Media Release 9 May 2008

STORIES OF EVERYDAY ACTIVISM: PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENS IN SOUTH KINGSVILLE

Tapestries: Stories of Everyday Activism, a travelling photography exhibition that celebrates the activism of women in the west of Melbourne, opens at South Kingsville Community Centre on Thursday 15 May 2008 at 12pm.

"2008 marks the one hundredth anniversary of Victorian women gaining the vote," says Dr Robyn Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Health West. "We thought it an appropriate time to look at ways of accessing local women's stories of activism."

Women make vital and significant contributions in every area of Australian society and while many women may not seek or expect recognition for their efforts, it is essential that as a community we celebrate inspiring women by publicly acknowledging their remarkable achievements.

This exhibition features photographs and stories of twelve diverse women from the west of Melbourne. It aims to raise awareness, and celebrate the range, of experiences of women's power to achieve and focus on actions they have taken at individual, organisational, community or societal levels.

"People are out there, you don't have to be home alone. Enjoy the moments. Life is meant for living," says Wendy Warren, one of the women featured in the exhibition. Wendy has volunteered at the South Kingsville Community Centre for thirty-five years.

"Photographing these women and sharing their stories of everyday activism has been a truly collaborative process," says artist, Scout Kozakiewicz. "The amazing strength, resourcefulness and intelligence that these women have shared through their stories will be a constant reminder that inspiration is everywhere."

Dr Gregory hopes that "the stories of everyday activism contained within this tapestry inspire and awaken your inner activist. Don't stay inside. Get out and take action, exert your power, make change."

Robyn Gregory, CEO of Women's Health West is available for comment on 03 9689 9588.

Exhibition will be on display from 15 May to 13 June 2008.

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au or contact on the day on 0432 637 933. For all other general media enquiries contact us via email.