Shaquira Hobbs

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—I'd like to acknowledge the talent and efforts of Shaquira Hobbs from Booragul who has not only become one of Australia's top photographers but is also using her talent to inspire and mentor young women. Shaquira owns Forbidden Fruit Photography and is renowned for producing powerful and emotive photographs of live music events. In fact, it's been said that she takes photographs you can hear. Her images have been used worldwide, from capturing Lake Macquarie identity John Paul Young to the Angels, Airbourne and Steel Panther. Her photograph of a perfectly formed cloud in the shape of a man over Booragul, titled 'Man in the Clouds' made international headlines, and has been reproduced in major newspapers around the world. After being told she'd never make it as a live music photographer because she was a woman, Shaquira has made it her mission to help other women. Each month she shares her time and talent, mentoring young women to make their way in the music industry and donating an hour-long shoot to a local small business. Shaquira recently won the Lake Mac Artist and Creator award at the 2023 Lake Mac Awards.