Right to be Counted

Award-winning Melbourne photographer, Tobias Titz and the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre collaborated with Indigenous community members from Port Hedland, Yandeyarra, Carnarvon and Warralong to create a series of photographic portraits that articulated the communities’ thoughts, opinions and experiences regarding the 1967 referendum.

Commemorating 40 years since the referendum, Right to be Counted was an exhibition highlighting the power of words. The 1967 referendum was a ground breaking moment for Australia. 90.77% voted ‘Yes’ giving Indigenous Australians the rights of other Australians.

The framed photographs consisted of full length and face portraits alongside etched comments about the person's reflections on the effects of the ‘67 Referendum.

These carefully considered words, positioned next to the compelling portraits, created an exhibition that was at once confronting, personal, and stunning. Right to be Counted asserted that even once a person has left a space, even after an event has come and gone, something remains – repercussions, impact and memory.

This exhibition included a practical workshop for Indigenous community members to celebrate and reflect on changes in society.