Kathy Mexted showing St. Joseph's Finley student, Eliesha, her camera.
Finley Library was buzzing with activity during its Open Week celebrations, welcoming local schools and community members for a series of events that showcased the library’s facilities and programs.
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Library officer Ros Rowe said it was “super busy”, with about 40 students from Finley Public School visiting on Wednesday, followed by St Joseph’s and Finley High School groups on Thursday.
“I wanted to show, particularly the high school kids, that the library is a safe space, it has facilities, and it can be a nice warm spot after school,” she said.
“It was a lot of fun, and the kids enjoyed some donuts.”
The highlight of Thursday’s program was an author talk with Kathy Mexted, a former Finley High student and author of two books which share stories of Australian women who have taken to the skies.
Ms Rowe described Ms Mexted as “a very good speaker” whose presentation captivated the audience and inspired plenty of questions from students and visitors alike.
Ms Mexted shared insights into her work as a writer and photographer, describing the challenges of air‑to‑air photography and the thrill of capturing aircraft in motion.
She spoke about her experiences contributing to Air Sport Magazine and the Herald Sun, and offered practical tips for budding photographers.
A highlight for the students was a a video Ms Mexted had put together, with clips taken from female pilots and air sports enthusiasts.
In order to relate more to the kids, Ms Mexted showed the students some portrait photography of people with their dogs, hoping to inspire the next generation of photographers.
“Being rural, I’m sure these kids all have access to a dog,” she said.
Campbell, Oliver, Imogen, Georgia and Eliesha, from St Joseph's Finley with Kathy Mexted, showing how to operate a camera. Surnames not provided as per school policy.
