mmg.com.au

Former Tongala resident Shaun Mackrell’s photography exhibition is on display at Melbourne’s Federation Square.

His recent project, We’re Still Here, has been put on display as a part of the StripBillboard initiative.

The initiative aims to promote non-commercial art in high profile locations to increase interaction with the public.

Mr Mackrell said he was pleased to have been chosen for the exhibition.

‘‘For me personally it is an affirmation on the quality of the work I produce. The calibre of artist they choose is very high and to have been selected from this field is a true honour,’’ he said.

Mr Mackrell’s exhibition show a number of Tongala locals in various settings.

He said it explored the Tongala community and what the town has experienced and survived.

‘‘The people of Tongala should be very happy with this outcome. It just shows that their story is important and people are willing to listen.’’

Mr Mackrell said his audiences often wanted to know more about the people in the photographs.

‘‘The people who participated in this project have not only done a great service to the rest of Tongala but, as I see it, all regional and rural communities,’’ he said.

The exhibition was previously on display in Melbourne, Bendigo and Tongala.

The series will be on display at Fed Square until December 9.