back pages featuring some of my favourite images published back in 1989-1992.

Images in Northern Beachcomber publications © Brian Cassey

NEW … Perth Head On Photo Festival … and “Paper Tigers” …

… two pieces of exciting Head On news !!

Firstly … the Head On Photo Festival soon arrives in PERTH for the first time. Secondly … one of the featured exhibitions in the new Perth Festival is “Paper Tigers” … the significant exhibition (and book) of the work of Australian based photojournalists co-curated/collected by Head On’s Moshe Rosenvzeig OAM and myself !

The new festival launches on 31st January and runs through till the 1st of March … and showcases world class photography exhibitions in venues around the city … amongst them “Paper Tigers”, the “Head On Portrait Prize” and the new WA specific “WA Life Photo Awards”.

This will be the fifth showing of the “Paper Tigers” work of 60 photojournalists … a collection of recent historic and memorable journalistic imagery by Australia’s best.It was first exhibited at the 2020 Head On Photo Festival (during Covid) at the Twenty Twenty Six Gallery in Bondi. Subsequently, it has graced the Delmar Gallery in Ashfield Sydney (2022), The Muse Gallery in Ultimo Sydney (2023) and the Court House Gallery in Cairns (2025).

In Perth “Paper Tigers” will prominently hang in The Foyer, Palace Tower on Saint Georges Terrace. Definitely worth a first, second or fifth look !

Below … (if really needed) … is a teaser image of seven of the sixty images that comprise “Paper Tigers” … clockwise from twelve o’clock … my image of beaten asylum seeker Abdullahtif on Manus Island (©Brian Cassey), ©Ashley Crowther, ©David Dare Parker, ©Eddie Safarik, ©Stephen Dupont, ©Nick Moir and ©Dean Sewell.

Thanks to all our contributing “Paper Tigers” photojournalists … Alex Coppel, Andrew Chapman, Angela Wylie, Ashley Crowther, Barbara McGrady, Ben Bohane, Brendan Beirne, Brian Cassey, Chris Hopkins, Craig Golding, Craig Greenhill, Darrian Traynor, Dave Tacon, David Dare Parker, David Gray, Dean Lewins, Dean Sewell, Delly Carr, Eddie Safarik, Edwina Pickles, Gerrit Fokkema, Glenn Campbell, Glenn Lockitch, Grant Wells, Helga Salwe, Ilana Rose, Jaime Murcia, Jake Nowakowski, Janie Barrett, Jessica Hromas, John Donegan, John French, Justin McManus, Louise Kennerley, Luis Ascui, Mark Crusty Baker, Martine Perret, Max Mason Hubers, Meredith O’Shea, Merv Bishop, Michael Amendolia, Michael Coyne, Moshe Rosenzveig OAM, Nic Walker, Nick Moir, Nicola Bailey, Noel Butcher, Paul Blackmore, Penny Stephens, Peter Solness, Richard Wainwright, Rick Stevens, Rob Maccoll, Robert McFarlane, Simon O’Dwyer, Stephen Dupont, Sylvia Liber, Tim Page, Tobias Titz, Tracey Nearmy.

Then there’s the sad bit 🙁 … I won’t be there !  Have had a trip back to Blighty and Europe planned for some time for the entire month of February !

Damn … 

Images ©

Atlas of Humanity … Paris 2026 …

… lovely to have a couple of images … one new and one old … selected by “Atlas of Humanity” and to be exhibited in Paris later this new year.

“Atlas of Humanity” is an international imaging project based around the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity and uses quality photographs to document cultural and ethnic diversity around the planet.

My two selected images  … “Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman – Dominic” – & – “Gama Warrior Woman – Tsumeriyah” … will feature in the event “ImageNation Paris 2026” at the Galerie Joseph Le Palais, one of the most beautiful galleries in the very heart of the Marais quarter central Paris just a few steps from the iconic Centre Pompidou. The exhibition … scheduled during Paris Photo Week in November … will feature my Dominic portrait framed large on the walls … whilst the Tsumeriyah work will be projected and online.

My portrait of Dominic Ngakyunkwokka as he returned to camp from an Aak Puul Ngantam mustering operation out from Aurukun, Cape York Peninsula, was made some years back and won a Head On Portrait Prize. 

My second portrait of Tsumeriyah Zuwi’e was made fairly recently at the the Papua New Guinea fiftieth anniversary of independence celebrations at Munro Martin Park in Cairns. Tsumeriyah is a member of the tiny Gama (Kama) tribe of Gahuku near Goroka in the PNG Highlands. Her people, who speak the Alekano language, are struggling to survive in the 21st century environment.

Many Thanks to Tsumeriyah and Dominic … and to Martin Vegas of Atlas of Humanity.

Images © Brian Cassey

Tobias …

… this past week I had the very real privilege and pleasure to meet … and photograph … little twenty month old Tobias and his family.

The story of Tobias is heart breaking and, at the same time, miraculous and inspiring. In August 2024 at age of four months he was struck by the meningococcal disease. Within hours of the onset he had been flown from Cairns to Townsville Paediatric Hospital by helicopter, had lost both arms, both legs and twice, very nearly, his life. Paediatric surgeon Dr Harry Stalewski said he had never seen a meningococcal case so severe.

I learnt of the terrible plight and journey of Tobias from a photographer colleague and family acquaintance. A couple of weeks ago Renee Ping arranged an introduction to little Tobias and his delightful mother Katie to discuss the possibility of documenting the heart-rending story. After conferring with husband Steven the couple came to the decision that ‘it was time’. I put them in touch with health specialist journalist Jackie Sinnerton and arranged to make the images to accompany Jackie’s eventual piece.

The ztory has now been published in today’s print edition of The Sunday Mail and also online accompanied by some of the many images I made of Tobias and his family during our photo sessions.

I was fascinated to watch and interact with Tobias to make those many images … and it was truly inspiring to see how he was developing and learning to adapt without the use of limbs. Tobias can now gently grasp a ball, can burst a bubble, loves splashing in water, can sit upright unaided … and more. Most impressive was seeing his obvious thought processes on how to try and make things work.

To say I have a huge soft spot for Tobias is a great understatement !

Mother Katie, father Steven and Tobias’s siblings Zakoa, Hunter and Baylee form a remarkable team, brilliantly guiding and nurturing their little son and brother along a most difficult path. I am in awe …

Not wanting to repeat too much of Jackie’s’ ‘words’ in todays issue, may I suggest shelling out the four dollars odd on the printed paper or catching the story, photographs and videos ‘online’ at … https://www.couriermail.com.au/health/how-cairns-baby-tobias-phineasa-survived-meningococcal-to-inspire-his-family/news-story

The top photo is the image that I am most fond of from the hundreds I made of Tobias. However, the paper preferred to go with the other pic that you may see on the screen grabs below of pages 1, 4 and 5.

Oh Yes … the family have to make frequent road trips from Cairns to Townsville for Tobias’s treatment … but their vehicle is too small for all of them. The FNQ Youth Assistance Fund is organising fund raising to finance a larger vehicle. If you can help please donate at … https://www.fnqyaf.org.au/youth-support/donations/ … by selecting ‘Wheels for Tobias’ under ‘Donation Type*’. Thanks !!

Images © Brian Cassey, publication © The Sunday Mail

What A Lot of Croc …

… meet “Bronto” … the NEW ‘Big Boy’ at Marineland Melanesia on Green Island, Great Barrier Reef … 4.7 metres of croc attitude !

I made this image … very carefully … of “Bronto”, during a recent days work documenting the family owned croc park and reef tourism venture on Green Island, Great Barrier Reef.
“Bronto”, raised by the late croc icon George Craig from a hatchling 55 years ago, has long lived in the shadow of infamous record holding “Cassius”, who lived at the park until his sad death just over a year ago at age estimated over 110. “Cassius” had for many years held the title of the World’s largest captive crocodile at 5 48metres.
“Bronto” now steps into the starring role and snappy attraction …

This week also marks the return of “Cassius” (in an inanimate form) to the island park, following a magnificent job of taxidermy. “Cassius” now shares his own brand new room at Marineland Melanesia with memorabilia of his life and achievements … and details of the wonderful relationship that he shared with George over several decades.
In a poignant twist both “Cassius” and George passed away within a just a couple of weeks of each other in November 2024. The new exhibit at Marineland pays tribute to both the wonderful characters who shared an incredible connection. Well worth a visit …

I’ve been fortunate over the decades to have often photographed “Cassius” and George at Marineland. George was always a fascinating gentleman and “Cassius” a willing partner. I was there in 2011 when the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ acknowledged the World record for “Cassius” … and I was there to document the last time that George hand fed his massive mate back in 2023. On that last visit I also made a portrait of George, sitting quietly in his favourite chair amongst his amazing massive collection of Papua New Guinea art works … one of my favourite images.

 Now is the time for “Bronto” and his saurian mates at the park to take over the mantle …  

Image © Brian Cassey

Rowing the Pacific … Miriam & Jess …

… this time last week (Saturday 18th) two young British women were battling gusting twenty knot winds as they rowed their nine metre vessel ‘Velocity’ towards terra firma in Cairns.

The previous day I had taken a little voyage myself … a fifty nautical jaunt on the 12.5 metre Reef Adventures boat ‘Lethal Weapon’ … in the opposite direction. The rationale was to journey out past the edge of the Great Barrier Reef into the Coral Sea to meet Miriam Payne (25) and Jess Rowe (28) on the last stage of their epic 8213 nautical mile row across the Pacific Ocean.

The girls left Lima Peru on the 5th of May. 165 days later they stepped ashore at the Marlin Marina in Cairns after battling storms, massive waves, technical issues that nullified all their electronics … and a lack of chocolate … setting a new record as the first all-female pair to row across the Pacific Ocean nonstop and unsupported.

Following a rather bumpy trip on ‘Lethal Weapon’ through choppy waters last Friday, we found Miriam and Jess rowing steadfastly towards the edge of the Great Barrier Reef … and I made many images (just five of them here below). An hour or so later we shot back to Cairns. The pics were syndicated by Agence France-Presse/Getty around the planet. Very nice to see my work in The Times, The Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Guardian (all UK) … and many more around the World.

Far North Queenland is developing as a mecca for ocean rowers. In late August I covered the arrival of the three Scottish MacLean brothers in Cairns at the culmination of their Pacific Ocean row.  Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan smashed the world record for the fastest human-powered Pacific Ocean crossing completing the journey in 139 days. In April 2023 I documented the arrival in Port Douglas of solo Australia rower Michelle Lee who spent a whopping 237 days rowing across the Pacific from Mexico unassisted and all on her little lonesome, to become the first woman ever to do so.

( Arguably Miriam and Jess’s feat was more impressive than their Scottish male counterparts when taking into consideration ‘manpower’ or ‘womanpower’. Although the three Maclean brothers were quicker at 139 days … just the two of Miriam and Jess managed the journey only 26 days longer .. do the figures and go girls ! )

I had the pleasure of meeting Jess and Miriam (again) on dry land at a Salt House reception on Wednesday eve. A nicer couple of young ladies you could not imagine … vibrant, down to earth and full of humility. Many Thanks for the opportunity to meet you and your families properly … and thanks also to Cairns PR Pip Miller and Dave Gray from Agence France-Presse for your support.

Good (great) news stories are so good to cover …

You may see more of my images of these two amazing young ladies and their huge adventure on my Instagram here … and my Facebook here .

Images © Brian Cassey

British rowers Miriam Payne (25 - in black) and Jess Rowe (28 - in blue) approach the outer Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Friday, 17th October 2025. The pair left Peru on the 5th May in their vessel ‘Velocity’ to row the approximately 8000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. When they set foot on dry land in Cairns this weekend they will become the first women’s team and the first pair to row the Pacific non-stop and unsupported. Image © Brian Cassey
British rowers Miriam Payne (25 - in black) and Jess Rowe (28 - in blue) approach the outer Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Friday, 17th October 2025. The pair left Peru on the 5th May in their vessel ‘Velocity’ to row the approximately 8000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. When they set foot on dry land in Cairns this weekend they will become the first women’s team and the first pair to row the Pacific non-stop and unsupported. Image © Brian Cassey
British rowers Miriam Payne (25 - in black) and Jess Rowe (28 - in blue) approach the outer Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Friday, 17th October 2025. The pair left Peru on the 5th May in their vessel ‘Velocity’ to row the approximately 8000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. When they set foot on dry land in Cairns this weekend they will become the first women’s team and the first pair to row the Pacific non-stop and unsupported. Image © Brian Cassey
British rowers Miriam Payne (25 - in black) and Jess Rowe (28 - in blue) approach the outer Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Friday, 17th October 2025. The pair left Peru on the 5th May in their vessel ‘Velocity’ to row the approximately 8000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. When they set foot on dry land in Cairns this weekend they will become the first women’s team and the first pair to row the Pacific non-stop and unsupported. Image © Brian Cassey

Clarion Awards … a Tribute to ‘Resto Dave’ …

… honestly didn’t expect this … great evening at the Sofitel in Brisbane Saturday … made even better by the very welcome announcements that I actually won both the major photography prizes in the 30th anniversary “Clarion Awards” (Queensland’s journalism awards).

However, the eve was tinged with sadness too …

My set of pictures of the life of friend and recently sadly passed away subject … “Millionaire Castaway David Glasheen” … was judged the winner of ‘Best Photographic Essay’, whilst my portrait of David recovering from his heart attack earlier this year won ‘Best News Photograph’. The work was published perfectly and respectfully in the Courier Mail with words by gun scribe Michael Madigan … many thanks for that CM !

Here are the ‘judges comments’ on my work …

Best Metropolitan News Photo … “Brian showed dogged determination to track down castaway David Glasheen after he had suffered a heart attack. Using good old fashioned news sense Brian found his friend David recovering in the Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre in Cairns. The photograph is a strong example of using available resources to capture a portrait. A clever use of light, painting a haunting image of the subject in his frail state.”

Best Photographic Essay … “Brian’s photographic essay of David Glasheen, the millionaire castaway, perfectly captures the unique, and dream-like nature of the man’s life. From taking a mannequin down a tropical island in a wheelbarrow, to beautiful portrait shots that show the impacts of time, the series clearly tells the story of how this man lived and the scars he carries. Brian’s exquisite technical skill, and his storytelling ability is clearly on display in this essay.”

I admit to having reservations when seeing my images of ‘Resto Dave’ … is was a terrible shock to talk to him on the phone in early July, just a couple of days before he succumbed in a Brisbane hospital to the effects of that February heart attack and other complications. He was a truly fascinating genuine character armed with humour, compassion and a zest for life. I recommend a read of his best selling book “The Millionaire Castaway”.

However, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Sofitel … a fitting venue to commemorate thirty years of the media awards that celebrate the best of Queensland journalism.
This year the event was organised by the Queensland branch of the MEAA … and everyone did a stellar job. Fantastic to make the pilgrimage again to the ‘big smoke’ of Brisbane and enjoy the company of many journalists, photographers and other media colleagues.

Huge congrats to all the ‘Clarion’ finalists and winners … in particular the photography finalist contingent of Adam Head, Annette Dew,  Glenn Hampson, Matt Dennien, Kenji Sato and Cairns based Brendan Radke. 
Below are the images that comprised my winning entries … and David, you are very very sorely missed.

Images © Brian Cassey


IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono … Awards and Exhibitions …

… some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).

Firstly … … can now reveal the image that was selected as a ‘Finalist’ in the prestigious Perth Centre of Photography portrait “IRIS Award” (see top below). My selected work “Unsculpted – Australian Artist Tony Clark” was kept confidential until last Friday eves exhibition opening event.

It’s the fourth time in a row that I have had works selected and exhibited as a prize finalist in this bi-annual award ( see my earlier ‘finalists’ from 2023, 2021 and 2019 ).

PCP describes the portrait prize thus … “Embracing unrestrained approaches to portraiture, the Award celebrates works of nuance, raw emotion, and personal connection — revealing the essence of human relationships and lived experience, whether in love, joy, desire, distance, or disconnection. We are invited into the shifting constellations of human sentiment, a space for reflection and dialogue on intimacy and identity in contemporary life.” 

The overall winner announced on Friday was ‘Sisterhood’ by Su Cassiano. Congrats Su !

The PCP “IRIS” exhibition of the thirty finalist portraits runs from the 4th to the 18th October at Cheap Tongue Gallery, Walyalup (Fremantle) Tuesday–Friday 10am–3pm. If you are in ‘The West’ I hope you can take it in … 🙂 .

On to November and the Head On Photo Festival for two pieces of nice news …

My latest exhibition in Australia’s premier photography festival … “Up North – Tropical People” … has now been confirmed. The work, pictorially portraying the wonderful inhabitants of the northern tropics of Australia, will grace the tranquil rustic walls of the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Sydney from the 8th to the 30th November … and is free for everyone who wanders into the unique venue (second from top).

The judges at Head On have also selected one of my works … (that has to remain anonymous for now) … as a ‘Finalist’ in the festivals “Exposure Awards”. My selected photo will be in the ‘Exposure’ exhibition also displayed at Paddington Reservoir Gardens from the 8th to the 30th November and also free. All the award winners will be announced at a gala awards presentation at the Bondi Beach Pavilion on the eve of Friday the 7th. It’s always a really great event … !

Huge thanks to Moshe Rosenzveig OAM and the Head On Photo Festival team.

On to overseas now … and the news that TWO of my photographs were awarded ‘Bronze’ awards in the prestigious Paris based 2025 “Prix de la Photographie” (PX3). The awarded works are … “Millionaire Castaway – David Glasheen” (Press/People) and “Kids of Ali Curung” (Portrait) … (both below).

Exciting … but arguably more exciting was the recent announcement that an image I made several decades ago was selected as a ‘Silver’ award winner in the 2025 “Analog Sparks International Film Photography Awards” (fifth image down). The black and white film photograph of slalom water skier Steve Hook “On the Edge” last won me an award … the “Kodak Adidas Australian Sports Photograph of the Year” … exactly forty years ago in 1985 when I was almost a baby ! 🙂 . Pretty happy with that 🙂 .

Lastly … this post is getting a bit long … very happy to receive a ‘finalist’ recognition for a black and white version of my “Millionaire Castaway – David Glasheen” image in the ‘People’ category of Australia’s 2025 “Mono Awards” (bottom image below).

You may find more details of these on my website at … www.briancasseyphotographer.com/awards .

Images © Brian Cassey

IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono … Awards and Exhibitions … … some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-). Images © by Brian Cassey
IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono ... Awards and Exhibitions ... ... some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).All images by Brian Cassey.
IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono ... Awards and Exhibitions ... ... some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).All images by Brian Cassey.
IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono ... Awards and Exhibitions ... ... some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).All images by Brian Cassey.
IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono ... Awards and Exhibitions ... ... some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).All images by Brian Cassey.
IRIS, Head On, Prix de la Photographie, Analog Sparks & Mono ... Awards and Exhibitions ... ... some unabashed self indulgent promotions and, well, recent updates regarding my work :-).All images by Brian Cassey.

Ten Years ! … Trinity Bay High School Portrait Prize …

… a ten year milestone …

Have just had the great pleasure once again … for the tenth year … of judging the annual Trinity Bay High School photographic Portrait Prize … and what a show it was.

Back in 2016 I selected the work “Shades” by then 14 year old TBHS student Matthew Hastie as the portrait prize winner … hard to believe he’d now by knocking on the age of 24 !

In the intervening years I’ve been fascinated and oft times stunned by the photography produced by this schools visual arts students … a testament to their dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. Each year the newest crop of students step up and produce both thoughtful and quality portraits making the winners selections a difficult task. This year was certainly no exception …

Ultimately I selected the work “Hood Rat” (top below) by Tyquon Prasad O’Brien as this years winner … a beautifully composed and produced portrait that spoke of the seeming fragility of being a teenager in today’s world. Tyquorn was presented with a Nikon Z mirrorless camera kindly sponsored by Camera House.

Just behind Tyquon’s work was Sujan Rai’s portrait of subject Paula Moana Schwertfeger channeling “Taylor Swift” … a technically brilliant portrait based on a ‘Swiftie’ album cover. Sujan was presented with a polaroid camera. (More on album covers below … 🙂 ).

Also recognised were two Highly Commended portraits … “Twins” by Nyota Asumani Lufugula and “Motown Vibes” by Keanu Sudiana … great works both. I also found myself drawn to an emotive and different portrait on the wall by Lillian Orr entitled “Our Last Sunrise”. Something resonated with me and it turned out that the back story to the image was both emotional and very personal. It certainly deserves to be recognised.

The new ‘Junior’ category was won by Eva Nomotu for a nice portrait of her mother … ‘Peoples Choice’ went to Ally Payett for the ‘Wolf’ portrait … and the ‘Staff’ winner was Virgil Gill’s work “Kilth”.

Which brings to this years new innovation … a special project posed to the students to visually recreate music album covers ! Using photography and editing software the students created around sixty ‘takes’ on original CD covers … many technically great, some highly amusing and collectively a fantastic show. (see bottom image below for part of it). I selected the diptych by Aniisa Idai as the best in show, but in all honesty all the works were really all highly competent and highly entertaining ! (Especially liked ‘Kiss’, ‘The Group Fire’, ‘Fake it Flowers’ and, of course, ‘Amy Winehouse’ !)

The work presented at the show is a testament to the amazing talents of TBHS visual arts teachers … Janelle Williams, Caroline Mudge, Luke Marsden, Clair Lloyd and Melanie Tuxworth … the students are indeed lucky to have you. Take a bow …

You can view all the TBHS students winning works from the previous nine years by clicking here … 2024 … 2023 … 2022 … 2021 … 2020 … 2019 … 2018 … 2017 … 2016 …

Below … images from top and left to right © by … Tyquon Prasad O’Brien, Sujan Rai, Nyota Asumani Lufugula, Keanu Sudiana, Lillian Orr, Ally Payett, Eva Nomotu, Brian Cassey

AAP “Portrait” Winners Feature in Class Mag …

Very nice !

AAP Magazine has published a beautifully produced magazine featuring the “Portrait” award winning works of 25 portrait photographers from around the planet … from the USA, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, China, Israel, Turkey, Germany, Poland, Italy … and two from Australia … myself … and friend Carole Mills Noronha whose work graces the magazine cover.

My winning image … “100 Years and 3 Weeks – Alf Neal OAM” was accompanied in the publication by two other of my portraits “Millionaire Castaway – David Glasheen” and “Neville Henry – Kowanyama”, under the title “Australians” over a two page spread (see top below).

The hard copy publication really feels more like a book than a magazine … stout card cover and ultra heavy weight paper throughout the 96 pages … beautiful simple layout showing the work at it’s finest … and no advertising whatsoever. A pure pleasure to be included … 

You may see all the AAP Portrait Awards collected works in the magazine here … https://www.all-about-photo.com/photo-articles/photo-article/1886/aap-magazine-48-portrait-photography-competition-winners-announced

AAP Mag also recently included my work “Generations – Aurukun” in their just published collection “Best Modern Photographers of September 2025” and it may be viewed here …  https://www.all-about-photo.com/photo-articles/photo-article/1948/best-modern-photographers-of-september-2025 .

Big Thanks to Sandrine at AAP Photo !

Below is an image of the AAP “Portrait” magazine showing my image spread and the mag title … and an Instagram screen grab of a AAP “Best Modern Photographers of September 2025” page featuring “Generations – Aurukun”. Images © Brian Cassey

New Exhibition … “Achromatic” at “The Hound” …

… delighted to announce my new exhibition of photographic works … “Achromatic” … at the beautiful atmospheric surrounds of “The Hound” bar, Edge Hill from the 17th to the 29th September. 

The exhibit is my first ever collection of purely black and white photographic works … blending in with the theme of this gorgeous little whiskey/cocktail bar and celebrating its milestone first anniversary.

The definition of the title “Achromatic” … ‘free from extraneous colours, possessing or involving no hue’ … and the collection demonstrates how reducing a photograph to black and white emphasises contrast, form, and texture, allowing viewers to focus on composition and the interplay of light and shadow without the distraction of colour.

The photographs in the collection are varied and include, landscape, portraiture, photojournalism and more … and also includes three images made at “The Hound” as a tribute to the beautiful  Paweł Pawlikowski film “Cold War”.

The exhibition is tailored specifically for the “The Hound” in conjunction with the amazing and motivated bar manager Ana Belen Hernalz … and I also owe a massive vote of thanks to fellow photographer Emese Gyalog and Will Davey who played their parts beautifully in the “Cold War” images. 

Sadly I’ll be working in the Torres Strait when the exhibition first opens … but on return the plan is to organise a photographers eve and/or a closing event at the “The Hound” … very likely on Thursday 25th September. Put it in your electronic diary !

Below is the exhibition poster © The Hound , image © Brian Cassey

Delighted to announce my new exhibition of photographic works ... “Achromatic” ... at the beautiful atmospheric surrounds of “The Hound” bar, Edge Hill from the 17th to the 29th September. The exhibit is my first ever collection of purely black and white photographic works by photographer Brian Cassey

Three Men in a Boat … a World Record …

Last Saturday 30th August, three Scottish brothers rowed into Cairns in a tiny row boat at the culmination of an incredible 14500 kilometre unsupported voyage from Lima, Peru.

Brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan comprehensively smashed the world record for the fastest human-powered Pacific Ocean crossing, completing the journey in 139 days.

I covered the arrival of the brothers in Cairns at Marlin Marina … where a crowd of family, friends, onlookers and media gathered … for AFP (Agence France-Presse).

The images are being widely published around the planet … and these are just a few of the pages they have ended up gracing … ‘The Scottish Sun’, The Scotsman’, ‘The Edinburgh News’, ‘The Taipei Times’ (Taiwan), France24, ‘The Malay Mail’ (Malaysia), ‘The Omak Chronicle’ (USA), ‘Digital Journal’ (Global), ‘Non Stop Local KHQ’ (Idaho USA), ‘ETV Bharat’ (India), ‘Barron’s’ (USA), AS Sports (Spain) … and arguably the three most prestigious … the UK publications ‘The Times’, The Independent’ and ‘The Daily Mail’.

A nice and positive story to cover … the brothers feat is really incredible as was the support that Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan received from a large and vociferous gathering of family and friends. Here are just four of the many images made on the day and syndicated by AFP.

From top … the brothers arrive at the Cairns Marlin Marina and celebrate with flares and bagpipes … Lachlan, Jamie and Ewan prepare for dry land … Lachlan and Jamie hug their girlfriends Heide and Emily after stepping ashore … Lachlan, Jamie and Ewan celebrate their remarkable success with the Scottish flag.

images © Brian Cassey for AFP (Agence France-Presse)

A Catalyst 40 Years Ago … “Australian Sports Photo of the Year” …

… blimey … FORTY years ago as a young pup I was awarded my first photo prize as the (highly unexpected) winner of the “Australian Sports Photo of the Year” !

Sponsored by Kodak and Adidas in 1985, it was the inaugural edition of the awards celebrating Australia’s best sports images with a very large cash prize, a weeks holiday on the Gold Coast and photo product for the lucky winner … me ! 🙂 . 

The announcement and prize presentation was televised from Melbourne as a part of the “Australian Sports Star of the Year” awards. I had to buy a suit and tie (and SHOES) to attend 😉 !

It was a massive shock to win, especially as the other two finalists were staff photographers from the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (who weren’t too pleased that a little ‘nobody’ from tiny Cairns had pipped ‘em ).

The winning pic (below) of gun Cairns skier Steve Hook mid slalom on Trinity Inlet Cairns was made on film with a Nikon FM2 and a squeeze focus Novoflex 200mm lens. (I was long a big fan of the squeezey focus Novoflex glass … 200, 280, 400 & 600mm.)

My win was a catalyst for lots of interest from the news media and picture editors … and, in effect, was the precursor to the expansion of my photography into more challenging and rewarding press work and photojournalism. 

This image was a feature of my 2017/2018 exhibition “A Photographer’s Life – Part One” and also features in my hard cover large format collectors book “A Photographer’s Life – Part One & Part Two” available here.

Many Thanks to Steve Hook, brother Howard and the others of the Cairns waterski fraternity of the time. Big Thanks also to John Croucher of the Cairns Yacht Club who nagged me incessantly to enter into a photo prize for the first time.

(Nb … if you fancy water skiing on Trinity Inlet in this day and age the crocodiles would make short work of you !)

Image © Brian Cassey @brian_cassey … Kodak/adidas Australian Sports Photo of the Year 1985

Val Kilmer and I … 30 Years ago … Vale Val …

The New York Times reported today that Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has died from pneumonia … 30 years after he and I had a little interaction and altercation whilst he was in Cairns filming the universally panned movie “The Island of Dr. Moreau”.

Coincidentally, it was only a couple of days ago when I posted a social media piece (Facebook & Instagram) explaining and illustrating our little ‘meeting’ thirty years ago, that particularly upset the accomplished, very famous but ‘unpredictable’ star.

Here is that little story … illustrated with my pics on page 5 of New Idea Magazine who kindly passed a bit of coin over for the privilege :-).

“30 Years Ago … Val Kilmer and I … and That Punch” …

Just came across this once again … in a box under the house. 30 years ago Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando were in Cairns filming “The Island of Dr. Moreau”. Val … ditched by his wife live on TV for philandering (apparently with Cindy Crawford) … was being worse than his usual obnoxious self on set. Adroit at evading the media, Val was boasting that no photographer would find him as he constantly changed his appearance. Fortunately, a local ‘extra’ gave me a tip off that Val was throwing a party for all the cast and crew at a Cairns restaurant. So … I went along, was invited in (without a camera) and was introduced to both Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando … had a very pleasant chat with both. Later Val decided to sit at a table on the footpath … an opportune time to grab a camera. Walked up to Val said ‘Hi’ and made a couple of frames. He got up out of his chair and let go with a punch that luckily hit the camera in front of my face. All I could think to do was to say ‘Thanks’ ! Sold it next day to New Idea who ran it on page 5. A nice little (Big!) earner. (Also got Val again a few weeks later after he visited a PNG gallery in Cairns … but that’s another story.)

Now recognised as one of the most disastrous films ever made … for outrageous and astounding happenings both on set and in the final film … “The Island of Dr. Moreau” is legendary for all the wrong reasons … see this YouTube movie for all the insane gory details … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Cg-upCQD8 .”

Here below is a grab of the article from New Idea with my pics and you should be able to read the text on screen. No comments about my hair style please 🙂.

Never one to bear a grudge (it was all in the ‘game’ after all) … it’s very sad to hear the demise of the ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman’ star whose acting was obviously so appreciated by many … and at such an early age. Vale Val …

Images ©Brian Cassey

Val Kilmer dies at 65 ... 30 Years ago Val Kilmer punched Brian Cassey in Cairns when he photographed him at an "Island of Dr. Moreau' crew party.

APL – Part 3 – Portraits … Get the Book !

Very sadly the exhibition of my work “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portrait” on the walls of the gorgeous new Mulgrave Gallery on the Cairns Esplanade has now come to an end.

An epic opening eve back in late January followed by the six week run of the exhibition saw scores of viewers and fantastic feedback from visitors from around the planet and Australia (including many from the cruise ships that regularly dock in Cairns).

If you were one that couldn’t/didn’t visit the exhibition during it’s ‘showing’ but are still keen to see what it was all about … or just fancy your own tangible memento of the exhibition … you can still get your hands on your personally signed hard cover limited edition volume featuring all the portraits that were on the walls. The book “A Photographer’s Life – Part Three – Portrait” is now available via the ‘Shop’ on my web site at … https://www.briancasseyphotographer.com/shop/category/books/ … where you may also find my other Limited Edition signed books available. (HINT: If you are a Cairns ‘local’ or close by please just send me an email () requesting your personalised copy and I’ll hand deliver it to you without any postage/shipping charges saving you $$$’s 🙂 )

Near 2500 people walked through the doors of my APL – Part 3 – Portrait exhibition with a similar number for the other two shows with my involvement in the Mulgrave and Court House Galleries complex … “Word on the Street” (mentored the Trinity Bay High School visual arts students in photojournalism) and “Paper Tigers – an Anthology of Australian Photojournalism” (co-curated the work of 60 Australian photojournalists.) The feedback on all three was magnificent.

Huge Thanks to curator Chris Stannard and the all the rest of the fabulous dedicated team at Cairns Galleries. To Head On Photo Festival director Moshe Rosenzveig OAM who flew from Sydney to open the exhibitions. Amazing ! Also to Collie Jacobs for the image (top) below of the gallery entrance with me spoiling the pic. Second image below is the cover of the book, followed by a couple of pics of the pages inside.

Images & Book © Brian Cassey (and Collie Jacobs – top)

Millionaire Castaway … David Glasheen Update …

… very nice run in last weekends edition of the Courier Mail that featured my images … old and brand new … of old friend ‘Ex Millionaire to island Castaway’ David Glasheen. David lost a literal fortune during the 1987 economic crash and then chose to ‘drop out’ and live a solitary secluded life on historic Restoration Island off the coast of far north Queensland. 

His story and my photographs of David spread World wide after I visited him three times on his island … (named Restoration Island by Captain Bligh when he landed there during his epic 4000 mile open boat journey following the HMS Bounty mutiny) … back in 2010 and 2011 for News Ltd, the New York Times and Fairfax.

David later published a book about his life entitled “The Millionaire Castaway” which sold a quarter of a million copies around the planet.

Recently I learnt that David (now 81) had suffered a heart attack and had left the island for a bed in Cairns Hospital. At the hospital I was told he had just been discharged and I found him at the nearby Red Cross accomodation.  We chatted about old times and I asked if I could make yet another newer portrait … which he readily agreed to. 

This portrait (top image) is the result. David has always had a story to tell so I passed on details of his current trauma and story to Courier Mail gun journalist Michael Madigan (who I have worked with on many stories previously) … and passed on David’s new portrait and the earlier 2010/2011 pics of David on his remote inland retreat to the Courier picture desk.

The result … a front page pointer, Davids portrait on page 15 and a spread across pages 36 and 61. Happy with that … huge thanks to Michael for his brilliant words … and, of course, David who is now recovering with his family ‘down south’ (but really hoping to soon get back to his island home.)

Read David’s story in the Courier Mail here … https://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/millionaire-castaway-david-glasheen-seeks-a-companion-for-qld-tropical-island/news-story/2c4f77dd13fe0a8388b533e3a53e460

Images © Brian Cassey

‘Fine Art’ … and Dodho …

Not an extinct flightless bird, Dodho publishes “Dodho Magazine” … in their words “one of the most influential online contemporary photography magazines, committed to discovering and promoting the best photographers around the world”.

So … was excellent to again be selected in the “Dodho Fine Art” awards and see one of my favourite images … “Mother Africa – Aurora” … grace the wonderful Dodho large format hard cover fine art awards book.

This was only the second edition of the fine art awards and pleased to say that another of my images … “Bonn – Asking the Question” … was selected in the inaugural awards last year (see second image below). Dodho now also hosts other awards each year … and I also have had work selected … twice each … in their “Portrait Awards” and “Color Awards”. Getting quite a nice little collection of fine award photo books !

Dodho really do do a fine job of promoting a great variety of International photography. Do look out for them …

By the way … “Mother Africa” is large front and centre in my current exhibition “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portraits” … open now at the Mulgrave Gallery, Esplanade, Cairns until the 29th February.

Images © Brian Cassey

Dodho Magazine Fine Art Awards 2024 -"Boon - Asking the Question" - image © by Brian Cassey

ABC Radio … on 3 NEW Exhibitions …

Very pleased to be interviewed by ABC Radio’s wonderful Drive presenter Charlie McKillop on the morning of the opening of three exhibitions in Cairns that I am more than heavily involved in.

The three exhibitions are spread across both the Court House Gallery and the new adjoining Mulgrave Gallery … the exhibition of my latest work “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portraits” … the exhibition of the work of Australian photojournalists that I curated alongside Head On Photo Festival Director Moshe Rosenzveig OAM, “Paper Tigers – An Anthology of Australian Photojournalism” … and the resulting photojournalism work from my mentorship of Trinity Bay High School visual arts students, “Word on the Street”.

Have known ABC’s Charlie for many years … she’s a great interviewer who makes sure she has completed all the research on her interviewees. It’s really just a friendly rewarding chat … ‘on air’. Thanks Charlie !

Won’t go into too much detail about the exhibitions here and will let the interview itself ‘fill you in’.

It runs for ten minute and forty seconds.

There are many more details on the three exhibitions , the opening eve event and a set of photographs at my blog post here … https://www.briancasseyphotographer.com/blog/2025/01/three-exhibition-openings-in-cairns/

“A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portrait” and “Word on the Street” run till 29th February at the Mulgrave Gallery whilst “Paper Tigers’ finishes on the 22rd February at the Court House Gallery.

THREE Exhibition Openings in Cairns …

Two weeks since the opening of three exhibitions at the adjoining Mulgrave and Court House Galleries in Cairns.

Really stoked to see my new exhibition of 35 portraits “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portraits” … the collection I curated alongside Head On Photo Festival Director Moshe Rosenzveig “Paper Tigers – An Anthology of Australian Photojournalism” … and the work of Trinity Bay High School students that I mentored and edited with Cairns Galleries curator Chris Stannard “Word on the Street” … all opening simultaneously on the lawn between the galleries.

It was a brilliant and amazingly well attended evening.

Moshe Rosenzveig flew up from Sydney to perform the official exhibition openings under the evenings very threatening skies … and also joined me the following day hosting our artist/curators talks.

It is the first time that “Paper Tigers” has been shown outside of Sydney … and it was a real pleasure to see the sixty works by Australia’s wonderful photojournalist community on the expansive walls of the Court House Gallery … including my 2016 Nikon Walkley Portrait Prize winner “Abdullatif – Beaten Asylum Seeker” (pic 5 below 🙂 ). Was a real (lengthy and sometimes complicated) pleasure to work with Moshe to put this significant collection together. The exhibition includes many examples of Australian photojournalism that are historic and helped shaped the face of the country. VERY well worth a visit and a long long look.

My exhibition of ‘Portraits’ is a logical extension of my two earlier exhibitions … A Photographer’s Life Parts 1 & 2. Part One was exhibited in The Tanks Arts Centre in 2017 … and Part Two in the Court House Gallery in 2021. Together they documented not only my involvement in photography from a very early age and across the decades, but also the changes in photojournalism and the media environment. Part Three demonstrates the move more to portraiture from the more traditional and difficult to obtain (and more expensive) pure photojournalism. It also contains several of my fondest and most emotional images. Great to see some of the images projected the size of a house too !

“Word on the Street” is the product of my connections over the years with Trinity Bay High School and their visual arts students and teachers. I have judged and presented their annual photographic portrait prize for near a decade and have many times provided the students with class room talks and street walks where we explored photography and photojournalism. The catalyst for this particular exhibit was a chat with Cairns Galleries curator Chris Stannard (left in image 4). We mentored the students in photojournalism and encouraged them to produce work whilst charging young cadet journalist Isaac Colman with the task of writing their stories. A very rewarding and successful exercise …

Must, must … hugely thank Chris Stannard and all at the galleries staff (Andy, Narelle, Jilara, Laurence etc etc) who worked so hard to put these exhibitions together … Moshe for his time, expertise, words, camaraderie and attendance … the visual arts students and teachers from TBHS … my wonderful subjects (Vale Alf, George S, George C and Desley) … and all who taken the time out to be there on the opening eve or have subsequently walked through the gallery doors !

Also grateful to Charlie McKillop at ABC Radio who very nicely interviewed me on exhibition opening morning for her ‘Drive’ segment. You may listen to that interview here if you have ten minutes and forty seconds to spare.

Plenty of time left to take in the exhibitions … “Paper Tigers” runs to the 23rd of February … whilst “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portraits” and “Word on the Street” have both been extended until the 29th February. I may even catch you there 😉 .

I do hope to have some fascinating ‘360 degree’ videos of the exhibitions very soon.

In pics below … Mulgrave Gallery entry to “A Photographer’s Life – Part 3 – Portraits” and “Word on the Street” during an accompanying musical event – featuring my image “The Kids of Ali Curung” … my exhibit image “George at the Bus Stop” projected at dusk … some of my portraits on the walls of the Mulgrave Gallery … Cairns Galleries Chris Stannard at the Court House entry to “Paper Tigers” … my work :Abdullatif – Beaten Asylum Seeker” in the Court House Gallery “Paper Tigers” collection … projection of my work “Veronica – Where Home Brew Kills” late on opening evening … lastly, Head On’s Moshe Rosenzveig (right), myself (left – a VERY rare pic), friends from the Cairns photographic community Shaz Spannenburg, Peter Rossi, Charmaine Heyer, Polly Fenton with (rear) Robert Gray from Brisbane … at the Conservatory Bar ‘after launch’ ‘do.

Images © Brian Cassey … except second © Cristina Bevilacqua … and bottom © Moshe Rosenzveig/Sarah Hulgill

The Passing of George Skeene OAM … and Tokyo …

… bitter, sweet and emotional to receive this 😞 …

Just a couple of days after the saddest news on January 3rd of the passing of Yirrganydji (Cairns) elder Dr George Skeene OAM, I received the email that my work … “George at the Bus Stop – George Skeene OAM” … had scored an Honorable Mention in the Portrait category of the ‘Tokyo International Foto Awards’ (TIFA).

George … who I fortuitously met at a Cairns bus stop in June 2023 … was a true delight to meet and photograph … a real gentleman.

Was a Friday lunch time when I saw a distinguished man sitting quietly at the Cairns Central bus stop. Said ‘Hi’ … we exchanged pleasantries and I asked ‘George’ how far away his bus was … the board said eight minutes … and if I may make a quick portrait. George was fine with that so I raced back to my car a block away to grab a decent camera. We chatted very briefly whilst I made a few frames and it turns out that George was, in fact, Yirrganydji Elder Dr George Skeene OAM.

Of course, the bus arrived early and George told me his info was on the web … and off he went. Our interaction lasted a very pleasant six or seven minutes …

Fascinating to find Dr George on the web and learn the details of his stellar career.  George grew up in Aboriginal reserves in Cairns and made it his life’s work to document his Yirrganydji cultural heritage. 

He traced and catalogued Yirrganydji artefacts that were spirited to Germany in the early 1900’s, wrote a book “Two Cultures” about the Cairns aboriginal camps, arranged for the return and reburial in Cairns of the remains of a Yirrganydji woman held at the Queensland Museum … and there is much more of his exploits ‘on the web’.

George was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters at James Cook University in 2013 and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2016.

I presented him with a print of his portrait whilst he was undergoing treatment at Cairns Hospital late last year. That same portrait also features in my new exhibition opening next Friday at the Mulgrave Gallery. George joins others on that exhibition wall that are no longer with us … and I will pay tribute to all of them at the opening. It will be emotional …

Don’t think I’ll ever forget that memorable fleeting bus stop meeting with George … and was devastated to hear of his demise from his daughter just over a week ago. Thank You George … you will be very sorely missed.

Also scored a second TIFA Honorable Mention (this time Editorial category) with my image of Bill & Michelle Dunn after surviving the massive post Cyclone Jasper flood event that almost took their lives.

You’ve likely seen both these pics previously … and for that I apologise …

Whilst on … must also congratulate photographer good friend Emese Gyalog who scored a TIFA ‘Gold’ in wedding and a HN in Fine Art … nice two Em !

Images © Brian Cassey

Nice Chrissie Presents from … Budapest (BIFA), The Capture Awards and Dodho Color Awards …

… nice early Xmas pressies from the ‘Budapest International Foto Awards’ (BIFA), ‘The Capture Awards’ (hosted by Capture Magazine) and the ‘Dodho Color Awards’ 2024 (hosted by Dodho Magazine.)

The first two featured great results for my image “Alive – Bill & Michell’s Miraculous Escape From Cyclone Jasper”, which only a few weeks ago also took out the Clarion Awards (Queensland Media awards) ‘Best News Photograph’ honours.

Bill & Michell’s emotional image post Cyclone Jasper flooding was selected for the Bronze Award in the Editorial category of the Budapest International Foto Awards … and also in the top images list of the Documentary category of the Capture Awards and featuring in the new Summer edition of the print magazine.

Also in the Budapest awards, it was really gratifying to also see “Little Tuna” get a mention (an Honourable one – spelt here with a ‘u’ 😉 ) … the first time my portrait of “Little Tuna” proprietor Kate Lamason with one of her ‘family’, has been recognised in awards. The portrait was made in the office of Kate’s highly successful Australian caught tuna business in Cairns and producing the pic left her work place more than a little damp.

Accompanying Bill & Michelle in the Capture Awards were two of my images “George at the Bus Stop” (George Skeene OAM) and “Bubblegum & Voices” (Kythie Yunkaporta discovering bubbles in Aurukun) in the People & Portrait category. Both have been mentioned in previous awards.

Then … on Christmas eve the beautiful new Dodho book “Color” arrived in my post office box. The hard cover, large format, nicely printed volume showcases the winners and top works from the 2024 “Color Awards” … and included my portrait “Generations- Aurukun” of Aurukun Elders Silas and Rebecca Wolmby with their great grand children Shalona and Keola. Dodho do do lovely books 😉 .

Images © Brian Cassey … from top … Budapest International Foto Awards 2024 (BIFA), The Capture Awards 2024, the book “Colors” by Dodho Magazine – hard cover collection of the best photographs from the 2024 Dodho Color Awards.

TWO at the Clarion Awards …

… utterly chuffed to win the two major photography prizes at last eves “The Clarion Awards” (Queenslands Media Awards) in Brisbane … Best News Photo for “Alive – Bill & Michell’s Miraculous Escape From Jasper” … & … Best Photographic Essay for “Jasper Brings Once in a Century Flooding”.
A terrific evening amongst many media colleagues and friends old and some new. Well worth the trip from the tropics to the big city ;-).

The night really was a reminder that the media industry is still alive and kicking …. the work of the category winners was a real credit to all … and I was extremely gratified to be just a part of it.

Thank You to the MEAA (especially the Queensland branch) for continuing to organise such a great media event.

First image below is my winning Best News Photo … a work that is very close to my heart. Thank You Bill and Michelle from Degarra who put up with me at an extremely fragile time of their lives … to The Australian pic editors Michael Bilbe-Taylor and Milan Scepanovic who entrusted me with a very difficult and complicated assignment … and to gun journo Michael McKenna who did a great job of crafting the story via a very crackly phone line.

The following twelve images is my winning photo essay … made from when Jasper first reared it’s destructive head, through the record breaking rain falls and on to the start of ‘recovery’. 

Oh yeah … the judges comments are there too at the bottom. 

(Must also mention my medical mate Dr Richard Jackman who managed to get me back out working during the cyclone event after a busted vertebrae incurred during a rain sodden stair fall 🙂 )

Images © Brian Cassey  @brian_cassey