Collaboration creates memorable Father’s Day experience

A generous local collaboration made Father’s Day celebrations at Whiddon aged care residences especially meaningful on Sunday.

Following on from a Mother’s Day tradition, local photographer John Burgess once again joined forces with Tracey Rex and Whiddon to capture and gift precious memories.

John conducted a series of portrait shoots with some of the gentlemen at Whiddon’s Narrabri residence, Jessie Hunt and Robert Young, as well as Whiddon in Wee Waa.

 

The portraits were then printed, mounted and framed by Tracey and her team at Your Photos Framed and given to the residents and their families as gifts on Sunday for Father’s Day.

“John did the portraits this time in black and white, and it just adds so much character to the characters we already know,” 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.

“John contacted me again, and I said, ‘Yes, we’re on board with it,” said Tracey.

“It’s something different for the blokes.

“They’re all smiling, which is really great.

 

“We’ll hopefully make them all feel special.

“These people have given to the community for so long, and it’s now our turn to give back,” she added.

Equally inspired to give back to the community, John started the treasured tradition of giving his time to take photos at Whiddon in Wee Waa years ago.

 

And he previously explained that 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 said.

“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.

“Having memories is important.

 

“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.

“Thanks to everyone involved and for your help and happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.”

 

Similar to the Mother’s Day photo shoots, they have been a positive experience for residents, with John bringing a different vibe, energy and excitement to their daily routines.

While John and Tracey both committed to the project without hesitation, Whiddon recognises the time and resources the pair have donated and expressed their gratitude.

“We take this opportunity to formally thank John for taking such beautiful photos and Tracy for generously gifting the printing and framing,” said Leanne Scott, who is the leisure coordinator at Narrabri’s Jessie Hunt.

 

“We do love the rugged, manly look the black and white brought to our men.

“I think it shows so much character and depth to their face, whiskers and all.”

“The black and white portraits beautifully captured their character, personality, and life experiences,” said Kylie Guest, the wellbeing and lifestyle coordinator at Whiddon Narrabri’s Robert Young residence.

 

“Some of our male residents were quite hesitant about having their photo taken at first.

“However, when John showed them the images on the camera screen, they were genuinely excited and proud.

“On behalf of the residents, families, and staff, thank you, John and Tracey, for your generosity and for helping create such a memorable Father’s Day experience.

 

“Together, they have helped our dads, uncles, brothers, and grandfathers feel seen, celebrated, and truly valued.

“They have captured precious moments that residents and their families will cherish for many years to come.

“Together, they have helped celebrate the remarkable men in our community, creating beautiful keepsakes that residents and their families will cherish long into the future.”

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