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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 Finalist
As a nine year old boy, abandoned at the end of the long driveway leading to a New Zealand orphanage, David Bussau's prospects could not have been bleaker. Though from the back porch of his home in Sydney, David can reflect on the life of how a scared little boy became a millionaire, husband, father and hero to the world's poor. 'I don't think of it as a tough childhood, I think of it as being important and necessary for the activity I'm doing now. I haven't allowed myself to hold on to the experience of growing up, both good and bad.' This year he received one of Australia's most prestigious awards being named the Senior Australian of the Year, recognising 30 years of helping the poor to help themselves, and as Opportunity International's cofounder, one of the first and most influential implementers of microfinance.
In its second year at the National Portrait Gallery, and for the first time touring to other venues, the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 continues to present surprising perspectives on the nature of contemporary portrait photography.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.
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The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.
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