DreamBox is an ABC Open project that began in Queensland and proved so popular that its run was extended from six months to a year, as thousands of Aboriginal people lined up to write their aspirations on a chalkboard and be photographed.

For the south-west’s exhibition, about 100 indigenous locals visited the photobooth set-up at Naidoc Day, a Close The Gap event, and a community health day.

The photos, taken by Daniel Bickers, will be displayed at the Portland Arts Centre until October 12.

After that, they will take up permanent residence on the walls of South West Healthcare’s new community health building in Warrnambool.

ABC Open producer for south-west Victoria Colleen Hughson said feedback on the project had been amazing.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people who work in Aboriginal health say they thought it was really engaging,” Ms Hughson said.

“I got people thinking about what’s really important to them.

“Sometimes having to write out your dream helps you think about it and then work towards it.

“I don’t think people in this community get to hear from the Aboriginal community, so it’s great to hear from them, where they’re going and what is important to these people.”

The exhibition enjoyed a brief run at the Lighthouse Theatre prior to heading to Portland.

Ms Hughson said she had received many emails complimenting the exhibition and noting how uplifting it was.

The DreamBox exhibition is a collaboration between the Warrnambool Community Health Aboriginal Programs Unit and ABC Open South West Victoria.

mneal@standard.fairfax.com.au