'One of the main reasons I live in Melbourne is because it is so vibrant - artistically and culturally.'

Bindi Cole is an unlikely provocateur. Polite, bright and witty, the Melbourne photographer has nevertheless waded into the turbulent waters of racial identity. Her photographic project Not Really Aboriginal addressed what it means to be a Victorian Indigenous person in the 21st century, and included portraits of Bindi and various family members posing solemnly in blackface.

The response was huge,” Bindi says. “I am a complete city girl, but it doesn’t make me any less Aboriginal because I don’t live on a remote community or have dark skin. The exhibition was a statement from a very personal place but I tapped into a huge undercurrent of social consciousness. This is not something spoken about, a taboo subject inside and outside the Aboriginal community.

“I look white, I identify as Aboriginal. I wanted to be proud of being Aboriginal but I was confused as though I didn’t deserve to say that I was. I decided to take that feeling of discomfort outside myself and put it on a wall for everyone to look at.”

Having courageously worked with explosive themes, Bindi ensured her next project was more light-hearted. “I think one raw vulnerable piece of work per year is about my limit,” she smiles.

FAVOURITE DAY TRIP: Daylesford to be pampered, sit in outdoor heated spas with my girlfriends, indulge ourselves and eat good food.

FAVOURITE FOOD EXPERIENCE: Queen Victoria Market. I shop at the same fruit and vegetable stall every fortnight, the deli is amazing, and there is a bakery that has really good almond croissants.

FAVOURITE NATURE-BASED EXPERIENCE: The Burns Reserve beach at Altona where people from all over Melbourne bring their dogs. It is heaps of fun. (Altona Road, Altona)