La Trobe’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence photography competition, ‘Picturing Respect’ has now closed.
Congratulations to all our staff and student entrants for their thoughtful and moving contributions! The competition, which sought to explore what ‘respect’ is, has produced diverse and powerful images of respect.
Thank you so much to everyone who engaged with the competition.
Exhibition displays
Please join us for lunches for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and to view the Picturing Respect Photography Exhibition photos. Opening events will occur at both Bendigo and Melbourne (Bundoora) Campuses.
Come along hear from some special guests in the field of prevention of gender-based violence, learn more about La Trobe’s prevention work and immerse yourself in thought-provoking displays. Food will be provided and feel free to pick up some resources.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to show your support for ‘Picturing Respect’, La Trobe’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence event.
Register for the events below:
| 16 Days of Activism Campus Events | |||
| Bendigo | Bendigo Registration Link | Melbourne (Bundoora) | Melbourne (Bundoora) Registration Link |
| Location | Bendigo Room BE-BUS-129 | Location | Seminar Room 2.18, Borchardt Library |
| Date | 5 December 2024 | Date | 3 December 2024 |
| Time | 12 pm – 1 pm | Time | 12 pm – 1 pm |
Note – The Melbourne (Bundoora) exhibition will be live in the library (ground floor) from 25 November – 10 December.
Competition Winners
After careful consideration and review against the ‘Respect Is’ competition criteria, we are excited to announce the following competition winners:
Staff category
First place $250 voucher: Liana Sidharta and Thu Nguyen
Descriptions:
Liana Sidharta – “Respect is treating all humans with dignity. This photo is taken at Swanston Street.”
Thu Nguyen – Beneath the Neon Light; A poem:
"In the city’s hum, two paths collide
A stranger bends, respect implied.
No words are spoken, just a nod, a glance
A fleeting moment, a silent chance.
Respect lives here, in simple acts
In kindness shown without contact."
Second place $100 voucher: Sarah Ridsdale
Description:
“This is a photo of me sitting on the steps of Parliament representing my brother who couldn’t be present due to grief. My brother took this picture of me on the news. I am sitting on Parliament steps holding the last photo ever taken by my brother’s girlfriend of the two of them. Happy. In love. Carefree. She was violently taken away from him and all who loved her on November 16, 2020. In the foreground is ‘The Lost Petition’, a 30-metre-long artwork produced by Dan Bain. The lost petition is a list that heartbreakingly keeps on growing, of women and children taken due to male violence. Respect is a right to live safely.”
Joint third place $50 voucher: Babak Dadvand
Description:
“On the glassy expanse of Lake Tyrrell, two people stand face-to-face, their reflections merging with the sky’s vast canvas. Here, respect flows like water — boundless and unwavering, blurring the boundaries between self and other. Just as the sun embraces both earth and sky, respect bridges differences, illuminating the beauty of connection. In this quiet moment, reflection becomes a metaphor to remind us that when we truly see one another, respect is not just given — it’s mirrored back.”
Joint third place $50 voucher: Will Wang
Description:
“This photo was taken during the Chinese Cultural Excursion Day I organized for La Trobe students learning Chinese. In the photo, respect is shown by how carefully the students are paying attention to the guzheng, a musical instrument with a long history. They are showing respect by taking the time to understand and connect with a culture that may be different from their own. “Respect Is” about recognizing and celebrating the differences between people while learning together. The image shows respect through the students’ willingness to learn something new, no matter where they come from. It reminds us that respect means including everyone and creating a space where people from different backgrounds can come together to appreciate something meaningful.”
Student category
First place $250 voucher: Bharadwaj Pilla
Description:
“Captured on my Nikon D7500 in the serene embrace of Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, this moment during my Malaysia tour in January 2019 speaks volumes about the quiet strength of respect. A father gently guiding his son along the shore symbolizes the foundation of respect—built through presence, support, and understanding. Respect is not just taught; it is shown in the simple acts of holding a hand, sharing a moment, and walking alongside one another through life’s journeys. It is the bond that carries us forward, one step at a time.”
Second place $100 voucher: Vi Nguyen
Description:
“At the Agora, with pride we stand, Honouring the wisdom of Wurundjeri land. First Nations’ knowledge guides our way, Pedagogical inclusion, day by day. Through truth, ecological land justice we align, 2022-30 reform priorities enshrined. RISE and ASPIRE support one’s best, From high school to mature age, these programs invest. Senior Elder Aunty Joy shared so very clear, A welcome rooted on campus, largest of the southern hemisphere. Eucalypt branches, a gift from the land, A leaf means you’re welcome, and at Bundoora you stand. 🌿Accept this leaf join in our song, Honour ancestors who nurtured the land so long. From treetops to the deep roots down below, Together in spirit, together we shall grow. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 for reconciliation, Drive our commitment, acknowledged in our education. Cultural growth for all Australia to see, In our embrace, let’s close the gap in unity.” – A poem by Vi Nguyen
Joint third place $50 voucher: Phuong Pham
Description:
“Respect is when a mother nurtures and supports her child, and the child listens to and cherishes her guidance.”
Joint third place $50 voucher: Raksha Farwin Mohamed Rizwan
Description:
“Respect is the deep appreciation of all life around us, an acknowledgment of interconnectedness and value. It’s about seeing worth in every being, every moment, and every experience, creating harmony and understanding that enriches our shared existence.”