10/05/2026
What a privilege it was to attend and photograph the Ball in Yass.
Hand to the Land was created by the Walker family of Yass following the loss of their daughter and sister, Jessica, to su***de. Led by Jess’s sister Victoria, the initiative raises funds through the to provide scholarships for those in rural Australia pursuing tertiary education in the field of mental health, helping to grow the next generation of practitioners in the communities that need them most.
The night was deeply significant on many levels. Jess was one of my nearest, dearest, oldest and most beautiful friends, from preschool, through school and beyond. The evening was filled with incredible speeches, vulnerability, compassion and powerful video tributes, all acknowledging just how desperately rural communities need access to mental health care workers and practitioners.
It was particularly moving to see my dear uncle, Tony Winterflood, honoured among those whose lives were lost to su***de. Holding space for so many loved ones in one room was something I will not soon forget.
The way our community, friends and families came together in Yass was extraordinary. The atmosphere was unlike anything else.
Thank you to the Hand to the Land committee, the Country Education Foundation, , , , and the many others who made the evening so heartfelt, insightful and meaningful. The power of community truly is something else… 💗
