A call for entries for the Centenary of Australian Surfing Photography Exhibition later this year went out across Australia on Valentine’s Day to spread the love of surfing photography.
Last year three historic photos surfaced when their custodian, Ray Moran of Manly brought them to the attention of Yamba's festival organiser Debrah Novak. “Mr Moran supported the idea asking the general public using the media if any other older photos existed. We even took our search to Hawaii” Ms Novak said.
After thorough research, under pinned with fact and evidence Yamba can unequivocally say Australia’s very first photo of someone riding a wave was taken in December 1911 at Main Beach Yamba, Northern NSW, by professional photographer, Osric Notley.
Organises feel confident they can call Yamba the birthplace of Australian surfing photography.
The surfer in the 1911 photo, is Tommy Walker of Manly who is now regarded as the person who introduced surfing to Australia in 1909.
In December Yamba will celebrate this photographic milestone with an historic exhibition at the Yamba Surf Club.
We are looking for 100 photos that can best represent our surfing coastline taken over the past 100 years for this collection. Old and contemporary photos of people riding surfboards from any era including the 20s and 30s are also wanted.
Ms Novak said “I am keen to hear from any family member of Osric Notley. At the time Mr Notley took the surfing photo he was the Yamba Surf Clubs secretary and a professional photographer based in Maclean. He was known for his postcards of the area"Ms Novak said.
If anyone is interested in contributing a photo to this historic occasion please contact
Debrah Novak. P:0266 461 174 or email surfphotoexhibition@gmail.com
