Brisbane South Sudanese community photographs, 2010-11
By JOL Admin | 12 December 2017
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan, in East-Central Africa, formally obtained their independence after the results of a referendum showed an overwhelming 98.83% voted for separation. The referendum was held several months earlier in January with ABC News reporting that of the 27,000 southern Sudanese living in Australia, approximately 9,000 were eligible to vote.

Referendum rally, December 2010. From 30852, Brisbane South Sudanese community photographs. Photographer: Hamish Cairns. Image in copyright. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 30852-0002-0002
A collection of 28 photographs taken by photographer Hamish Cairns documents Brisbane's South Sudanese community during this period. Five photographs from this collection were taken in December 2010 during a street rally for the 'yes' campaign for South Sudanese independence.

Referendum rally, December 2010. From 30852, Brisbane South Sudanese community photographs. Photographer: Hamish Cairns. Image in copyright. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 30852-0002-0002
The remaining photographs are portraits of members of the Brisbane South Sudanese community taken on South Sudan Independence Day in July 2011.

Independence Day photograph, July 2011. From 30852, Brisbane South Sudanese community photographs. Photographer: Hamish Cairns. Image in copyright. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 30852-0001-0007
This collection of photographs can be viewed via our One Search catalogue.
Further reading
- The struggles of an independent South Sudan (ABC News)
- South Sudan formally declares independence (ABC News)
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