Docklanders’ claim to fame

By Nadia Dimattina

Docklands residents have claimed this year’s prize for a photo competition launched by the Blue Knot Foundation.

Yarra’s Edge resident Maryla Juchnowski partnered with her newly-acquainted neighbour Steve Noller to come up with their award-winning photograph.

Ms Juchonowski, principal consultant at counselling firm Lifeworks, decided to enter the competition as the foundation’s vision held resonance with her.

“We work with a lot of adult survivors of trauma which is why we have a lot to do with the Blue Knot Foundation. I think the competition is a great idea to give them more opportunities to market the great work they do,” she said.

The winning photograph featured the hands of Ms Juchonowski’s two-week-old grandson holding his mothers hands, which was the main heartfelt inspiration for her image.

“For me the photo was about childhood trauma, which is a pretty significant thing that people have to manage. So having an adult holding a child’s hand symbolised you are going to be safe and okay,” she said.

Joint competition winner Steve Noller met Maryla four months ago after joining Yarra’s Edge Social Club.

“I think what’s really nice about this whole situation is that Steve and I have only recently met because of the Yarra’s Edge Social Club. I would not have submitted the photo without his help,” Ms Juchonowski said.

Mr Noller believes the social club is important for all Docklanders. He said the organisers were overwhelmed with the initial turnout.

“They only expected about five people to join but over 60 came. This shows the need for all people living in apartments to have some form of social interaction with each other,” he said.

Steve and Maryla are part of the photography group within the social club. Their shared interests brought them together for the photo competition.

“Docklands has got to be a photographer’s dream. You constantly see people taking photos of our area because it is so beautiful at any time of day and night,” Maryla said.

The Blue Knot Foundation works to improve the lives of Australian adults who have experienced childhood trauma and abuse. For more information visit http://www.blueknot.org.au/