A PHOTO exhibition celebrating the Illawarra’s port and maritime industry was officially unveiled in Port Kembla on Thursday.
The outdoor installation comprises nine images of cargo ships, now on public display at the Eastern Breakwater.
Thirroul-based photographer Chris Duczynki spent almost three years working on the series.
The exhibition project was funded through a city council cultural grant program with support from NSW Ports.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said Port Kembla has a long and valued history in the region that dates back almost 125 years.
“The port has evolved over the decades to address the changing trade needs of the day and continues to be a major employer, with many workers living nearby the port today,” she said.
“Chris has done a fantastic job capturing the vibrance and diversity of the commercial shipping activities that occur at Port Kembla each day – including the vessels that help import all the state’s motor vehicles and other machinery that support the people and businesses of NSW.
“I hope the exhibit gives the community some extra insight into the variety and importance of the port’s operations and I encourage people to come for a visit to check it out.”
Mr Duczynki, who has been a professional photographer for more than four decades, said he was excited to see the exhibition open to the public after years of work.
“The cargo ships coming into Port Kembla and their proximity to us is a spectacular sight, especially at first and last light when the sun reflects off the panels of the hulls forming abstract patterns and placing them on the breakwater is the perfect gallery,” he said.
“I thank Wollongong Council for funding the project as well as NSW Ports for making the space available and managing the installation of works.”
Port Kembla handles motor vehicle, project, agricultural, mining and construction cargoes. NSW Ports expects the port to continue to grow, diversify its trade and play a role in NSW’s green energy future.
