Photography: News Photography Winner

Craig Greenhill, The Daily Telegraph, “Cronulla Race Riots – Train Bashing”

Australia’s ugly racist side was unveiled in December 2005 when tensions erupted over Cronulla’s famous stretch of beach.

Taking over what was intended to be a day of solidarity after the bashing of local surf lifeguards, the Cronulla race riots became an alcohol-fuelled frenzy that headed international news and shamed Australia’s national image.

Craig Greenhill’s exclusive images graphically depicted the violence of that day inside a suburban train carriage as two men were trapped by the group of rioters.

Greenhill began his photographic career in 1995, studying at Sydney Technical College and working as a wedding photographer. After travelling the world working in sport, commercial and resort photography, he returned to Sydney in 2000 and began work with The Daily Telegraph. Assigned as a staff photographer for News Limited the same year, he has since covered leading news stories across Australia and, more recently, the FIFA World Cup.

Judges’ comments
Greenhill’s pictures displayed incredible bravery under considerable pressure during the riot. His technical skill was evident with his exposure and composition. The series vividly portrays the intense claustrophobic atmosphere of the contained violence inside the surburban commuter train.