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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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

First Responder - James Graham, 2021

Betina Fauvel-Ogden

Darling Portrait Prize 2022 Finalist

When I first met James 14 years ago, he was an experienced metal worker at his family's foundry. But not long after this, a freak explosion shot molten metal across his right arm and chest. Terrified and in serious pain, relief came when two paramedics arrived. He remembers their words like a balm: 'You're alright, we're here. You're safe now.'

A long recovery focused his resolve on what would come next. The determination to help people as he had been helped. To himself become a paramedic. I'm grateful for people like James, dedicated to helping us when it's most needed.

Betina Fauvel-Ogden and James Graham
Video: 1 minute 57 seconds

Darling Portrait Prize 2022

Other DPP paintings from Betina Fauvel-Ogden

John Bertrand, 2019 Betina Fauvel-Ogden
DPP 2020 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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