Merv in the frame for People’s Choice
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Story: Kristin Murdock kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au
A portrait of one of Brewarrina’s most celebrated sons is in the running for a national People’s Choice Award, with the photographer behind the image calling on people to “rally for Merv”.
Pioneering Aboriginal press photographer Mervyn Bishop, born in Brewarrina in 1945, is the subject of Kamilaroi/Gomeroi photographer and filmmaker Dean Saffron’s finalist portrait in the 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize.
For Mr Saffron, however, the photograph is about much more than winning a competition.
“I feel a bit embarrassed about asking people to vote. I do, but I just think we’ve got to rally for Merv,” he said.
“He shaped our lives, photographers’ lives, and I don’t think he realises how big he is.”
Mr Bishop’s influence on Australian photography is immense. Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, Mr Bishop began a four-year photography cadetship with the Sydney Morning Herald in 1963, becoming the first Aboriginal photographer hired by the newspaper.
He went on to document pivotal moments in Australian history as well as everyday life in Aboriginal communities across the country.
His most famous photograph, taken in 1975, captured then prime minister Gough Whitlam pouring soil into the hand of Gurindji Elder Vincent Lingiari during the historic handback of land to the Gurindji people.
Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.
To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week or purchase and download a digital edition here.
Comments