‘Free to be me’ photography competition

Last updated on 09 October 2024

A photography competition that aims to challenge restrictive gender stereotypes and expectations is central to Council’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign this year.

The annual global campaign, established by the United Nations, seeks to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end violence against women.

The theme of Council’s photo competition is ‘Free to Be Me’: an invitation to show how we can all live, work and play outside of restrictive norms. Where men can be gentle and caring, women can be strong and lead, and gender-diverse or non-binary people can be active in typically male or female roles or spaces. 

Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the competition provided an opportunity to get people in the community proactively involved in raising awareness of the issue. 

"Photography has the power to transcend words and touch hearts. We believe that with this competition, we can start a conversation about respect and raise awareness about preventing gender-based violence,” she said.

Submissions are invited from 11 October until 8 November and anyone over 12 years of age who lives, works, or plays in the Macedon Ranges can enter (note: parent/guardian permissions may apply for photographers/subjects under the age of 18).

Shortlisted photographs will be exhibited locally and online from 25 November to 10 December. Prizes will be awarded for First Place Adult, First Place Youth, and People’s Choice.

This initiative is supported by Maddisons of Gisborne, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Safe and Equal, and Respect Victoria.

The photo competition is among a number of initiatives Council will be supporting as part of the 16 Days of Activism, with others including financial wellbeing workshops for women and a themed StoryWalk, storytimes and collection displays through local Goldfields Libraries.

Visit 16 Days of Activism for more information.