In November 2015 I was one of several people awarded for their services and presence in the West End Community of Brisbane. The awards acknowledge “Local Legends” across the spectrum of those who contribute to the life and culture of West End.
I was honoured with the inaugural Community Engagement Award. I am so grateful and humbled by those who nominated me for this award. I owe so much to the late Aunty Maureen Watson, who was my first mentor into the local community. You cannot be a local legend on your own, and I acknowledge the relationships and opportunities that have come my way to inspire and encourage my community engagement.
Legends happen when stories are shared and lives are bonded in community. Thanks to The West End Magazine and the great film crew from Griffith University Film School for their creative engagement that saw the video project come to air.
This post is a collection of interviews and responses I gave following the acknowledgement.
Banner pic from West End Magazine
Tony Robertson describes West End as a “celebration of diversity” in a wonderful short film produced by a talented group of Griffith film students. The West End Magazine film producer Ann Megalla acted as consultant on the project.
Tony works with Micah Projects as part of social inclusion team, largely assisting local people who have mental health problems or disabilities. He works to bring people together without differentiation through social and community activities. Tony is an everyday hero, embodying the true spirit of West End.
Local Legends Awards
The 2015 Local Legends Awards were held on Saturday 17 October at Miss Bliss Café, West End.
The Community Engagement Award: a recommendation of the judges Tim Quinn, Margie Gamble and Peter Marinelli went to Tony Robertson for his tireless work with local residents and aboriginal people.
Congratulations to one of our stalwart regulars who received an unexpected recognition of his contribution to the wider community in the LOCAL LEGENDS scheme.
Being the unique soul that Tony Robertson is, the organisers had to come up with a new category to recognise Tony’s efforts as a social worker with the homeless at his work with MICAH PROJECTS, and his community engagement as the Community Jester, and social documenter in his photographic exploits, not to mention the banana suit!
Congratulations again and many thanks Tony, who has so been a part of Paladar’s landscape for the past decade and most certainly the wider local community.
Keep up the good work. We cheer and applaud you.
Artist , Hiroaki Eba with Local Legend Trophy
I made the 2015 Local Legend Trophy for West End. This year I made them by ceramic, wire and string. The wire and string represents the Brisbane River and is shaped as the bend where West End is situated. The base of the trophy is a ceramic vase and can be used for tiny flowers. I received a lot of compliments for these. Thank you.
Congratulations also to the recipients of the Local Legends Awards! I hope you can enjoy your award for a long time.
The Relationships (Civil Partnerships) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2015 proposed by the Queensland Parliament seeks to reinstate legislative provisions removed in 2012 in respect of legally recognised partnerships between two adults, to:allow a state-sanctioned ceremony prior to registration of a civil partnership
This legislation first step on the journey of honouring the human dignity and commitment of same sex couples. It is also a basic human right that protects the legal status of the relationship. Written submissions addressing the Bill’s proposals as outlined above are now invited, and will be accepted until 4.00 pm on Monday, 19 October 2015.A guide to making submissions is available here.
I find it bizarre that so many of my fellow Catholics get upset by this. The Church blesses all sorts of inanimate objects including houses, cars, footballs, statues and buildings. It has blessings for all sorts of people from students to pilgrims but won’t even offer a blessing ritual to same sex couples.
The official book of blessings however does include a Blessing of Organisations Concerned With Public Needs so perhaps Brisbane LGBTIQ Action Group could qualify for that.
Follow my reflections on the 12 Days of Christmas here.
West End Festival 2014
With friends at Sanity Fair 2014
Brisbane has been my home now for 22 years. It has been my home city for the longest continual period in my life. And in that time West End and South Brisbane on the Kurilpa Peninsula have been my home, workplace and preferred social venues.
My camera travels with me capturing friends, neighbours and life among the people who make up my community.
Today was something of an extraordinary opportunity to spend time at Sanity Fair 2014 Brisbane Open House and West End Festival.
I am aware of the power of image and the duty of care I have as a photographer in recording people and their lives. I am also humbled by those who request as well as those who pose for my images or allow me to capture them.
Click here to see a wonderful album of the Kurilpa Community engaging and celebrating. Please add comments, tag and join the storytelling
