Introducing (Aunty) Barbara McGrady
by Daniel Browning
Photojournalist and media accredited sports photographer Barbara McGrady is a Gomeroi Murri yinarr (woman) from north-western New South Wales and southern Queensland. Aunty Barb, as she’s affectionately known, has lived most of her life on the land of the Gadigal, to whom she pays her respects. A former athlete and sports fanatic, Aunty Barb has faithfully documented Aboriginal community life ever since she received her first camera – a gift from her mother - at the age of 15.
Photograph courtesy of Tom Psomotragos Photography
Her university training was in sociology and her images bear the signs of empathy and close observation, while always managing to draw out the best in her subjects - whether they be family and community members or revered Black sportsmen and women. A visual storyteller hailed by activist and old friend Gary Foley as a national living treasure, Aunty Barb’s images are not simply documentary in purpose. Through her photography, Aunty Barb bears witness - while reflecting the power, diversity and humanity of First Nations mob “through a black lens”.