THE ART OF AGING is a photographic exhibition that celebrates the value, experience and contribution older people bring, and challenges out-dated perceptions of ageing. 

From war veterans to proud L-platers, sports enthusiasts, artists and refugees, older people are anything but clichéd. In depicting the diversity of older people in NSW, the Art of Ageing challenges outdated perceptions of ageing and celebrates the contribution older people make to our communities. It reminds us that older people are not all the same. Our experiences of ageing are unique.

This free exhibition comprises thirty images of older people from regional NSW. Each photograph is accompanied by a short story highlighting the subject’s experiences and reflections on ageing.

Alfie's Story

"I was born in 1965  and grew up in Bomaderry.  My mother was a Yuin from the Wallaga Lakes on the South Coast and my father from the Eora Nation, La Perouse, Sydney. My mum, Amelia Bond, used to be a state athlete and competed against Marjorie Jackson (the Lithgow Flash). My father, Don Walker, was a big inspiration in my life because he played with South Sydney Juniors.

"My passion  was rugby  league.  I moved  to Goulburn for a better life. I played for Goulburn  United and then made the Junior Canberra Raiders Squad, Jersey Flegg and President's  Cup teams. I was graded with the first grades squad and played in reserves. I played from 1986 to 1987.

"Coaching junior rugby was a good thing. Sport takes you everywhere. The outcome from that is my younger brother, Andrew, became a dual international. I have three girls and one boy who's the Deputy Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council. Now my grandson Isaac is aspiring to become a rugby league legend himself."

Janine's Story

Janine  lost  her  mum  to dementia,  so she believes  in fitting  as much  into life as possible.

She  recently  shaved  off  her  hair  to  raise  awareness  of  depression  and  suicide prevention as part of the 'Black Dog Ride', an annual fund-raising initiative involving thousands of Australian motorcycle riders each year. Janine has been involved in the ride for five years. She and her partner will be riding their motorcycles to Tasmania in the coming months.

Battling through her life with depression, Janine is a strong believer in starting the conversation  on mental health and a passionate advocate for spreading awareness about depression. She is semi-retired and works at the Department of Justice.

An initiative under the NSW Ageing Strategy 2016-2020 to demonstrate the diversity of older people in NSW the exhibition can be viewed online or in person from March 7 –  at Fountain Court, Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney.