The Queenie Gatt Trophy is a perpetual award established in 1991, by the late Charles Gatt to honour members for their exceptional non-photographic contributions to the club. The award is named in memory of Queenie Gatt, Charles Gatt’s mother and the wife of Edgar Gatt, who served as the MCC President from 1994 to 1995. This year marks the 33rd presentation of the award. After calling for nominations, the Board has agreed to recognise two members who have made outstanding contributions through their non-photographic work in support of the club.
Our first recipient for The Queenie Gatt for 2024 is Nicole Andrews
Nicole has been a dedicated member of the Melbourne Camera Club for over 20 years, making invaluable contributions throughout her time with the club. She has served on the Board most recently from 2020-2023, playing a key role in the club’s development and growth. Additionally, Nicole has been an active member of the Exhibition Committee, where she has helped to curate and manage a range of exhibitions, including the Nature exhibitions and the International Women’s Day Exhibition.
For the past six years, Nicole has revitalised and coordinated the club’s Nature Group, taking it from strength to strength. Her passion for nature photography has driven her to research and identify unique locations, meticulously planning and organising outdoor excursions that have captivated both longer standing and new members. Under her leadership, the group has flourished, attracting new members to the club. Nicole is also the driving force behind the annual Nature Exhibition, which she plans and curates with great skill and care.
In addition to these achievements, Nicole, alongside Marg Huxtable, has led the club’s participation in external nature photography competitions, consistently achieving impressive results. Her tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on the club and its members.
Although Nicole is now passing the baton for the coordination of the Nature Group to Jo Kneebone and Julie Daniels, we are confident that her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the group for years to come. We are grateful for Nicole’s exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment, and we know she will always be a source of advice and encouragement for the club. Thank you, Nicole, for everything you’ve done!
Our Second recipient is Kees Zonneveld
I’m sure you’ve all noticed and greatly appreciated the incredible work that Kees, alongside last year’s Queenie Gatt winner, Colin Booth, has contributed to the ongoing maintenance of the club over the years. Kees plays a vital role as the second half of the Maintenance Team, working alongside Colin to ensure our clubrooms remain in top shape. His contributions are countless, tackling the endless list of tasks that come with maintaining a building as dynamic and well-used as ours.
Some standout examples of Kees’s work include the renovation and transformation of our downstairs studio. He was instrumental in installing a new fireplace, uncovering the beautiful brickwork on one of the studio walls, and assisting with the installation of a new motorised backdrop system. These enhancements have not only improved the functionality of the space but have also added to its aesthetic appeal. The Exhibition Committee would also like to thank Kees and Colin for their meticulous work in handcrafting the unique reusable Velcro hooks used in this exhibition and future ones. Their efforts not only save the club money but also time and resources.
Kees dedicates most Tuesdays and Thursdays to the club, attending to the many maintenance issues that arise on a regular basis. Whether it’s fixing something minor or working on larger projects, Kees is always there to ensure everything runs smoothly. Next week, Kees and Colin will be preparing the gallery, office, and kitchen for a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting, further improving the spaces we use.
Always full of ideas, Kees has plans for exciting future upgrades, some of which involve bold touches like gold paint around the fireplace and replica windows to enhance the club’s character. We are grateful for his tireless efforts, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to keeping our club in top condition.
Thank you, Kees, for everything you do. Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team.
Images by Megan Smith
L: Lesley Bretherton and Nicole Andrews
R: Lesley Bretherton and Kees Zonneveld