The BIG Picture – literally!

A massive 41m long photograph with 113 people touched in some way by transplantation was on display during DonateLife week  in the City Square, Melbourne.

Photographer Pollyanna Gibson came to the Vic/Tas committee of Transplant Australia with her idea of photographing transplant recipients, donors, donor families and those waiting for a transplant a mere 4 months before the final print was exhibited. Our Committee organised photo shoots around the state. We were very happy with the enthusiastic response we had from our members.

The week started with the launch on Saturday August1  by the deputy Mayor of Melbourne. Many of the participants in the shoot were present including some who travelled from Bendigo.

The display stayed in the City Square day and night until Sunday August 9. It remained upright through wild wind, rain, people sitting on the back, children treating it as jumping castle and a large protest against racism.

It was amazing to see how many people passing by came up for a closer look, took photos and read all of the stories, so many signed or took away donor forms, some came in after seeing it on the news, others came to see their friends in the picture. The whole display was awesome.

Many thanks to Pollyannar for putting together such an amazing work of art that promoted discussion about organ and tissue donation. Thanks too, to all the volunteers who gave up time to ‘man the stall’ in really cold Melbourne weather!