Ladies, please bring a plate.
Once a familiar phrase on club and committee notices, it was a reminder that women were expected to serve, not to lead. Among the many roles placed upon them, catering to the needs of others was simply assumed—and, with strength and grace, they did it.
Bring A Plate is a photographic portrait exhibition celebrating the powerful narratives of rural Western Victorian women. Through stories of innovation, resilience, and vision, this collection shines a light on the vital role women play in shaping our communities.
These portraits honour the quiet achievers—the women who often work under the radar, yet inspire us deeply. She may be your neighbour, your friend, your relative, or perhaps even you.
Bring A Plate challenges the traditional image of the rural woman, reframing her as a leader, innovator, and changemaker within her community.
Photographer Kelly Jordan, based in Ararat, has built a career capturing families through every stage of life—from the first breath of a newborn to the final chapters of loved ones, and everything in between. Her work is rooted in listening, honouring, and preserving the stories of others.
In this exhibition, Jordan turns her lens toward the quietly achieving women of Western Victoria—those who are introducing fresh ideas to the land, creating opportunities, and delivering substantial benefits to their communities.
In an era where stories are often lost in the noise of technology, these women are usually the ones recording, supporting, and carrying the narratives of others. Bring A Plate instead places them at the centre, encouraging them to step beyond the background and inviting audiences to recognise the extraordinary that lies within the everyday.
Willaura Modern
Kelly is grateful to Lois and the team at Willaura Modern for providing space for Bring A Plate to exhibit.
EVENT CALENDAR
15 October 2025
10.30AM – Morning Tea in celebration of International Day Of Rural Women. This free event is open to all and morning tea will be catered. Please register your attendance HERE, for catering purposes/dietary requirements.
24 OCTOBER 2025
6.30PM – Special Opening of exhibition. Free event open to all. Event will be catered with light finger food.
Exhibition run time
15th October – 1st November Wednesday to Saturday 10am-2pm
FAQs
Why this region?
This is Kelly’s first solo exhibition and with the support of Willaura Modern there is limited available space. Kelly continues to work full time in her studio – Kelly Jordan Photography, with studios in Ararat and Melbourne. Her work and homelife is balanced between Ararat and Melbourne. Since returning to the Grampians region, Kelly has been introduced to the incredible stories and legacy of rural farming families, leading her to develop this exhibition.
I have a great story, can I be selected?
Kelly would love to hear your story! She is hopeful for a successful first year, and with the support of the community this exhibition has the potential to become an annual event. Kelly would love to be able to share more stories and photograph more incredible women. Fill in our contact form and get in touch if you are interested in telling you story and being photographed.
I really don’t like to be in front of the camera, it’s always awkward?
Some of the best moments arise from brief feelings of fear. Kelly’s reassuring experience sets her clients at ease on a day to day basis. Time is taken during your shoot talking about your passions, your untold story. When people talk about the things they love to do, their face lights up, their soul sings – this is the moment you are captured. It’s not about looking at the camera and smiling, saying cheese (please never say that, under any circumstances). This is an exhibition of the real. The real you.
Participants for 2025 have closed, but if you’d love to take part in 2026 I’d love to hear from you
