Tote Bag Artists
Learning Stories
BEA PAYLA
The Colour Thief
Bea’s Learning Journey: From Point Cook to the World Stage
Meet Bea, a 17-year-old student in Year 11 at Suzanne Corey High School. Hailing from Upper Point Cook, Bea’s journey into the world of art and creativity began with a simple trip to Bendigo during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Armed with her camera, Bea immersed herself in the festive atmosphere, capturing the vibrant colours and dynamic energy of the Easter Festival parade. Her photography skills blossomed as she experimented with different angles and techniques, capturing the essence of the event through her lens. Bea entered the 2023 Way out West Photography competition with her unique and vibrant photograph “The Colour Thief” and this image was selected by the Wyndham Learning Festival working group for the 2024 tote bags.
Bea’s passion for media extended beyond photography. Self-studying media and inspired by her teachers, she delved into video editing, exploring new ways to express her creativity.
But Bea’s talents do not stop there. As a member of a band, she channels her creativity into writing and recording her own songs, while also taking on the role of photographer during school events to continually improve her skills.
Outside of the arts, Bea excels in academics and sports. Psychology is her favourite subject, and she thrives in competitive volleyball, even reaching state level competitions. But it is not just sports where Bea shines; she is also a skilled debater, making it to the finals at Monash University as part of her school’s debate team.
As an initiative-taking member of her school community, Bea is involved in various leadership roles, including the Student Representative Council (SRC) and school council. She organises fun fundraisers like lettuce-eating competitions and engages in initiatives to support communities in crisis, such as fundraising for Ukraine.
Bea’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community engagement. From capturing moments on camera to leading initiatives for change, Bea’s artistic talents and leadership skills are making a difference in her school and beyond.
Let’s celebrate Bea’s inspiring journey and cheer her on as she continues to shine bright and make a positive impact in the world!
Congratulations, Bea, on this well-deserved recognition! Your creativity continues to inspire us all.
Ashlee, a 26-year-old resident of Werribee and a mother of three young children, has a deep connection with the Werribee River.
Growing up around the river, Ashlee spent her childhood and youth enjoying the peace and beauty of the area. She wanted to share this love of nature with her children and took them on an adventure along the riverbank, capturing the moment on her iPhone camera.
The Werribee River is a source of comfort and inspiration for Ashlee, who has a passion for photography, which she enjoys alongside her roles as a hands-on mother and model.
Her dedication to her community was recognized when she won the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month award, and at the annual awards event, she learned about the range of events and programs offered by Wyndham City, which inspired her to enter the Way out West Photographic competition.
Ashlee’s story is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.
ASHLEE BROWN
Down by the River
ASHLEE BROWN
Down by the River
Ashlee, a 26-year-old resident of Werribee and a mother of three young children, has a deep connection with the Werribee River.
Growing up around the river, Ashlee spent her childhood and youth enjoying the peace and beauty of the area. She wanted to share this love of nature with her children and took them on an adventure along the riverbank, capturing the moment on her iPhone camera.
The Werribee River is a source of comfort and inspiration for Ashlee, who has a passion for photography, which she enjoys alongside her roles as a hands-on mother and model.
Her dedication to her community was recognized when she won the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month award, and at the annual awards event, she learned about the range of events and programs offered by Wyndham City, which inspired her to enter the Way out West Photographic competition.
Ashlee’s story is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.
TIA MISQUITTA
Love for Books
Tia’s Learning Journey: Capturing Creativity
Meet Tia, a 14-year-old student in Year 9. Tia discovered her passion for photography back in Grade 5, when she felt a spark of creativity ignite within her.
During lockdown, Tia’s art teacher assigned students to explore nature and capture it through photography, challenging them to see the world from different perspectives. Armed with her father’s old phone, Tia embarked on this assignment, taking five photos that would change her perspective on photography forever.
Initially viewing photography as a chore, Tia soon found herself immersed in the art form. She turned to YouTube tutorials to enhance her skills, seeking quality and tips to improve her craft.
Tia’s love for reading also influenced her photography journey. Inspired by her favourite books, particularly the Tom Gates series, Tia began experimenting with light manipulation. Dissatisfied with her initial attempts, she resourcefully used a torch in the dark, with her grandma assisting by holding the light over the pages of her beloved books, creating captivating illusions.
Her curiosity for storytelling, especially in the realms of horror and mystery, reflects in her photography. Tia’s favourite subjects at school include math and English, but it’s her elective subject—media—that truly allows her creativity to flourish. Through photography, she explores different elements, discovering new ways to express herself and her unique perspective on the world.
Despite her artistic pursuits, Tia’s ambitions extend beyond the realm of creativity. With dreams of becoming a GP medical doctor, she embodies the perfect balance of creativity and ambition.
Tia is a shining example of a creative young person with big dreams, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible!
Meet Thavishi, a 15-year-old creative enthusiast from the local area who has always been fascinated by various forms of art.
Her love for photography was ignited in grade 5 when her teacher, who also happened to be a photographer, organized a class photography competition, which Thavishi won. She was rewarded with a small camera, which she still treasures to this day.
Thavishi has participated in various local creative competitions, including one where she used flowers on her hands to create a beautiful image and another where she used digital artwork, winning first prize. This win boosted her confidence and motivated her to continue her creative journey.
In 2022, Thavishi came across the Wyndham Way-out-West Youth Photography Competition in her school newsletter. Drawing inspiration from her earlier floral hands photo, she decided to incorporate her own boots, threaded with purple lace, and adorned with flowers from her garden. To enhance the visual impact, she splashed water around the scene, ultimately capturing a stunning image on her father’s iPhone.
Currently a year 10 student at Werribee Secondary College, Thavishi is an accomplished pianist who enjoys playing jazz. Additionally, she takes part in traditional cultural dance classes, showcasing her creativity through various forms of art.
Thavishi’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion. Her journey is a reminder that anything is possible when we follow our passion.
THAVISHI BANDARA ATHAUDA
One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mother Nature
THAVISHI BANDARA ATHAUDA
One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mother Nature
Meet Thavishi, a 15-year-old creative enthusiast from the local area who has always been fascinated by various forms of art.
Her love for photography was ignited in grade 5 when her teacher, who also happened to be a photographer, organized a class photography competition, which Thavishi won. She was rewarded with a small camera, which she still treasures to this day.
Thavishi has participated in various local creative competitions, including one where she used flowers on her hands to create a beautiful image and another where she used digital artwork, winning first prize. This win boosted her confidence and motivated her to continue her creative journey.
In 2022, Thavishi came across the Wyndham Way-out-West Youth Photography Competition in her school newsletter. Drawing inspiration from her earlier floral hands photo, she decided to incorporate her own boots, threaded with purple lace, and adorned with flowers from her garden. To enhance the visual impact, she splashed water around the scene, ultimately capturing a stunning image on her father’s iPhone.
Currently a year 10 student at Werribee Secondary College, Thavishi is an accomplished pianist who enjoys playing jazz. Additionally, she takes part in traditional cultural dance classes, showcasing her creativity through various forms of art.
Thavishi’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion. Her journey is a reminder that anything is possible when we follow our passion.
TARNIA FEDELE
Werribee River K Road Cliffs
Tarnia’s image of the striking Werribee River K Road cliffs was one of two selected for the 2022 Wyndham Learning Festival bags.
Tarnia is a local 24 year old resident who is very creative, enjoying drawing and painting, both digital and traditional forms, baking and taking photos of family and friends, pet photography and wildlife (bird photography is her favourite) and connecting with nature, particularly during the periods of lockdown.
Tarnia entered the Way out West Photography Competition in 2020 and 2021 after a Year 12 teacher at Wyndham Community and Education Centre sent her a link to the competition and encouraged her to enter.
Tarnia enjoys entering competitions and was a lucky winner of a click frenzy competition winning $1000, with which she bought a Cannon 3000 D with zoom lens. Since winning a camera, she became obsessed with photography and used this camera to take this photo.
Tarnia went with a good friend to visit the cliffs overlooking the Werribee River. The view inspired her to take the photo and entered the competition as she particularly loved this photo, and so do we! Well done Tarnia.
TARNIA FEDELE
Werribee River K Road Cliffs
Tarnia’s image of the striking Werribee River K Road cliffs was one of two selected for the 2022 Wyndham Learning Festival bags.
Tarnia is a local 24 year old resident who is very creative, enjoying drawing and painting, both digital and traditional forms, baking and taking photos of family and friends, pet photography and wildlife (bird photography is her favourite) and connecting with nature, particularly during the periods of lockdown.
Tarnia entered the Way out West Photography Competition in 2020 and 2021 after a Year 12 teacher at Wyndham Community and Education Centre sent her a link to the competition and encouraged her to enter.
Tarnia enjoys entering competitions and was a lucky winner of a click frenzy competition winning $1000, with which she bought a Cannon 3000 D with zoom lens. Since winning a camera, she became obsessed with photography and used this camera to take this photo.
Tarnia went with a good friend to visit the cliffs overlooking the Werribee River. The view inspired her to take the photo and entered the competition as she particularly loved this photo, and so do we! Well done Tarnia.
Mandi’s piece is an original artwork, acrylic on canvas. She describes her art work as “The blue for water life, from the ocean to the river and water we drink every day.
The lines are the walking paths, the movements and being active.
The circle up the top with for coming together and socialising
The ‘campfire’ for is food, with five circles representing the 5 food groups
Campfire is for ceremony and looking after wellbeing”
MANDI BARTON
Sharing Stories, Gaining Knowledge
MANDI BARTON
Sharing Stories, Gaining Knowledge
Mandi’s piece is an original artwork, acrylic on canvas. She describes her art work as “The blue for water life, from the ocean to the river and water we drink every day.
The lines are the walking paths, the movements and being active.
The circle up the top with for coming together and socialising
The ‘campfire’ for is food, with five circles representing the 5 food groups
Campfire is for ceremony and looking after wellbeing”
JAMISON LEHRER
Swans at Cherry Lake
Jamison’s image of the rippling lake and swans at Cherry
Lake reserve was one of two selected for the Wyndham Learning Festival bags.
Jamison is a 13 year old local resident who participated in
a photography workshop at Point Cook Library and was inspired to enter the Way
out West Photography competition.
Jamison is artistic and enjoys drawing, he is sporty,
relishing the adrenalin of dirt bike riding, outside adventures and playing
basketball.
Jamison likes taking photos of old buildings, street art and
derelict buildings, exploring areas with his friends and scouting for
photogenic places. This image was taken at Cherry Lake reserve with friends
skimming rocks through the water to achieve the ripple effect taken on his
mobile device! He now uses a Nikon camera to take his photos.
You can see more of Jamison’s photography on his Instagram
account: @faceless_.photography
Jamison is a busy young person going places!
Congratulations.
JAMISON LEHRER
Swans at Cherry Lake
Jamison’s image of the rippling lake and swans at Cherry
Lake reserve was one of two selected for the Wyndham Learning Festival bags.
Jamison is a 13 year old local resident who participated in
a photography workshop at Point Cook Library and was inspired to enter the Way
out West Photography competition.
Jamison is artistic and enjoys drawing, he is sporty,
relishing the adrenalin of dirt bike riding, outside adventures and playing
basketball.
Jamison likes taking photos of old buildings, street art and
derelict buildings, exploring areas with his friends and scouting for
photogenic places. This image was taken at Cherry Lake reserve with friends
skimming rocks through the water to achieve the ripple effect taken on his
mobile device! He now uses a Nikon camera to take his photos.
You can see more of Jamison’s photography on his Instagram
account: @faceless_.photography
Jamison is a busy young person going places!
Congratulations.
