STREETFACE enjoys success at state awards

The City of Greater Geelong’s STREETFACE – Having A Say exhibition was a finalist in the Victorian Disability Awards last Wednesday, with the project also claiming a Highly Commended award.

Aimed at expressing young people’s ideas, opinions and aspirations, STREETFACE showcases 5×5 metre photographs of people aged under 25.

The close-ups are splashed across Geelong council buildings and include stories about the people from around the region who have voluntarily elected to share their truths.

This year’s theme, Having A Say, saw the involvement of nine young people who all live with a disability.

Aimee Miller, Holly Miller, Joshua Rawkins, Brodie Shaw, Jack Tory, Penelope Manning, Mitchell Bond, Lindy-Joy Crouch and Liam O’Neil each fronted the lens to be part of STREETFACE 2019.

Councillor Anthony Aitken, who chairs the city’s disability access, inclusion and volunteering portfolio, said the exhibition was just one example of the city’s projects and commitments to making Geelong a more inclusive community.

“The nomination, shortlisting and popularity of this project is a true example of why it’s so important that we engage with people with a disability, whose experiences, needs and aspirations are often not heard in society,” Cr Aitken said.

Mayor Bruce Harwood thanked the nine participants and noted their bravery in sharing their experiences and aspirations with the community on such a public platform.