Changing roles for women

This photograph of munitions workers pressing .303 cartridge cases is one of countless images that document the changing role of Australian women during the Second World War. It was taken by Edward Cranstone, a freelance photographer who became head of the Department of Information photographic unit during the war. In this role, he was responsible for documenting the effects of the war on the home front.
Cranstone had a strong interest in American and European documentary photography, which he believed could be used to advance social reform. Since his photographs were produced for publicity and recruitment purposes, they tend to be highly charged, both visually and emotionally.