Embedded Files
Recap
Recap
What images did we look at last lesson?
How did they represent Australian culture?
Aussie Culture
Aussie Culture
In the following images, consider:
What do they have in common?
Who / what is represented?
How might audiences feel in response?
Who is missing?
University of Newcastle (1918) Australian Soldiers (Gunners), URL
Working Dog Productions (1997) The Castle Official Trailer, URL
Beyond White Australia
Beyond White Australia
In the following images, consider:
Who / What do they depict?
How do they differ from the first set?
Do they feel more or less “Australian”? Why?
Is there still anyone missing?
Canberra Daily (2022) National Multicultural Festival, URL
Marley Morgan & Indigenous Fashion Photography
Marley Morgan & Indigenous Fashion Photography
Cocktail Revolution (2024), Australian Indigenous Photographers You Should Know, URL
Markus Andersen: Cabramatta
Markus Andersen: Cabramatta
Cabramatta is a photo series by Sydney photographer Markus Andersen that captures the vibrant, multicultural life of Cabramatta, a suburb in south-western Sydney. Through his distinctive street photography style, Andersen highlights everyday moments, people, colours, and patterns, showing the rich cultural diversity that defines modern Australia. His work reveals the hidden beauty and complexity of a community shaped by Southeast Asian influences and urban Australian life.
Heartbreak High
Heartbreak High
Heartbreak High is a Netflix teen drama set in Australia, following a diverse group of high school students navigating friendship, love, and identity. It authentically represents Australian youth culture by showcasing a wide range of characters, including First Nations, queer, neurodiverse, and disabled voices. Through honest storytelling, the show reflects the complexity of modern teenage life, avoiding tokenism and promoting real inclusivity to capture the rich, intersectional experiences that define contemporary Australia.
Q+ Magazine (2025) Australia’s Heartbreak High remake: A full season review, URL
In the World of Music
In the World of Music
Group Activity - Understanding Anne Zahalka
Your group will be given a photograph by Anne Zahalka. Together, discuss and answer the following questions:
Questions
Questions
How does the image challenge typical representations of Australian culture?
What visual elements (like costume, setting, or pose) change the meaning of the image?
Does this image still feel like it challenges Australian stereotypes today, or does it feel normal to you? Why?
You will then share your ideas with the class.
Tips
Tips
If you’re stuck, you can start your answers like this:
"This image challenges stereotypes by showing..."
"The costume/setting/pose is important because..."
“This image either continues to challenge or conforms to Australian stereotypes because…”
Extra Steps
Extra Steps
Make sure everyone in the group has shared something relevant before sharing back to the class
Choose someone who can summarise and share your ideas
The Images
The Images
The Sunbather #2 (1989)
The Sunbather #2 (1989)
A twist on the classic Aussie beachgoer image.
The Bathers (1989)
The Bathers (1989)
A multicultural take on the iconic beach scene.
The Family (1989)
The Family (1989)
A reimagining of the traditional Australian family portrait, showing cultural diversity and modern suburban life.
The Gang (1989)
The Gang (1989)
Challenges stereotypes of Australian masculinity, toughness, and youth culture by presenting a suburban multicultural group.
The Boys (1989)
The Boys (1989)
Questions ideas about Aussie masculinity, blokey culture, and suburban working-class identity.
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