Barbara McGrady

Barbara McGrady, born 1950 in Mungindi, New South Wales is a Gomeroi (Gamilaraay)/Murri/Yinah woman, and is recognised as Australia's first Indigenous photojournalist. McGrady has been photographing the political and social events of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the Redfern, Surry Hills and Waterloo communities for over 30 years and specialises in recording First Nations sporting figures. McGrady documents the contributions that First Nations peoples make to contemporary society, highlighting the power and strength of individuals, communities and culture against the backdrop of historical, political, social and cultural change within Australia. She is a passionate advocate for telling the true stories of contemporary Aboriginal life and experience, capturing achievements, humanity and beauty.

McGrady's work has been published by media outlets such as NAIDOC, NITV, National Indigenous Times, Reconciliation Australia, Aboriginal Legal Service and Gadigal Information Service. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions over the years, including her solo exhibition Always Will Be at the Australian Centre for Photography in 2017, and at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2020 as part of the Biennale of Sydney. Featured in the SBS documentary series Desperate Measures in 2013, the following year McGrady won the Anthony Mundine Courage Award at the inaugural National Indigenous Human Rights Awards, and in 2015, the Solid Screen International Award for Indigenous Women in Film and Photography, for her significant contribution to photo media documentation.

Purchased 2023
© John Janson-Moore