World-renowned photographer Martine Perret has focused her lens on the stories of women in Western Australia's Midwest through her project, Women of the Hinterlands. After over a decade of covering United Nations peacekeeping missions and conflict zones, Perret has settled in the South West of Western Australia. She has shifted her attention to the outback, exploring the deep connection women have with the land.

From 2021 to 2024, Perret collaborated with women from the towns of Morawa, Mingenew, Perenjori, and Carnamah. This effort culminated in her exhibition, Women of the Hinterland. "It was pretty extraordinary that all of these women were willing to share and reveal some aspects of their life," Perret said.

Perret dedicated hours to each woman, listening to their stories and delving into the themes of her project. "They are really resilient and strong women. It's been such a pleasure to spend time with them," she noted. Initially, she aimed to photograph six women, but her vision expanded to include 21 portraits. "We wanted to highlight women from different places," she explained. "It was really important to showcase the diversity we have here in terms of stories and to show how important women are."

One memorable shoot took place with Giulia Censi at the Yarra Yarra Salt Lake. The portrait aimed to symbolize Censi's journey from Italy to Australia, capturing themes of travel and resilience. "She was beautifully dressed and had these beautiful shoes and then all of a sudden, her feet sank into the mud," Perret recalled. "I was really apologetic and thought we would have to stop the shoot, but Giulia just kicked off her shoes and continued barefoot. We had the biggest laugh. It was a really funny shoot."

Another significant session was with Madeline Anderson in Dandaragan. Before the shoot, Anderson sought permission from her grandfather to use white ash, a culturally significant element. "It became spiritual, and I appreciated her revealing this and for letting me be involved," Perret said. She expressed gratitude for the openness and trust the women showed throughout the project. "I'm super grateful that these women were willing to reveal their stories to me. It's always such a privilege and honor to be trusted."

Perret's next project will also focus on the stories of rural women. Titled Saltwater Women, this Geraldton-based initiative is still in its early stages. "I can't share too much, but it's a work in progress," she said. Her ultimate goal is to combine Saltwater Women with Women of the Hinterland for a major exhibition. "I'm crossing my fingers that we can showcase a big celebration of women in a couple of years," Perret added.

Women of the Hinterland was completed as part of a North Midlands Project residency and is currently on display at the Morawa Arts and Cultural Centre until November 15.