Aurukun man Eric Yunkaporta was about to step onto the ceremonial dance grounds at a festival in remote far north Queensland, when photographer Wayne Quilliam asked if he could take a quick photo. 

The picture of Mr Yunkaporta in his ceremonial headgear and body paint titled Silent Strength 2021 has won the $50,000 national photographic portrait prize. 

Mr Quilliam says at the time he didn’t realise how important the picture would become, both to himself and the people of Aurukun, who were delighted when the picture was chosen as one of 50 finalists. 

“I called Eric and told him the amazing news, they were just ecstatic because he was sharing not only his image but also the culture of Aurukun,” Mr Quilliam said…