This Mother’s Day will be extra special for some Whiddon residents and their families, thanks to a generous local collaboration capturing and gifting precious memories.
Photographer John Burgess and printing and framing specialist Tracey Rex, from Your Photos Framed, have joined forces to create fabulous Mother’s Day portraits as presents, donating their time and talents to the project.
“I wanted to be involved because all mothers deserve to be recognised,” said Tracey.
Readers would be familiar with Tracey’s big heart and charity work. And she has long supported Whiddon – bringing ponies in for visits, volunteering and staying connected with many residents she once knew through her family’s camera house.
“A lot of these faces in the photos are familiar to me,” she added.
“To see them now, when they’re a little bit older, and to be able to help give them something beautiful where they look and feel good – it’s really moving. It’s been a pleasure to be involved,” said Tracey.
Equally inspired to give back to the community, John started the treasured tradition of taking photos at Whiddon in Wee Waa years ago; the idea was sparked by his own personal experience.
“I remember when my dad was diagnosed with cancer in his early 90s, I realised I had very few photos of him,” John explained. “Even though I was a photographer, I didn’t have many, so whether Dad realised I was doing it or not, I started taking photos of him at every chance I got.
“And I know that once your family member is gone, that’s all you’ve got. Having memories of them is important,” he said.
“So, seeing the look on their faces and their families’ faces when they see the photographs themselves – that’s everything. Seeing their smiles, it’s worth it.”
The Mother’s Day photoshoots have also been a memorable experience for residents, with John bringing a different vibe, energy and excitement to their daily routines.
“Many ladies had never had professional photos taken and got a real buzz and sense of joy from being spoilt in the hair salon… to the actual fun of the shoot,” said Kelly Bruce, Whiddon’s wellbeing and lifestyle manager.
“Following the success and stunning images created for Whiddon Wee Waa, we reached out to John and asked if he would do the same for both the Narrabri Whiddon sites – Robert Young and Jessie Hunt.
“John kindly agreed and has done this for all three Whiddon Far west sites free of charge.
“Tracey Rex has always been a strong Whiddon supporter. Most are aware of Tracey’s amazing community spirit and fundraising, so it was not surprising to us that when John asked if she could assist with framing the portraits for Whiddon she said ‘yes’.
“Tracey has also done this at her own cost, and the residents and families could not be more grateful to both John, Tracey and the Whiddon wellbeing and lifestyle staff for their hard work and generosity.
“A lot of planning goes into a professional shoot, the wellbeing and lifestyle staff have to plan the day down to the minute, prepare outfits weeks ahead of time and have them laid out by our beautiful nurses the night before, the salon is full with everyone and anyone who can do hair and beauty.
“All the while John is creating the scene with vintage antiques and he even works with our onsite pets, from Prez the cat to the staffs’ doggies.
“It’s all hands of deck and the fun and anticipation are exciting as the ladies feel very beautiful and special,” said Kelly.
Tracey agreed that while no one really loves to have their photo taken, she thinks “the process of getting dressed up and doing it for a special occasion – well, I think they’ve liked it,” she added.
“And it’s been a change for them too, days can sometimes be monotonous, feel like Groundhog Day, but this has been a bit different – they’ve had their hair done, put on a little bit of make-up – it boosts their spirits.”
“I try to make them feel a bit special,” added John.
“They’re dressed in their Sunday best, and they seem to really enjoy it.
“My job as a photographer is to try and bring the personality of the person out in an image. I converse with them to try to get them to relax. ..but I enjoy it because they appreciate what you’re doing and they’re really nice people.”
While John and Tracey have found the project rewarding, it is not lost on Whiddon how much effort, resources, warmth and care the duo have donated.
Leanne Scott from Whiddon is the leisure coordinator at Narrabri’s Jessie Hunt, she said the gratitude from families has been overwhelming.
“Jessie Hunt would like to take this opportunity to formally thank John for taking such beautiful photos of our mums for Mother’s Day, and Tracy for generously gifting the printing and framing,” said Leanne.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them for their kindness, time, and care given so freely to make our Mother’s Day photo shoot such a special occasion.
“They helped our mums feel seen, celebrated, and truly valued, and have captured moments their families will cherish for years to come.
“We are deeply grateful for your support and for the warmth they bring to our Whiddon community.”
“A beautiful portrait of oneself can truly be so uplifting and beneficial to the health and wellbeing of a resident,” added Kelly.
As well as praising John and Tracey, Kelly said a huge thank you to Connie Wilson from Blooms on Maitland for providing fresh flowers.
“This could not be done without the dedication of the wellbeing and lifestyle staff at both Jessie Hunt and Robert Young, Leanne Scott, Kristina Nicholson Qvist, Kira Orman, Kylie Guest and Amanda Bennett, thanks to these ladies and their nursing staff we are able to make our country ladies feel amazing,” Kelly added.
“The families are overjoyed to have such a memento of their beautiful mum, aunty, sister or friend.”
As Mother’s Day approaches this Sunday, the framed portraits will continue to be gifted to residents — a celebration of their remarkable lives, stories and the invaluable contributions they’ve made to family and our community.
