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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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The oldest seventeen-year-old in the world, 2010

by Annette Wilson

The oldest seventeen-year-old in the world, 2010

Year 12, Penrith High School NSW
digital print

Several people have likened me to an old lady, because I have a large collection of knitted cardigans, many brooches, and have little toleration for bright lights and loud noises. I have explored the personalities of older women through the eccentric facial expressions they can pull. I conclude that being the 'oldest seventeen-year-old in the world' is indeed a compliment, just as wonderful as a warm drink and a slice of apple cinnamon teacake. Eyesight may weaken, hair may grey, bones may become frail, and nails may decay – but personality will always dominate over age.

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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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