Filomena Rizzo has been announced as winner of the inaugural Noeline Kelly Award for Photography for female photographers living in Australia.

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Filomena Rizzo’s award-winning photograph of  young parents, Grace & Anthony, who were 16 and 19 when their daughter Scarlett was born.  ( © Filomena Rizzo.)

The subjects of the winning photograph met on Facebook and have been together for 4.5 years. The description of the image states: They describe their relationship as strong and determined, and despite being so young they wouldn’t change what they have for the world.  They admit that life can change in an instant, and to expect anything. They weren’t invincible and growing up is tough.   After taking a year off from her studies, Grace is studying to be a Veterinary Nurse.  Anthony is a cook and hopes to one day become a chef.  They are saving to buy a home, they eventually plan to be married, live on a huge countryside property and have more children.

Vikki Siliato, Liss Fenwick, Leanne King, Sheryn Ellis and Belle Verdiglione were announced as runners-up in this year’s competition. Their entries can be viewed at http://photophemmes.com/finalists/.

The AU$2000 cash award aims to encourage female photographers and is given in recognition of trailblazing Irish photographer Noeline Kelly. The Award 2016 has been created by the Sydney based Photo Phemmes.