09 Sep 2009
The Prime Minister of Australia, The Right Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, has kindly provided the foreword for a photographic documentary book being produced by award winning Cairns photographer, Steve Rutherford.
Steve approached the Prime Minister with the generous support of Federal MP, the Member for Leichardt, Jim Turnour, to hand deliver a written request for support in providing a statement for the book. Steve had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Rudd during the recent Pacific Islands Forum held in Cairns, to discuss the project and thank the Government for their support.
Steve has been working since May 2009 on capturing a photographic documentary of homeless youth in Cairns. The brief has centred on emotionally charged and hard hitting images for a coffee table style book to raise funding for a homeless youth shelter to be built in Cairns, namely Harald's House. The book and its images focus on the successes and hardships experienced by the Harald's House Project team, co-ordinated by Harald Falge OAM, as well as the stories of the neglected street youth they support and the volunteers who make it all happen. These thought provoking images, that draw upon viewers emotions, will be coupled with quotes, and stories from all involved, especially the youth themselves.
Having assisted unwanted and abused youth living on the streets of Cairns, for 17 years, the Harald's House Team, through charity oirganisation, Street Level Youth Care, have provided an array of support and comfort, such as counseling and warm meals to youth, aged as young as 9.
The book will be in production very early in 2010, with release rexpected early to mid 2010 with a large lead up in Cairns prior to launch. The project is also currently seeking corporate sponsors to assist the production of the book and a traveling exhibition of images in 2010.
More information including requests for interview, may be obtained via the photographer, Steve Rutherford, directly on 07 4055 3353 or via email at -
info@steverutherford.com.au or just visit Steve Rutherford's website link -
www.steverutherford.com.au/community.htm
For information about Harald's House, or to give generously please visit -
www.haraldshouse.com