Wyndham Learning Festival reusable tote bags 2023
Our WLF tote bags remain immensely popular, proudly displaying the remarkable talent discovered through the Way Out West annual photography competition. In 2023, our bags showcased captivating photos by Ashlee Brown and Thavishi Bandara Athauda.
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.
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.
Wyndham Learning Festival reusable tote bags 2022
In 2022, our bags showcased captivating photos by Tarnia Fedele and Jamison Lehrer.
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.
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.