Ponch Hawkes is a highly respected Australian photographer known for her powerful and intimate portraiture, often exploring themes of identity, gender, and community. Emerging in the 1970s, she became a key figure in documenting feminist and social movements, capturing both public activism and deeply personal moments with honesty and sensitivity.

Her work spans decades and includes acclaimed collaborations, notably with Polixeni Papapetrou, as well as significant solo projects that examine family, youth, and the human condition. Hawkes’ photographs are held in major public collections and continue to resonate for their empathy, authenticity, and enduring cultural relevance.

She remains an influential voice in Australian photography, admired for her ability to reveal the complexity and dignity of her subjects.