This exhibition features the shortlisted entries from the Free to Be Me Photo Competition that is central to Council’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign.

The competition theme, Free to Be Me, invites us to envision a world where everyone can live, work and play outside of restrictive gender norms—where men can be gentle and caring, women can be strong and lead, and gender-diverse or non-binary individuals can thrive in any role or space.

By challenging beliefs in rigid gender roles and stereotypes; and behaviours that contribute to or condone violence and discrimination, we can all play a part in creating a safe and more equitable world for everyone. Council is committed to building a community that is respectful and where women and gender diverse people feel safe, valued and included and can live free from violence, and the fear of violence.

Prizes include:

• First Place Adult: $200 cash plus $200 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne
• First Place Youth (12-25): $150 cash plus $150 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne
• Highly Commended Adult: $100 cash
• Highly Commended Youth: $50 cash
• People’s Choice: $100 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne

Council would like to congratulate the winners of the Free to Be Me Photography Competition and Exhibition.

A panel of judges assessed each entry on how well the image met the category of Live, Work or Play, how well the image met the brief of “Challenging restrictive gender stereotypes and expectations”, and the creativity of the image.

• Winner, Youth (12 – 25) awarded to Arlo for “Where’s My Team?”
• Highly Commended Youth (12 – 25) awarded to Dharshika for “Beyond Expectations”
• Winner, Adult awarded to Kathryn for “Paul”
• Highly Commended Adult awarded to Kathryn for “Soft and Strong”
• People’s Choice awarded to Arlo for “Where’s My Team?”

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photograph, voted in the People’s Choice or visited the exhibition in person or online. Thank you to the Social Foundry in Kyneton for hosting the exhibition.