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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

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Shining light, 2008

by Rick Carter

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 Finalist

As a nine year old boy, abandoned at the end of the long driveway leading to a New Zealand orphanage, David Bussau's prospects could not have been bleaker. Though from the back porch of his home in Sydney, David can reflect on the life of how a scared little boy became a millionaire, husband, father and hero to the world's poor. 'I don't think of it as a tough childhood, I think of it as being important and necessary for the activity I'm doing now. I haven't allowed myself to hold on to the experience of growing up, both good and bad.' This year he received one of Australia's most prestigious awards being named the Senior Australian of the Year, recognising 30 years of helping the poor to help themselves, and as Opportunity International's cofounder, one of the first and most influential implementers of microfinance.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009

Other NPPP photos from Rick Carter

Music for the Soul, 2006 by Rick Carter
2007 Finalist
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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