Photographer Max Dupain's working relationship with the Australian Government lasted more than 30 years. Beginning during World War II, Dupain worked first as a camouflage photographer, later taking commissions from the Department of Information, the Australian Broadcasting Commission and the Department of Trade.
In the immediate postwar years Dupain had worked for the Department of Information, creating images for use in government publicity campaigns, most specifically in postwar initiatives to encourage European migration to Australia. Dupain created images of prosperous Australian cities, healthy vibrant children and rich rural opportunities – images designed to convey that Australia was a country filled with promise.
This image was taken by Dupain in February 1971 for the Trade Publicity Directorate (CA 3558) and is one of many that were used by the Department of Trade for promotional and illustrative purposes.
The National Archives is celebrating Max Dupain's work for the Australian Government in a new exhibition including never-before-seen photographs – Max Dupain on Assignment.
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