Skimpies by photographer M. Ellen Burns is a compelling photographic exploration of a uniquely Western Australian subculture, offering an intimate look into the lives of women working in Kalgoorlie’s skimpy bars. Created over five years and shaped by trust, friendship and lived proximity, the book moves beyond stereotype to explore themes of labour, performance, identity, resilience and community within regional mining towns.

Written and photographed by Burns - a woman documenting the experiences of other women - Skimpies centres the voices and perspectives of those working within the industry. Through candid photography and personal storytelling, moments of humour, vulnerability, strength and solidarity emerge, reframing common perceptions and inviting a more nuanced understanding of a frequently misunderstood culture.

Both intimate and disarming, Skimpies offers an empathetic and distinctly human portrait of contemporary regional Australia.

Details:

• Author: M. Ellen Burns
• Publisher: Self-published
• Format: Softcover with wraparound band
• Pages: 160.
• Dimensions: 23 x 17 cm
• Weight: Approx. 500g

Note: Due to the independent nature of this publication, copies are limited.