Gamilaroi culture shines through, with My Moree people's choice winner announced

Gamilaroi culture shines through, with My Moree people's choice winner announced After seven weeks on display, the third biennial My Moree exhibition has drawn to a close at Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM). The biggest competition to date saw over 400 photographic entries cast by locals and visitors alike, each symbolising what “My Moree” represents to the artist. With over 160 entries on display, visitors to the exhibition were able to have their say on their favourite entry by casting a vote for the highly coveted People’s Choice prize, with a $1,000 Love Local Gift Card for the winner. “Whilst there were a few photos that stood out for visitors, there was a clear favourite, and I’d like to congratulate Laura Kennedy on her stunning photograph which has won the People’s Choice Prize,” said Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries. “It’s marvellous to see our strong local Aboriginal culture celebrated in Laura’s photo,” added Cr Humphries. “I’d like to thank every person who contributed to the exhibition and shared their Moree with our community. The competition and exhibition are a fabulous way to celebrate why we choose to call the Moree Plains home, and it just wouldn’t happen without the community’s amazing contributions.” Bank Art Museum Acting Director Kate Tuart added that while visitor numbers were down on previous years due to lower tourist numbers and Covid-19, BAMM staff received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors to the exhibition. “Everyone loves the My Moree exhibition. It’s a great way to get the community involved and a rare opportunity for locals to get to see their own artwork on the walls of BAMM,” said Ms Tuart. “The historical display which provides a rare insight into our region’s history was a crowd favourite once again, and the new Transformations category was also really well received by visitors to the exhibition.” Although the My Moree photography and exhibition have closed for another two years, residents are reminded that they can always celebrate the region and share their Moree by using the My Moree hashtag #mymoree on their preferred social media platform. Photograph: My Moree People’s Choice Prize-winning photo, by Laura Kennedy