What’s ‘your’ story?

Curated by community organisation, Wesley Mission Brisbane (WMB), and Griffith University Queensland College of Art (QCA), the exhibition will launch on 5 December 2014, commemorating a 10 year partnership between WMB and QCA which has seen more than 150 students capture the many faces and stories of WMB clients, residents, volunteers and staff.

Wesley Mission Brisbane’s executive director, Geoff Batkin, says the exhibition highlights the incredible people that are part of the WMB community.

“These poignant images capture stories of hardship, personal triumph and selflessness,” Mr Batkin says. 

“As a community service organisation we work with some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we are privileged to meet some incredible people and share their journey. These people are the true heroes in our society, quietly going about their volunteering, their day jobs or following their passion to help others.”

Stories like John Ryan from WMB's Community Meal program, who was himself living on the streets until he found WMB. He is now the head volunteer chef at the Community Meal and volunteers his time every Tuesday and Wednesday to cook a three course hot meal for more than 80 homeless and disadvantaged people.

There's also Patrick Passfield, who at 75 years of age, is ‘virtually’ walking hundreds of kilometres every month to raise money and inspire his fellow aged care residents.
Queensland College of Art Associate Lecturer of Photography, Alan Hill says the partnership provides students with a unique opportunity to delve into the lives of others and capture extraordinary moments out of ordinary situations.

“The project sees our young professional photographers engaging with parts of their community that they might otherwise not encounter, and collaborating with the people they meet to tell their stories,” Mr Hill says.

“It is our hope that the stories presented in this exhibition not only provide rich insights into the lives of those depicted, and the work of Wesley Mission Brisbane, but also serve to remind us that everyone really does have a story and that those stories connect us.”

The Everyone Has a Story photographic exhibition will be held at Wesley House (140 Ann Street, Brisbane) from 5 to 7 December, 10am to 3pm. Free entry.

Wesley Misson Brisbane is a not for profit organisation, offering community support, aged care, child care and retirement living.