The week that was

I traveled to Dubbo, Peak Hill, Parkes, Eugowra, Canowindra, Cowra, Blayney, Bathurst, Sofala, Lithgow and Katoomba this past week. All places that are in the New South Wales states central west. I love traveling "bush". There is a real sense of freedom I experience and joy at seeing the "real" Australians. The farmers, rural dwellers who don't mince words who call it like it is, and are salt of the earth people who despite their rough exterior have hearts and acts of service are pure gold. Here are some different pictures I took on the journey. I love the signs you see that are interesting and provide character, charm and a slice of history and occasion.











I also had the rare and unique opportunity to go the Prime Ministers Sydney residence with a very small church delegation to meet with the Prime Minister before his busy day began at 7:15 the other morning. The church delegation had created Kevin Rudd's family history and documented it going back to the 1500's and presented it to him. I was asked to photograph it. He was really excited and keen to read through the two volume anthology. Another copy will be presented to the National Archives stored in vaults in the National Library in our nations capital in Canberra. They will be presented at the end of August and I have again been asked to photograph that. It was a very unique experience being in that small forum. There are not too many Australian people who get invited in to Kirribilli House, and the history and opportunity was one I will treasure for some time. I found the Prime Minister to be warm and friendly. I have met and photographed him prior to becoming leader of Australia, but was amazed that there was no air of arrogance and no air of do you know who I am about him at all. He was particularly pleased when he found that there were a couple of convicts in his family history who were sent out to Australia from England in the second fleet to this land. What a wonderful moment for me. Here are a couple of pics. It was not appropriate to ask for a picture of me with him, as he was literally leaving when he came out to the front and bid us adieu. But he shook my hand warmly and made me feel very welcome. I couldn't help recall that just a couple of weeks ago he shook hands with the Pope, a few weeks before that the President of the United States, Prime Minister of England, Japan and countless other people. Here are some pictures of that morning.








I also was the photographer for the Jamm 4 Genes concert which was filled with a number of current and rising stars on the Australian country music scene featuring the wonderful McClymonts again! What a great night. As I said previously, country music has not been my thing really, but I am so appreciative that there are people who have the chance to find a voice who feel they don't fit the "mainstream" yet they can express themselves and be appreciated for it by an ever increasing audience. I loved the concert and was again grateful to be there. Here are some pictures of that night.


Camille Te Nahu and Stu French - lovely combination


Morgan was absolutely great. What a talented guy.



Nicki Gillis on stage and off. A talented artist and the daughter of another artist performing on the night, Stacey Morris, and has two daughters that look like following in her footsteps also.


Stacey Morris with daughter Nicki Gillis which were a great combination


Stacey Morris - a great voice and presence on stage


Glenn Cardier a man I have known mildly for some time was a great performer and has a seasoned sound which is very likeable.


Drew McAlister who has a great voice and will go far I predict.


Amber Lawrence a young lady who went into a record store in Mascot near Sydney airport one day and heard a country music song and it changed her life. What a future this young lady has. She is good.


The fabulous Yeeha boys - a country music swing band with a great sound and rhythm. Great band and guys.



Catherine Britt - a young lady that has that Tammy Wynette sound which is pure country. She exuded a charm and really showed how much she loved what she was doing.






Shots of the wonderfully talented and gorgeous sisters of Mollie, Brooke and Sam that are the McClymonts.


Jamming on stage with everyone at the end of night finale.


At the end of the night everyone was allowed to meet and be photographed with the stars of the night, the pictures were printed out and then the funds raised were donated to the CMRI. It was again, a great night of Australian talent. I don't recall a single person there who didn't have a great night night. There was even a blind man who wanted his pictures taken with the stars, It was an infectious night of enthusiasm even if the numbers were few.