Friday 12 June 2009

Up close: Deputy leader of the country

Compass - Find your way to Higher Education is a new program to encourage children from low socio-economic backgrounds to aspire to higher education from as early as primary school which has been launched on our campus by the Commonwealth Education Minister Julia Gillard, and University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor, Dr Michael Spence.
Gillard is the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and I guess there were security guys there - but at one stage I had to step back otherwise she would have tripped over me. Gillard, from a working-class seat in Melbourne, is in her late 40s, has no children (famously "barren") and has never married any of the high profile chaps she has had liaisons with. She was a knockout: personable, in charge and drop-dead gorgeous.
Did I tell you that she was born in Wales? Her Mum'n'Dad sip their cuppa tea over there in Adelaide looking as proud as all get out! Go Cymru ...

12 comments:

Lowell said...

She is beautiful! And it is wonderful to see a woman in such a position of responsibility! Kudos to her and to all who voted for her. I wish her all the success in the world.

Your photos are splendid and would seem to capture the essence of the woman. I'll bet she has a good sense of humor, too!

Anonymous said...

She really is a lovely lady and she has a high position in her government. I suppose that is about the extent of her ambitions. Rather remarkable. We have only just elected Barack Obama and he is a very gifted man and one who is liked by a lot of people. He is our first black president but I don't think he will be the last one.

Howdy from Brookville, Ohio amid the cornfields and fencerows of farms that once echoed with the sounds of cows, and horses and chickens and sheep, but are now strangely devoid of farm animals in favor of corn, soybeans and allotments from the government for not planting crops.

Abe Lincoln
Brookville, Ohio

brattcat said...

Julie, these are exceptional shots. Were you this close or did you use a zoom?

Julie said...

Jacob: she has a delightful and very ready sense of humour.

Abe: this is by no means the end to this woman's ambition. She could so easily lead the country.

BC: I was very close to her all the while - within 10'. However, I did use a zoom for each shot. I like to get up close to capture the essence of a person.

Lois said...

What a wonderful role model for the women in your country! She looks so poised and confident. Her parents certainly have every right to be proud!

Ann said...

You should put the top on one on Strangers. These are really good. I was trying to spot you on the news footage.

AB said...

But did you get her hands?

Julie said...

You'd better believe it, baby! I am posting hands on Sundays ...

Unknown said...

Some nice portrait shots here.

Blamey said...

Love your main image - nice insight

Joan Elizabeth said...

Wow you did get close.

Anonymous said...

Your photos of Julia are quite powerful. I love visiting your blog - your photos are brilliant!