In June 2006 Stuart travelled to Manado in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia on a field expedition to visit a large community of refugees that had been internally displaced through conflict. That brief 7 day adventure challenged Stuart to the point of change causing him to return in 2008 together with friend, Jim Collins, to document the story of these people and produce a photographic book, Love in Action.
Love in Action is a story of hope: how one ordinary neighbourhood in the corner of the world – Manly, in Sydney, Australia – formed a relationship with the people of Manado, Indonesia, to take action against poverty. From its small beginnings with only a handful of residents, this grassroots movement has captured the imagination of Manly’s wider community. It now includes support of local council, local businesses, schools and churches, and over 13,000 residents.
With over 100 stunning photographs shot by photographer Stuart Harris and words by Jim Collins, Love in Action captures the inspiring story of a community taking action against poverty. Thousands of lives have now been transformed as opportunity, dignity, freedom and hope flow from the relationship between the people of Manly and Manado. Discover some of the treasures that can be unearthed through the efforts of a community partnership and learn how you too can play your part in making our world a better place.
4 years have past since the first trip to Indonesia. During this time Stuart has actively supported Manly-Manado and Love in Action to hundreds of people in Australia. The book has sold to people in Europe, North America and Asia and locally in Australia and New Zealand. The effect this story has had on people’s lives is unknown, but the impact the activity had on Stuart’s life has lead him to pursue a new vocational direction in life combining his creative talent with his passion for social justice.
Love in Action will soon be launched as a brand of its own and developed into an organisation equipped to provide creative solutions to causes whose stories need to be shared with the world.
If you’d like to consult with Stuart and Love in Action please contact him on +61(0)402 891642
