“Yes” ? … “No” ? … Who Knows ? … A Week Full of “Voices” …

Last week  … manic !  Flight to Aurukun with indigenous leader Noel Pearson, another long day flying back to Aurukun and on to Pormpuraaw and Doomadgee Cape York Peninsula with Bob Katter … and in between following ‘Yes’ campaign director Dean Parkin all around Cairns. 

As the ‘Indigenous Voice to Parliament’ referendum draws ever closer, campaigning is in full swing … and there has been regular arrivals of ‘campaigners’ from ‘down south’ flocking to the Far North (and more turning up later on this week.)

Pearson’s visit to Aurukun and Parkin’s in Cairns were covered for ‘The Australian’ (including a nice page 1) … and Katter in an epic three destination Cape York flights saga, was for Bob’s campaign.

These TEN images have been chosen from across the hundreds I made over a hectic week … and they are also featured (arguably better) on my Instagram account and may be found here … https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx94Gy6vP4C/

  1. Bubblegum Discovery – Aurukun with Katter
  2. Bob Katter plants an ‘illegal’ potato in Doomadgee
  3. Young child explores the cenotaph in Aurukun – with Katter
  4. Dawn Koondumbin (75) reads up on the ‘Voice’ – in Aurukun with Pearson
  5. Bob Katter checks vegetable & fruit prices in the Doomadgee shop
  6. Phyllis Yunkaporta with Sophera Kerindun – in Aurukun with Pearson
  7. Deserted swim pool in Pormpuraaw – with Katter (left)
  8. Noel Pearson meets Bertha Yunkaporta (91) – in Aurukun (right)
  9. ‘Yes’ campaign Director Dean Parkin in Cairns (left)
  10. Bob Katter flies back from Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Doomadgee (right)

Poses the question … what am I going to do after the referendum 🙂 ? !

Images © Brian Cassey

Dr George Skeene at “Burning Cane” … Sold

Still time to take in the work of the far norths best portrait artists across all mediums at the Crate 59 “Burning Cane” exhibition in Cairns. Now in its second year the exhibition consists of over 40 works of great portraiture and it’s certain to become an annual firm favourite.

Crate 59 was packed for the “Burning Cane” opening eve event back in September … and I was very happy to have a photographic work on the gallery wall. “George at the Bus Stop” is a pretty straight forward piece of portrait photography … in contrast to many of the innovative and creative painted, drawn and sculptured works … but nevertheless seemed to attract a lot of attention. The framed work was bought by a local art collector (not sure If I can mention his name) and it was nice to see the ‘Red Dot’.

The story of “George at the Bus Stop” is one of those serendipitous twists of fate … a couple of minutes chance encounter that you can read all about George and our meeting in a previous post here.

Dr George Skeene OAM was a gentleman in those few moments … and he is very definitely a scholar (hence the OAM 🙂 ).

If you havn’t been already, “Burning Cane” is still open to viewers for the next couple of weeks but hours are limited to when Billy’s Coffee is open … Monday to Thursday 6am to 12.30, Friday and Saturday 6am to 3pm. Grab yourself a strong dark cuppa and take a look at some great art …

Last day is Thursday October 12th.

Image © Brian Cassey … “George at the Bus Stop” at the “Burning Cane” exhibition – Dr George Skeene OAM

“People From the Place of Many Waters” Lands in Paris …

Nice to receive the news recently that this set of portraits made in a little pop up studio during a workshop I hosted in the indigenous community of Kowanyama Cape York Peninsula late last year … “People From The Place of Many Waters” … was awarded an ‘Honorable Mention’ in ‘Portraiture – Series’ at this years prestigious “Le Prix De La Photographie De Paris” (Paris Photo Prize … PX3).

Many Thanks to the wonderful people of Kowanyama, Cape York Peninsula … the “People From The Place of Many Waters” . In particular my selection of subjects below from the hundreds of portraits made … David “Crow” Kitchener (top) – James “Doon Doon” Josiah Junior, Jyson Yam & Sneeklaw Possum (second from top) – Evelyn Birchley & Her Red Dress – Nazarie Birchley with Herbert Major-Birchley – Neville Henry – Zacchias Daniel – Arnold Possum – Charmaine Lawrence and Ruban Gibo … and all the many others who I portrayed during the program and workshop … and Tania Major who facilitated the visit for the RISE arts program.

In addition, another of my images … “100 Years & 3 Weeks – Alf Neal OAM” (yeah that one again – see other posts) … was also selected for an ‘Honorable Mention’ in the same PX3 awards, portraiture singles category … a nice welcome double 😉 !

Images © Brian Cassey

‘Deadly Threads’ at State Library of Queensland …

Nice bonus travelling to Brisbane last weekend for The Clarions … when I accidentally came across my portrait work (massively printed) at the State Library of Queensland’s ‘Deadly Threads’ exhibition . 

Was of the believe that It had already closed and I’d missed it … but an impromptu walk through SLQ and there was the big sign  (accompanied by one of my large images) … ‘Deadly Threads – Where Did You Get That Shirt?’ … enter.

‘Deadly Threads’ is a showcase of singlets, shirts, polos and jerseys (over a 190) created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across Queensland. It explores the significance of these pieces as symbols of identity, celebration and unity. They have been developed to protest, commemorate special occasions and historical events and tell stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures.

My part was to produce portraits of significant indigenous personalities wearing a range of these shirts for display around the exhibit and for promotional purposes. Around a dozen of my large portraits adorned the exhibition printed (in one case) up to a massive near four metres. I made the pics back in Cairns earlier this year in a little home made pop-up studio.

What I didn’t yet know was, that the day I stumbled into the exhibition last Sunday was it’s LAST day. When I returned next day with camera in hand to record the work, the staff were in the process of taking the exhibition down (hence the limited pics here 🙂 ).

The best news is that the ‘Deadly Threads’ exhibition is coming to Cairns very soon (you heard it first here) and will be open at the Cairns Regional Gallery in November/December. 

Here’s links to the State Library of Queensland’s ‘Deadly Threads’ … https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/deadlythreads … and … https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/deadly-threads-where-did-you-get-shirt

It will be well worth catching when it opens at the Cairns Art Gallery where my large portraits will again feature.

Images © Brian Cassey

'Deadly Threads' at State Library of Queensland, Brisbane - Mural Photographic Prints by Brian Cassey

'Deadly Threads' at State Library of Queensland, Brisbane - Mural Photographic Prints by Brian Cassey

'Deadly Threads' at State Library of Queensland, Brisbane - Mural Photographic Prints by Brian Cassey

'Deadly Threads' at State Library of Queensland, Brisbane - Mural Photographic Prints by Brian Cassey

 

 

 

Veronica … Mornington Island … Where Home Brew Kills …

Thrilled, but also saddened to once again travel to remote Mornington Island (Kunhanhaa) in the tropical Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia … the third visit in the past year.

Mornington is a delightful destination populated by delightful people … but the community are grappling with many social ills mainly caused by the tyranny of distance and basically, being ‘forgotten’.

New young Kunhanhaa Mayor Kyle Yanner is determined to raise awareness about the many issues that have beset his community … and has managed to get the attention of the Queensland Government near two thousand kilometres distant in Brisbane.

I again made many images during last weeks visit to the island … but this pic of five year old Veronica Barnes is the one I’m most fond of. I was concentrating on portraying a 16 year old who was a ‘home brew’ imbiber when I glanced Veronica and her tiny puppy. A couple of frames later and I had what I think is a ‘special’ image (sorta ‘Bill Henson style’ 😉 ). (NB … her father gave permission for the pic to be seen.)

Veronica’s community is experiencing the ravages of a wide spread ‘home brew’ alcohol epidemic … and this was the main thrust of our story. She is growing up in a community where many of her extended family members and friends are suffering the consequences of alcohol induced diabetes and untimely death. The community … ‘dry’ for twenty  years … has seen a rapid rise of dangerous home brewed alcohols … and children as young as ten years old have been imbibing and adversely effected. Diabetes cases have skyrocketed and the cemetery is littered with the graves of those who have succumbed to alcohol related issues in their teens, twenties and thirties. 

Mayor Yanner and the council are reaching out for urgent assistance to stem the scourge and are proposing the introduction of regulated mainstream mid strength alcohol products to the island, controlled at a Tavern. Queensland Minister for the Environment Meaghan Scanlon MP made the trek to Mornington last week to listen first hand to Yanner’s plans.

Veronica’s image was just one of the many made whilst covering the story (by journalist Domanii Cameron) in The Courier and Sunday Mail newspapers … below is a also page grab of the spread as published in Saturdays ‘Weekend’ edition.

My recent previous visits to Mornington documented severe overcrowding in the community’s housing (The Australian, December 2020) … and numerous issues in ‘The Queenslanders Left Behind’ (The Sunday Mail, May 2021)

 

Images ©Brian Cassey – publication © Courier Mail

 

'Veronica - Mornington Island - Where Home Brew Kills' - image by Brian Cassey for Courier Mail story on alcohol abuse and home brew on Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

 

'Veronica - Mornington Island - Where Home Brew Kills' - image by Brian Cassey for Courier Mail story on alcohol abuse and home brew on Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

 

Covid Lockdown in Cairns …

… seemed inevitable that it would happen sometime … and will likely happen again … a coronavirus pandemic lockdown in Cairns. Our tropical city has led a charmed life since last years initial lockdown in March and April … and we’ve watched as lockdowns have been instituted regularly around the rest of the country.

It took a mariner who had contracted the virus on an offshore ship before travelling back to Cairns and passing it on to a taxi driver to change all that and spark a (thankfully only) three day total lockdown.

These are just a few of the many images I made for Australian Associated Press (AAP) this week. More of my lockdown pics may be found on the AAP site here. (I also spent time covering the lockdown for News Ltd and you may have seen some of those in the local media.)

From top we have … 9 year old Lexie Barlow is tested by QML staff for covid-19 at a testing centre on the Cairns Esplanade … the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon empty and closed for the lockdown duration … masked indigenous children Isiah Bligh and Jakian Costello play in the rain during the Yarrabah lockdown … with occupancy down to seventeen percent a housekeeper patrols the empty corridors of the Cairns Hilton Hotel … Cairns residents queue for covid-19 testing at a QML test centre on the Esplanade … a girl exercises on the Cairns Esplanade during the lockdown.

Cairns has been fortunate since the pandemic began early in 2020 … and fingers crossed these are the last images of a local lockdown.

Images © Brian Cassey and AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

Covid-19 Lockdown in Cairns - images by © Brian Cassey, AAP

‘On the Wall’ … (Eventually) … in Kuala Lumpur …

This one I really like …

Since 2009 The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) has annually selected and recognised the best in photographic portraiture from around the World. The work chosen is invariably on the cutting edge and held in the highest regard.

So … to say the least … was undeniably very happy when this years results in the Open award were announced this week … nineteen (compelling and imaginative) works selected from artists in the USA (2), Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands (2), Poland (2), India (2), UK, Italy, Serbia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Ireland, Spain, Russia … and one selected from Australia … little old me.

Back from it’s trip ‘into space’ in 2019 my ‘Aurukun – Generations’ image was selected in the twenty strong list and will now travel to Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur for a month or so ‘on the wall’ of a prestigious gallery … dates and venue to be arranged at the whims of Covid.

’Aurukun – Generations’ has now received a raft of recognitions in awards and exhibitions … and it very nearly didn’t happen at all. The image was one of dozens made in the troubled Cape York township of Aurukun for a news story. Another was chosen for publication with the story and this pic was quietly forgotten. It was several months later when I revisited the archive, came across it again and realised it’s potential.

It was one of three of my images ‘Sent Into Space’ (literally) by ‘Portrait of Humanity’ in 2019 and it has also been exhibited and recognised widely around the planet. (You can find some of those … herehereherehere … hereherehere … and here .)

The work portrays Aurukun Wik elders Silas and Rebecca Wolmby with their great grand children Shalona and Keola. Sadly Silas has since left us. I did present his family with a large print of the Image when I made it back to the township last year.

It’s been eight years since I last made it to a Kuala Lumpur Finalist list in 2013 … coincidentally with another image made Aurukun way … a portrait of Aak Paul Ngantam stockman Perry Ward entitled ‘Roustabout’ (bottom below).

I travelled to Kuala Lumpur that year for the exhibition opening event. ‘Roustabout’ looked magnificent in a wonderful Petronas Towers gallery setting.

Very sadly (thanks covid), I’m pretty sure that this time around I won’t get to see ‘Aurukun – Generations’ on a KL gallery wall any time soon. (Still a buzz tho’ 😉 )

Images © Brian Cassey – top ‘Aurukun – Generations’, bottom ‘Roustabout’.

 

Kuala Lumpur International Photographic Portrait Prize KLPA 2021 - Finalist - 'Generations - Aurukun' by Brian Cassey

Kuala Lumpur International Photographic Portrait Prize KLPA 2013 - Finalist - 'Aak Paul Ngantam Roustabout' by Brian Cassey

Urandangi … Twelve Years On …

Way back in 2008 (unbelievable !) myself and journo Peter Michael travelled ‘out west’ to the tiny little outback hamlet of Urandangi on the Queensland / Northern Territory border. It was something of an eye opener.

The Mail Online contacted me recently after seeing my Instagram post of a Urandangi image selected from my archive. Their plan was to feature my 2008 images and update the story on the ‘forgotten’ settlement. It has now been published (25th October 2020) at … https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8821909/

The article leads with my pics of Urandangi local Mark Webb, his wife and seven children, who then were existing in a battered leaky caravan with no power or ‘facilities’. One of the comments Mark made at the time was “We are out of sight, out of mind, and no one cares”. They were not on their own … most residents were living in similar circumstances in dysfunctional caravans or makeshift iron and timber ‘humpies’ with no running water, power or sanitation.

The Mail story and pics then moves to the role of Pam Forster in the community. When I visited twelve years ago Pam had just taken over as publican of the ‘Urandangi Hotel’ … the ‘Dangi Pub’. Fast forward to today and she is still there at the pub (the only substantial building) where she operates all the business in town … watering hole (literally), CentreLink office, store, petrol station, post office, flying doctor agent … and more. Now seventy years old she has become a local legend and mentor to the entire community.

Much has improved since 2008 … some things havn’t … and it is all documented in the Daily Mail article here. (My work was originally published (2008) in the Courier Mail here.)

Below I have posted six of my seventeen images that appear in the new Mail Online article … jump to the link to see more here and read the text. (n.b … six of the images were part of my portfolio that won ‘Best Photo Essay’, Queensland Media Awards 2008. Also, the pic of the small child on the road graces the cover of my book ‘To Be Indigenous’ which can be found here at … https://www.briancasseyphotographer.com/books/

Images © Brian Cassey 2008 … from top … Mark Webb’s family camp, a child at play at Urandangi, Pam Forster just after she took over the ‘Dangi Pub’, the town ‘drunk tank’, Norm and Mavis Wilde at their wrecked van home, local Sonny Mick at his ‘humpy’.

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - pics by Brian Cassey

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - pics by Brian Cassey

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - - publican Pam Forster - pics by Brian Cassey

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - the 'Drunk Tank' - pics by Brian Cassey

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - the 'Drunk Tank' - pics by Brian Cassey - local Sonny Mick at his 'humpy'

Urandangi Queensland Australia - forgotten indigenous community - the 'Drunk Tank' - pics by Brian Cassey - local Sonny Mick at his 'humpy'

‘Aurukun – Generations’ and Tokyo International (TIFA) …

A nice little Xmas present … another little bit of recognition for my ‘Aurukun – Generations’ image … this time an ‘Honourable Mention’ in the Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) in the People/Family category.

The pic … of Aurukun Wik elders Silas (90) and Rebecca Wolmby (83) with their twin great grand children Shalona and Keola … seems to have attracted a lot of attention with other selections over the months of 2019 in the UK based Portrait of Humanity, the Budapest International Foto Awards (BIFA), the Australian Photography Awards (APA) , the IRIS Portrait Awards in Perth and the Fremantle International Portrait Prize (FIPP).

Very sadly, Silas … a wonderful gentleman … passed away before his portrait gained such International recognition. I have a print ready to present to Rebecca on my next visit to Aurukun.

Image © Brian Cassey

'Aurukun - Generations' - Honorable Mention - Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) - image by Brian Cassey

Rural Press Awards … there is a free lunch …

… but I won’t be there for it!

Was invited to a free lunch tomorrow at The Tattersall’s Club in Brisbane for the presentation of this year’s  “Excellence in Rural Journalism Awards” … but sadly can’t take it up.

Seems my image of young indigenous girl “Mowisha from Jumbun” has been selected as the Winner of the ‘Excellence in Rural Photography – People’ award. The pic was made whilst I was working in the Jumbun aboriginal community in the Murray River valley near Tully, North Queensland for an SBS story “The Town at the End of the Road” by Mark White.

Jumbun residents, like little Mowisha, are predominantly from the Girrimay and Dyirbal Aboriginal clans. Her community of about a hundred are battling the controlling Indigenous Land Council to resurrect a farming industry. The 200ha Jumbun property is still listed on the ILC’s books as Jumbun Farm, despite nothing currently being grown there by its residents. That wasn’t always the case. Jumbun was founded in 1975 as a farming community under the Whitlam government, By the 1980s it was growing produce including bananas, pumpkins and zucchinis and exporting to Sydney and Melbourne. However, changes in farming practices, crop blight and cyclones meant the industry dried up.

Residents are desperate to revive the community’s fortunes but have received no support from the ILC to help them restart farming produce and running cattle. The community needs to produce to stave off the prospect of disappearing completely. For little Mowisha Jumbun is her home, history and possible employment … but without farming the future of her community is, indeed, bleak.

This was the first time that I’ve won anything whilst working for SBS … but hopefully not the last. Gratifyingly, this is the third year in a row that I’ve been named the ‘People’ category winner (here … are this year 20182017, 2016). Don’t know if I can keep that one up …!

Below – the Winning “Mowisha from Jumbun’ image – © Brian Cassey

Press Excellence in Rural Journalism Awards- Brisbane - People category - Winner - "Mowisha from Jumbun" by Brian Cassey

‘Remixes’ at ‘Flying Monkey’ …

It was a great compliment to be asked to participate in an exhibition collaboration with talented Cairns artist Rick Beresford … and the results of that partnership are now up on the walls of the Flying Monkey Gallery.

Rick – an accomplished artist, curator and arts educator – asked if he could ‘work’ on several of my images … and the startling resulting works now form the exhibition ‘The Remixes’.

The exhibition is now open to the public at the Flying Monkey … and the official launch/opening will be at the unusual time of 10am (yup … in the morning) next Saturday 17th June (just before I jump on a plane for Melbourne!). So please do drop in Saturday to the Flying Monkey on Sheridan Street Cairns, grab yourself a coffee and some breakfast and say ‘Hi’ !

Below is one of the results of our collaboration from an image I made of three year old Harmony in the indigenous community of Kowrowa west of Kuranda.

Image and work © Brian Cassey and Rick Beresford

'The Cassey Remixes' - at the 'Flying Monkey Gallery' Cairns - by Brian Cassey and Rick Beresford

Beautiful One Day …

In the week before departing for the New York trip I had the very real pleasure of working alongside ultra talented journalist Trent Dalton at Palm Island (once nicknamed “Coconut Alcatraz”) in the Coral Sea on a story for the Australian Weekend Magazine. That story – entitled “In Their Own Words”– was published last weekend.

I strongly suggest that you take time (if you haven’t already) to read Trent’s wonderful story. It may be found here … http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/palm-island-after-100-years-of-trauma-writes-a-new-storyline/story-e6frg8h6-1227532935088 (with several of my images).

Trent and I spent several days with the people of Palm Island – mostly with the cast and crew of the theatre production “Beautiful One Day” – a play created by Palm Islanders that documents the troubled history of the indigenous island settlement from establishment early last century by the Queensland Government through to the Mulrunji Doomadgee ‘death in custody’ tragedy and the resulting furore. (I wouldn’t even attempt to match the words written by Trent so do suggest you read his complete story here !)

“Beautiful One Day” – the central element of the magazine story – came ‘home’ to Palm Island after successfully touring in London and around Victoria and is also currently showing at the Brisbane Festival QPAC till September 26.

The Palm Islanders and the crew of “Beautiful One Day” were more than gracious hosts … and I had a ball making images of the theatre production and the people and lifestyle on the island.

Below is a grab of the opening title spread in last weekends magazine and also the image in question – one of six used with the story.

Images © Brian Cassey

PalmIslandBlog

201509_PalmIsland20Blog

 

“Lifestyle Choices” at Storyology

“Lifestyle Choices” was made specifically for the 2015 Walkley Storyology Slide Night event. Images from my archives were formed into a photographic narrative around the audio of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s infamous quote about indigenous ‘Lifestyle Choices’ and an intriguing audio track – “Exximent” by Ilario Vannucchi from the album “Sleep Stones”.

Storyology Thanks and Farce …

The annual Walkley Storyology Photography Slide event morphed into something different this year … with very mixed results.

2015 saw the prize for photography based short videos expand to a Nation wide event rather that ‘State’ based with two awards presented – one judged by a panel of photojournalists (in Sydney) and the other by ‘peoples choice’ via the Walkley Foundation Facebook page.

The excellent judges selected a great entry by the Age photographer Justin McManus entitled “Bonnie Doon: How’s the Serenity” as Winner.

However, the ‘peoples choice’ award turned into a farce when one entry – declared the ‘Peoples Choice Winner’ by the Walkley Foundation – amassed almost as many votes as the the other 22 entries combined – the majority of which were from obviously fake and/or bogus Facebook accounts.

I would like to sincerely say ‘Thank You’ to the two hundred and eighty two of my friends and colleagues who took the time and trouble to place a ‘peoples choice’ vote for my entry “Lifestyle Choices” (below). Your votes contributed to a total tally which was by far the highest from ‘real’ people! Very much appreciated indeed …

 

Good Weekend at 30 …

Fairfax’s weekend colour magazine Good Weekend is celebrating an anniversary – “Three decades of great story telling” – by reprising thirty of the very best features re-published in a special ‘Classics’ series “Good Weekend at 30”.

Pleased to report that a story that I worked on with mega talented journalist John van Tiggelen is amongst them.

“Another Country” was originally published in the mag as the cover feature on the 15th of May 2008 (blimey – was it really that long ago) … and told the story of, in Johns incisive wonderfully descriptive words and my images, the plight of the residents of the troubled Cape York Peninsula indigenous community of Aurukun.

The publication of the story stirred the pot somewhat and it was an important catalyst for change in conditions in far too long neglected aboriginal communities. Certainly some of the observations made just six years ago are not as appropriate or apparent now.

The Fairfax promotional image for “Good Weekend at 30” is below … and my cover is bottom row third from left (indigenous children with wallaby). You can read John’s excellent “Another Country” and see some of my accompanying pics (in some cases badly cropped by online subs) at … http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/gw-classics/another-country-20140828-109ira.html . You may read all the excellent selected “Good Weekend at 30” feature stories by visiting … http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/gw-classics/ 

Also below is my favourite image from the Aurukun set (before being savagely hacked by subs !). It was used on page 1 of the Sydney Morning Herald to promote the original publication of “Another Country” back in 2008.

Aurukun images © Brian Cassey

GoodweekendAt30Blog

AurukunKidsBlog

 

New Essay … Aurukun Day …

A new photo essay I made last weekend – “Aurukun Day” – has now been posted to the web site of the photojournalism collective ‘fotostrada’ in ‘Latest Stories’.

The images document the celebrations in the Cape York Peninsula indigenous community to mark the 110th anniversary of the founding of Aurukun by Presbyterian missionaries. The weekend was also an opportunity to ‘take back’ to Aurukun my work completed locally – “The Aak Puul Ngnatam Stockman”. A multimedia piece was projected on the wall of the local store before the ‘disco’ and my portrait prints were also displayed on the store in the township centre.

Full details of the new essay can be found on the ‘fotostrada’ site here.

Below are just two images from the essay of 23 – top Elder Jock Eundatweakin – and below local kids at the disco event.

Images © Brian Cassey 2014

BCAurukunDayBlog1

BCAurukunDayBlog2

 

Taking It Back To Aurukun …

Even before showing my collection of “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” portraits at exhibitions in Sydney (Head On Photo Festival), Darwin (Proof Photojournalism Festival) and Cairns I was toying with the idea of taking it back to where the photographs originated – Cape York Peninsula and the indigenous township of Aurukun.

To most of the subjects in the portrait collection, Aurukun is their home and it is also the home of APN Cape York – the indigenous corporation that is responsible for the mustering operation that I witnessed and recorded originally for stories in ‘The Australian’ newspaper.

It seemed only fair that the people involved in the venture and their families, friends and Wik clan members in remote Aurukun should get the chance to see the photographs.

A chance encounter with Juliana Doupe from the Apunipima Cape York Health Council at my exhibition at ‘The Tanks Arts Centre’ in Cairns in February set the project in serious motion. Juliana showed great enthusiasm for the idea and for the next few months was tireless in her attempts to help make it work. Nothing happens easily in the ‘fluid’ Cape indigenous communities but the hurdles were overcome one after the other.

All the work came to fruition this weekend when “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” went back to Aurukun as part of the 2014 ‘Aurukun Day’ celebrations.

The evening of the 110th anniversary of the founding of Aurukun by missionaries was marked in the township centre by the community launch of the excellent Apunipima ‘Hip Hop’ music video starring a wildly energetic cast of locals … and followed by the projection of my APN multimedia video (which can be found on my ‘Play’ web site page or on ‘YouTube’ here). All again followed by much camaraderie as almost the entire community partied and crowded the dusty concrete dance floor at the ‘disco’.

On the second day of celebrations the collection of APN portrait prints were displayed along the wall of the Aurukun retail store … the meeting place in the heart of township … against a colourful indigenous backdrop. Sadly there was one omission from the exhibition. Elder and real gentleman Winston Marpoondin died recently and his portrait was excluded to respect cultural sensibilities.

It was, indeed, excellent to see the photographs ‘back home’ amongst the people of Aurukun and I’m very grateful to Juliana and also Andrew Packer from Apunipima for their invaluable help.

As soon as time permits I will post a new pic essay – ‘Aurukun Day’ – which will document the days activities. In the meantime below are images showing the exhibition as hung in Aurukun (top and bottom of 3) and (middle) locals watching the projected APN multimedia video – captured at a point in transition between one frame and the next.

Images © Brian Cassey 2014

AurukunDayBlog2

AurukunDayBlog

AurukunDayBlog3

He’s Everywhere … Name is Dominic … !

Dominic Ngakyunkwokka …

Hot of the heels of Dominic’s starring role as the ‘hero’ image on the poster for my “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” Exhibition now showing at The Tanks Arts Centre Cairns (see previous post below) … he’s now also the headline act in two further publications.

Dominic’s image graces the whole front page of the 160th and current edition of the glossy Brisbane magazine “MAP”  (Motivated Australian People) – a great mag published by “purveyors of pop culture”. The same pic also graces the top half of page 15 above an article “A Series of Immortalised Moments” on the subject of the Brisbane Powerhouse exhibition of the “Nikon Walkley Press Photography Exhibition”.

The “Head On Photo Festival’ crew are also using the same Dominic image – once again full page – to promote the just announced “2014 Head On Photographic Prizes”.

The image has really been good for me … and I’m extremely grateful for the patience and understanding shown by Dominic – and,  indeed, the rest of the APN mustering crew – when I rocked up out of nowhere and chose to take their individual portraits as well as the pics of the guys and gals working out bush. I thank them all …

Would dearly like to take the exhibition up ‘home’ to Aurukun where Dominic and all the rest of the crew can take it in … but freely admit that this does present some logistical problems.

My photo of Dominic was also judged a winner in the “2013 Head On Portrait Prize”, a winner in the “2013 Queensland Multi Media Awards” in the “Best Editorial Image/Photograph” category, a finalist in the “2013 Fremantle International Portrait Prize“… and was part of my portfolio that made one of three finalists in the “2013 Nikon Walkley Press Photographer of the Year”.

Below are ‘grabs’ of the MAP mag cover and the Head On ‘Call for Entries’ … (Sincerely hope you’re not that bored with the image yet!!)

Image of  Dominic Ngakyunkwokka  © Brian Cassey

DominicMAPBlog

DominicHeadOnBlog

 

 

Exhibition at ‘The Tanks’ …

Less than two weeks to the launch of my “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” exhibition of images at a great venue – ‘The Tanks’ in Cairns.

Curator Chris Stannard and The Tanks crew are now putting together the exhibit which consists of the large ‘stockman’ portraits, smaller collected prints of the APN Cape York mustering operation, video, audio and a slide show of images.

The large portraits of the APN crew – taken of every member at the bush camp as they returned from an exhausting muster – will each be hung on their own individual ‘wall’ arranged around the interior of one of the massive WWII fuel tanks . Will look sensational I’m sure.

The driving force behind the indigenous APN Cape York operation – Bruce Martin – has confirmed his attendance at the opening eve event … and hopefully more members of the crew.

You too are also more than welcome on the opening eve – Friday February 7th from 6pm – and your invitation can be found here.

Below is The Tanks promotional poster for the event. The exhibition will run from opening eve February 7th till March 2nd.

Stockman Image of Dominic Ngakyunkwokka © Brian Cassey

APNTanksExPosterBlog

“Roustabout” Selected in KL …

Very pleasant news that one of my “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” portrait series has been selected as a Finalist in the prestigious “5th Kuala Lumpur International Photo Awards”. The selected Finalist image is a portrait of Perry Ward – the “Roustabout” of the APN Cape York crew that are mustering thousands of head of stock out from the indigenous township of Aurukun, northern Australia.

The announcement of the Winner and place getters will be made at Galeri Petronas, KLCC,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday 1st June 2013, from 5pm – and all the finalist images will be exhibited at the gallery from 23rd May to 23rd June.

Indeed an honour to be involved in such an enterprise … and I’m also pleased for the great and accommodating members of APN Cape York who allowed me to make the image.

Below is the Finalist image – small size – of Perry, the “Roustabout” – the entire “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” portrait essay can be found here.

image ©Brian Cassey

RoustaboutBlog

Sydney Exhibition – Head On

Only a few weeks till my collection of images – “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” – opens at the Global Gallery in Paddington Sydney as a ‘featured’ exhibition in the massive ‘Head On Photo Festival’.

All are welcome to the opening function at the gallery on the eve of Wednesday 29th May from 6ish  (with a little drink or two offered – but no obligation!)

The exhibit consists of 14 large portraits – all made ‘in situ’ at the base camp of the mustering operations on a remote property out from the indigenous township of Aurukun, Cape York Peninsula. The cattle venture by indigenous APN Cape York is an attempt to provide sustainable employment and a sense of pride in the troubled township – and break the cycle of booze, drugs, violence and welfare dependency.

The subjects included in the exhibition are a mix of elder experienced former aboriginal stockman, young indigenous men from Aurukun keen to learn the ropes, a white family of head stockman, wife and cook and two daughter Jillaroos, a teacher for the kids and a ‘roustabout’ – all of whom are directly involved in the day to day hands on mustering operation.

The crew are mustering – by horseback, quad bike and helicopter – about 5000 head which are the remnants and descendants of a failed cattle venture in the 1990’s.

The work was originally made for  ’The Weekend Australian’ newspaper and accompanied by text from journalist Michael McKenna (who is also one of the subjects).

The exhibition runs at Global Gallery till the 9th June … looking forward to seeing you there.

Below is just one of fourteen portraits that make up the exhibition.

Image of Winston Marpoondin – © Brian Cassey

APNBlog

 

6th Photography Masters Cup …

Just been advised that one of my images “Homeless in Seoul” won an ‘Honorable Mention’ in the ‘Photojournalism’ category of the “International Color Awards – 6th Photography Masters Cup”.

Nice …

The image was made at Seoul Railway Station South Korea and shows a child peering at a homeless man preparing his cardboard box bed for the night in an underpass at the station. The homeless at the station are embroiled in a battle with state owned railway operator Korail who have evicted several hundred homeless from the railway precinct.

Two of my other images – “Chook” (an image of Kowanyama elder ‘Chook’ with his grand children) and “The Seventh Second” (an image of indigenous rodeo rider Elroy Josiah eating the dirt) – were also Nominess in the ‘People’ and ‘Sport’ categories.

The complete list of winners and nominees can be found here at http://www.thecolorawards.com/6thphotoshow/index.php

The winning and nominated images are also shown below …

© Images Brian Cassey

Soulless in Seoul - © pic by Brian Cassey

Australia - Kowanyama - 07/06/11.

Cape York Cattle Muster Essay …

Have now found time to post a new photo essay from the Cape York mustering trip – “Cattle Muster Cape York”  – to the web site of my collective ‘fotostrada’ under ‘Latest Stories’. The new essay is in addition to the “Aak Puul Ngantam Stcokman” essay of portraits posted earlier.

This set of images were made during the mustering operations – by horse back, helicopter and quad bike, on the remote property out from the indigenous township of Aurukun. The stock they are mustering, numbering about 5000, are the remnants and descendants of a failed cattle venture in the 1990’s.  The participants are a mix of elder experienced former aboriginal stockman, young indigenous men from Aurukun keen to learn the ropes, a white family of head stockman, wife and cook and two daughter Jillaroos, a teacher for the kids and a ‘roustabout’ – all of whom are directly involved in the day to day hands on mustering operation.

The venture is an attempt to provide sustainable employment and a sense of pride in the indigenous town – and break the cycle of booze, drugs, violence and welfare dependency.

They have already had some success with the sale of mustered stock fetching record prices at a recent Mareeba cattle auction.

The work was made for ‘The Australian’ newspaper with text by journalist Michael McKenna and was published over four pages (including page 1) of  ‘The Weekend Australian’ edition (see earlier post below.)

Posted below are just three images from the complete essay which can be found in full at http://www.fotostrada.com/#/latest-stories/cattle-muster-cape-york/BCAurukunAPN24

Images © Brian Cassey

Indigenous Stockmen Saddle Up Again …

A little pleased with this weekends The Weekend Australian (27.10.2012).

Last Weekend I ventured once again up to the wilds of Cape York Peninsula, this time with journalist Michael McKenna, for a four day visit to Bruce Martin and his APN Cape York cattle enterprise a hundred K out from Aurukun.

APN Cape York is an initiative of Bruce and the collective Wik clans of Aurukun – an attempt to provide sustainable employment and a sense of pride in the indigenous town – and break the cycle of booze, drugs, violence and welfare dependency.

The idea of this particular plan of Aak Puul Ngantam (which in Wik mean “our father’s father’s country) is to return to the traditional  ‘country’ – in this case as stockman to manage and profit from the approximately five thousand head of cattle left to run wild after an earlier venture failed in the 1990’s. To work on the land just as their forefathers did many decades before.

Our task was to document the mustering venture in words and pictures for the weekend edition of  The Australian.

It didn’t start well … the ute taking us through the bush shed the drive shaft half way though the journey in the middle of nowhere, meaning we were unceremoniously towed into the mustering camp.

Sometimes, however, things fall into place – and with the help of the entire APN crew present – stockman Jay, Kenneth, Winston, Dominic, Steven, Cameron, Allan and Bruce, roustabout Perry, cook and mum Rebecca, jillaroo sisters Nina (5) and Shae-Anne (10), their teacher Moyra and helicopter pilot Brendan – the coverage went like clockwork (and with a great amount of banter and good humour).

I photographed the team erecting stock fences, mustering on horse back (and in Bruce’s case off the horses back!), helicopter and quad bike and training a herd of cattle to be used as a host herd.

The Weekend Australian used what must be a record number of images on the same subject by the same snapper – 22 of my pics in all over five pages – along with Michael’s excellent thousands of words! They also run on-line a photo essay and a video.

I’ve posted below screen grabs of the pages involved – and the online photo essay can be found here – and the video here.

Also below is just one image from the set of portraits I made of all the camp participants – an essay to be entitled “The Aak Puul Ngantam Stockman” – which I hope to exhibit at some stage in the future.

The full sets of images will appear on my web site when the current site revamp is finished in a few weeks time. They will also feature soon on the web site of my collective ‘fotostrada’.

© Images Brian Cassey