Western Sydney University Schools Photographic Awards connects students with country
On Thursday, 10 April, Western Sydney University hosted 90 Year 11 students from five high schools to take part in its inaugural photographic competition. The students from Blaxland, Coylton, Katoomba, Lithgow and Richmond High Schools will take part in a two-day program of events as part of the competition.
Dr Leo Robba, Associate Dean Engagement, with the School of Humanities and Communication Arts, noted that the competition is an extension of the Painted River Project’s schools outreach program in the region.
“The project is an initiative that blends art, science and cultural practices to foster both community engagement and eco-literacy,” said Dr Robba.
“It aims to link academic research, education with creativity and the power of the imagination to nurture ways to better care for the health of our waterways and river systems.”
Thursday’s event saw the students take part in three sessions to help them develop their photographic knowledge and skills ahead of day two which will be hosted by Uncle David King on the lands for the Gundungurra people at The Gully (Garguree) in Katoomba.
Thursday’s sessions included a workshop on Connecting to Country, an introduction to photographic composition and an immersion session at the University’s state of the art photo studio.
The theme for the competition is Caring for Country, cultural identity & the wonders of the nature through science, which encourages young photographers to explore the unique landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural heritage of Greater Western Sydney, capturing the powerful bond between people, place, and the intricate workings of nature.
Professor Saba Bebawi, Dean of the School of Humanities and Communication Arts is proud that her school is able to support this new initiative.
“It is inspiring to see so many young people take an interest in the place where art, science and culture meet,” said Professor Bebawi.
“Student outreach programs like this are part of what makes Western Sydney University special. We were also delighted to be able to donate camera and lighting equipment to each of the schools to help build the creative capacity of their students and to use as part of the competition.”
Uncle David King, held the session on Connecting to Country, which aimed to help the students understand that everyone’s culture plays a part in how they interact with nature and art.
The winning photographs will be collated into an exhibition that will be shown at the Institute for Australian and Asian Arts and Culture later in the year.
This is a School of Humanities and Communication Arts and Painted River Project initiative in partnership with Gundungurra Tradition Owners, Western Sydney Creative, The Whitlam Institute, School of Science, Western Future Students, Institute of Australian and Asian Arts and Culture
ENDS
16 April 2025
Kathryn Bannon, Media Officer.
Photo Credit: Sally Tsoutas
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