About

Mervyn Bishop and Tim Dobbyn discuss Black, White + Colour, in conversation with Stephanie Armstrong OAM. 

Born in Brewarrina NSW in 1945, Mervyn Bishop used chance, charm and talent to join the staff of the Sydney Morning Herald at just 17. He won a top news photography award but never received the customary pay increase. Disillusioned, Bishop moved to Canberra as a government photographer and took the iconic photo of Gough Whitlam pouring earth into the hands of traditional owner Vincent Lingiari.

Learn about the man behind the lens at Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick. This event is free. Bookings essential.

Mervyn Bishop was the first Aboriginal press photographer in Australia. Mervyn’s awards include the Nikon-Walkley Australian Press Photographer of the Year for 1971 and the Australia Council's Red Ochre Award in 2000.

Tim Dobbyn is a former journalist who started at Australian Associated Press in 1981 before moving to the United States in 1987 to work for Reuters. After taking a break from daily journalism, he worked freelance jobs before starting work on the Mervyn Bishop biography in 2018. He and his family have known Bishop since 1962. He lives near Washington D.C. with his wife Sheila and two impossible dogs.

Stephanie Armstrong OAM s a proud Gamilaraay woman from Gamilaraay/Yuwaalaraay country (north west NSW) and a member of a large extended family. Stephanie knew from a young age she wanted to teach. Her ensuing 40 years as an educator – spanning early childhood, primary and secondary schools, universities, government and not-for-profit organisations – led to her recognition and Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to Indigenous health and education.

Date

Location

Get directions

Avenue Bookstore Elsternwick
351 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick Vic 3185

Contact Event Organiser