South West photographer launches project to find 100 inspirational people in Bunbury

A Bunbury photographer is on the hunt to capture 100 inspirational Bunbury residents for a project he hopes can become part of the lasting memory of the port town. Ben Yew is putting together the OneBunbury book which will include a singular portrait photo and a quote from each subject. Yew said the idea for the project began three years ago, after he had been diagnosed with cancer. “I had cancer around three years ago and when someone tells you have cancer, you sort of have to question, ‘why me?’,” he said. Yew said he now saw the positives in his cancer battle and hoped the book could help lift people out of their tough times. “I’m (now) thankful and grateful that I had cancer instead of just being sad about it,” he said. “I felt that everyone, if we get lucky of course, at the right time in the right place — it could be a business lounge or in the airport or in the City of Bunbury lobby — you could pick it (the book) up while you’re waiting and you’ve got 100 inspiring people with some inspiring quotes,” he said. “If it so happened that you opened one or two pages and it hits you, it could even save a life, inspire people or just be a daily inspiration to some.” Now he is looking for a diverse cast of characters to fill the book and urged anyone who knew someone who should be included to get in touch by emailing hello@oneamplified.com. He said he already had a number of suggestions and was getting backing for the project by the City of Bunbury and a number of corporate sponsors. Yew said he wanted the book to highlight the incredible community the South West city has. “We have a community of very inspiring people who are not being promoted enough,” he said.