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Moran Portrait Prize Exhibition returns to LatrobeThe Doug Moran National Portrait Prize 2002 Finalist Exhibition has opened in Latrobe City with the work of all thirty finalists from the 2002 competition currently featuring at the newly refurbished Latrobe Regional Gallery. By Latrobe City Council - 16th July 2003 - Back to News This is the seventh exhibition visit to the Latrobe Valley since the inception of the Doug Moran art prize, sponsored by the Moran Health Care Group Ltd, and established in 1988 by Mr Doug Moran to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary.
Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection Manager, Rodney Scherer, said the Doug Moran Portrait National Portrait Prize is the richest portrait prize in Australia and attracts a wide field of artists who approach portraiture from different perspectives, painting different styles. "The 2002 exhibition has two strong streams, one of realism and the other much more loose and expressive, Mr Scherer said.
A field of over 500 entries were narrowed down to 30 finalists, from which the winning portrait was selected. This year's Australian finalist selectors were Mr Andrew Sayers, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra and well-known artist, Mr Adam Cullen. This year's international judge was Irene Martin, Assistant Director, Exhibition Programs, Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
The exhibition, which has formerly always been shown in the foyer at Kernot Hall, is large, and has been installed in travelling exhibition galleries 1 and 2 at the Latrobe Regional Gallery. "It’s our first opportunity to combine both of the galleries into one vast exhibition space and the result is wonderful," Mr Scherer said.
"Those who love seeing the Doug Moran exhibitions here in Latrobe City, and make a point of visiting every time, will now be able to see the exhibition at its best, with proper gallery lighting, and museum environmental conditions. It all adds up to making the experience of viewing the selection of portraits that much more pleasurable," Mr Scherer said.
"This exhibition features a number of very large and exciting portraits. 2002 Archibald Prize-winner, Cherry Hood’s, enormous portrait of her seven year old nephew is most unusual, in that it is painted in watercolours with oil glazes. It is awesome and an unexpected work in portraiture. It is a genre of painting, which we usually associate with the subject being an adult.
"Hood’s work is in complete contrast to the winner, David Fairbairn’s Red Portrait of Suzanne; which is more confronting and psychological in its open spaced linear construction. Both of these works along with others in the exhibition push the boundaries of what we normally expect of portrait painters," Mr Scherer said.
The subject of Red Portrait of Suzanne is the painter Suzanne Archer, who David Fairbairn first painted in 1984. The artist explained when announced as the $100,000 winner, that having been born in Africa and spending part of his formative years there, he acknowledged his work reflected something of that mask-like quality to be found in African tribal art. "My large-scale portraits attempt to create a 'psychological space' in which the viewer is confronted and challenged," Mr Fairbairn said.
Mr Scherer said that the Doug Moran Portrait Prize is not only about public portraits of well known and recognisable sitters, as is the Archibald Prize, but has a more democratic intent in exploring the character and individuality of ordinary Australians. The prize attracts artists of all styles, ages and cultural backgrounds and continues to attract both emerging and established artists," Mr Scherer said.
"The judging process focuses entirely on quality, with no restriction on the identity or prominence of the sitter. In many cases the subject is well known to the artist."
In welcoming the return of the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize Exhibition, Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said the Moran family had warmed to the hospitality and enthusiasm of the Latrobe community in 1988 when the first exhibition toured, and particularly to the work put into making the exhibition a success by Latrobe City’s Cultural Planner at that time, Di Goulding. "Since then, Latrobe has become a ‘must’ in the scheduling of the exhibition," Cr Middlemiss said.
The Doug Moran National Portrait Prize Exhibition continues until Sunday 24 August. The Latrobe Regional Gallery is located at 138 Commercial Road, Morwell, and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, and on weekends 11am–4pm. The gallery is closed Mondays and Public Holidays. For further information about exhibitions at the gallery, please telephone 5128 5700, or visit the gallery web page: www.latroberegionalgallery.com
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May joined Gippsland health leaders in Warragul, highlighting locally embedded training, workforce development and collaboration to strengthen regional healthcare access and sustainability. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Nationals pledge $5B to rebuild Victoria’s roads and improve safety for eastern Victorian motorists
The Nationals pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, and increase regional infrastructure funding to 25 percent under its Fair Share Guarantee. - National Tree Day highlights trees restoring waterways, farms and healthy catchments across West Gippsland together
West Gippsland CMA is celebrating National Tree Day by highlighting how thousands of native trees are restoring waterways, protecting Corner Inlet, improving biodiversity, reducing erosion and strengthening healthy catchments across the region. - The Nationals pledge fair infrastructure funding for Gippsland, addressing regional Victoria’s ongoing underinvestment gap
The Nationals have pledged to secure Gippsland a fair share of infrastructure funding, arguing regional Victoria is underfunded compared to its population and deserves greater investment in key services. - The Nationals criticise Labor police recruitment announcement, demanding action on shortages, crime and regional policing resources
The Nationals say Labor's Gippsland police recruitment announcement lacks detail and comes too late, arguing Victoria needs more officers, stronger laws and better support to address crime and staffing shortages. - The Nationals pledge to scrap VNI West by ending Labor’s net zero agenda and renewable rollout
The Nationals say they will stop VNI West by scrapping Labor’s net zero agenda, arguing the transmission project threatens farmland, food security, regional communities and affordable electricity across Victoria. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Labor's national gun buyback proposal misses deadline as states reject participation and agreement nationwide
Labor's proposed national gun buyback scheme has missed its 1 July deadline after several states declined to participate. Firearms groups and industry representatives welcomed the delay, arguing the proposal unfairly targets. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - Call to fast-track National Food Security Strategy amid uncertainty, urging stronger support for farmers, supply chains and critical agricultural inputs
Calls are growing to fast-track a National Food Security Strategy, linking food and fibre security to national security amid global supply chain risks and input dependencies. - Discover Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, Corrigan Suspension Bridge, lyrebirds, and lush Gippsland greenery
Explore Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, and Corrigan Suspension Bridge, spot lyrebirds, enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and nearby Gippsland towns, beaches, and rail trails. - Dark fairytales spring to life as acclaimed Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit with GRIMM on 18 August 2026
Shake & Stir Theatre Co returns to Berninneit on August 18 with GRIMM, a visually spectacular reimagining of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales for audiences aged 14 and over. - Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Bass Coast leads National Recycling Week with 70% waste diversion, promoting circular economy practices
Bass Coast leads National Recycling Week, diverting 70% of waste from landfill and promoting reuse, recycling, and circular economy practices across the community. - Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026. - Explore Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, lush rainforest, and sacred Aboriginal sites on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk
Discover Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, razorback ridges, and lush rainforest on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk, a sacred Aboriginal site northeast of Sale, 3¼ hours from Melbourne. - Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively. - City of Traralgon Band gifts council commemorative photograph after successful international remembrance tour
The City of Traralgon Band gifted Latrobe City Council a photograph commemorating their UK and Europe Tour of Remembrance, including performances at Menin Gate and recognition with two awards. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - Danny O’Brien says Nationals and Liberals’ plan cuts waste, taxes and boosts regional investment
Danny O’Brien says Nationals and Liberals’ economic plan aims to cut waste, reduce taxes, ease cost pressures and restore investment in Gippsland services and infrastructure. - Darren Chester elected Nationals Deputy Leader, pledges stronger voice for regional Australia and Gippsland communities
Darren Chester has been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals, serving with leader Matt Canavan, pledging to strengthen regional voices and advocate for Gippsland and rural Australians in Canberra. - Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities. - Martin Cameron urges urgent action to secure Traralgon Junior International and protect millions in local economic benefits
Martin Cameron is urging urgent action from Latrobe City Council and the Allan government to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Association facilities and secure the Traralgon Junior International future and its $2.9 million economic benefits. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Melina Bath said The Nationals will continue standing with regional Victorians and sporting shooting community
Common sense has prevailed after proposals to cap firearm numbers per licence were scrapped, with Danny O’Brien crediting strong advocacy from law-abiding owners, sporting clubs and shooting organisations across Victoria wide support. - Pip Courtney brings National Agricultural insights to Orbost Show’s Far East Victoria Landcare Expo
ABC Landline presenter Pip Courtney was keynote at the Orbost Show Landcare Expo, sharing agricultural insights, promoting sustainable farming, soil health, and collaboration between producers, Landcare groups, and regional communities. - Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates iconic Australian Holden heritage, rare cars, memorabilia, and expanded exhibitions spaces
The Trafalgar Holden Museum showcases Australia’s iconic Holden heritage, featuring over 75 vehicles, historic memorabilia, rare concept cars, and expanded exhibition spaces, offering an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and visitors. - East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week recognising local volunteers and community service across region
East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week by recognising more than 300 Honour Roll volunteers whose collective service exceeds 469 years across diverse community organisations. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates. - Newborough East Early Learning Victoria centre boosts childcare access and supports families growth in Latrobe City growth
Newborough East Early Learning Victoria centre under construction will expand childcare access, support families, and deliver kinder programs for up to 130 children daily. - Lakes Entrance's Cameron King awarded with national medal for lifesaving service and dedication to community safety
Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club’s Cameron King has been awarded the National Medal for over 15 years of dedicated volunteer service, recognising his commitment to lifesaving and community water safety. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Darren Chester elected Deputy Leader of the Nationals, pledges stronger representation for regional Australia
Darren Chester has been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals, pledging to amplify regional voices, hold the government accountable, and deliver stronger, fairer outcomes for Gippsland and regional Australia. - East Gippsland celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Week recognising Tufail Taj’s community service
East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates National Volunteer Week recognising staff member Tufail Taj, who volunteers with TAC L2P, aged care visits, and CFA Lakes Entrance. - East Gippsland encourages community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising contributions and inspiring others
East Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising their vital contributions and encouraging nominations for the Volunteer Honour Roll, open year-round. - Marlo named finalist in Victorian Top Tourism Towns Award, with community urging public votes to help secure 2026 title win
Marlo has been named a finalist in the Victorian Top Tourism Towns Award for the second consecutive year, with strong community collaboration and public voting now open to help secure the 2026 title win. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - East Gippsland hotels and publicans recognised as finalists in 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence across multiple categories
East Gippsland hotels and staff are finalists in the 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards, recognising community spirit, hospitality excellence and local contributions across multiple categories. - Camp Woolamai chosen as finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards with voting open until 26 June 2026
Cape Woolamai is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging locals and visitors to vote, recognising the town’s outstanding visitor experiences and tourism commitment. - East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop." - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Have your say on the draft Community Amenity Local Law, submission open until 22 June 2026
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Amenity Local Law, covering property upkeep, animals, waste, burning and Council land use. Open until 22 June 2026 through online, email, mail and in-person options. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Local children join opera Australia for Don Giovanni performance at GPAC on 21 July 2026
Fifteen Latrobe City schoolchildren will perform alongside Opera Australia in Don Giovanni at GPAC, gaining professional stage experience while showcasing emerging local talent on July 21. - Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Gippsland Lakes Boat Show unite for national boating weekend 27 February to 1 March 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is supporting the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, bringing classic vessels, parades, cruises, and foreshore entertainment to a national boating weekend. - Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
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