MySydney Calendar, the primary initiative of Café Art Australia, was founded in August 2015 by Mike Allwright, after discussions with the Café Art based in London.

We quickly realised that the MySydney Calendar was a great platform to connect those affected by homelessness to the wider community, and to empower these people to use their creativity. The stories we have heard have been heartbreaking and inspirational, and many people have and are continuing to benefit from the competition.

After two months of talking with various charities in Sydney, Mike Allwright and Sophie Smit launched the first photography competition in Sydney in November 2015. Single use disposable cameras were distributed to 50 people affected by homelessness at The Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross.

The winning photographs were selected by critics and the public, with the top 13 images featuring in a 2016 MySydney calendar which we have sold throughout the world.

Since then the project has gone from strength to strength. Over 20 people have volunteered in this year's photography Competition and we have a number of exciting initiatives in the pipeline.