From cancer to community: Bunbury photographer launches national storytelling movement to inspire the world
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 15 Aug 2025
Bunbury-based creative Ben Yew is on a mission to prove that one regional town can spark a global wave of inspiration and it all begins with a community inspired book.
On 19 August 2025, internationally acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Ben Yew will officially release One Bunbury: The Book, a powerful collection of stories, reflections and quotes from 100 inspiring locals. The project was born from Ben's personal journey through illness, burnout and rediscovery.
His journey can be summed up by a simple yet powerful quote 'Why me? Why not me?
That shift in perspective became a turning point during his cancer journey, helping him move from grief to gratitude. It helped him accept what was happening and gave him peace in knowing that, thankfully, it happened to him and not to his loved ones or kids.
"If just one quote like that can inspire someone, or maybe even save a life by being seen at the right time and place, then imagine what 100 such messages could do. Imagine if those 100 came just from Bunbury. What if we could collect even more, statewide, nationally, even globally," Yew said.
"These stories, these legacies, these messages of hope and strength, they deserve to be shared. Starting from the local community, reaching all the way out into the world.
"While local, they represent the courage, conviction, resilience and determination of the human race to persevere, unite and press on despite circumstances and challenges. This is what One Bunbury really represents, human spirit and its power to heal."
Ben's perspective on life is inspiring. His ability to view things with positivity and versatility is evident through his journey of discovery moving from his birth country to Australia.
From Kuala Lumpur to Bunbury
After a successful international career in wedding photography, Ben's life was turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis. The experience changed everything. In search of deeper meaning, he turned his lens inward and toward the people of Bunbury, the coastal Western Australian town he has called home since 2008.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Ben moved to Bunbury at the age of 30, leaving behind the intensity of the city for a slower, more intentional life near the ocean. He said Bunbury gave him space to breathe, create and eventually, to heal.
"Bunbury is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Only a few hours from Perth, the town is filled with community driven people all with their own inspirational stories and journeys. I fell in love with the place and had to share their insights," Yew said.
"Bunbury to me is a space for inspiration to breathe."
A new chapter in storytelling
Following his recovery, Ben found himself seeking more than creative success. He wanted to tell stories that matter. Stories that reflect real lives, quiet resilience and the goodness that often goes unnoticed. That desire became the foundation for the One Bunbury Project, a platform to capture and share inspiration through storytelling.
The first phase of the project is the publication of One Bunbury: The Book. It will be available from 19 August 2025 for $159 AUD at onebunbury.com.au.
More than a book - a movement
Proceeds from the book will be used to scale the platform, allowing Ben to continue sharing powerful stories and inspirational quotes with wider audiences across Australia and internationally. His long- term goal is to introduce an Inspirational Scholarship program to support young people in pursuing their creative or purpose-driven dreams.
Ben said this is more than just a beautifully designed book. It is a movement.
"One Bunbury is about celebrating everyday people and reminding readers of the joy, wonder and meaning that exists in daily life. The stories are local, but the impact is global," he said.
A grassroots message of hope
The project is proudly supported by the City of Bunbury and has already generated excitement among locals, creatives, and community leaders. Ben's message is clear, regional towns are full of remarkable people and their voices deserve to be heard.
He believes you do not have to live in a big city to do something meaningful. Small towns have soul. They have stories, they have inspiration worth sharing.
Looking ahead to a global future
Ben's long-term vision is to replicate the model across other communities in Australia and around the world. He hopes to create future books under the One [City] concept, allowing different regions to celebrate their own people and purpose.
He also plans to expand the project into films, keynote speaking and more project collaboration, building what he calls an ecosystem of inspiration grounded in storytelling and connection.
This is only the beginning
With his unique combination of visual storytelling, emotional depth and community focus, Ben Yew is not just launching a book, he is launching a movement to share stories that uplift, unite and inspire.
About Ben Yew
Ben Yew is a Bunbury-based photographer, filmmaker and creative consultant, and the founder of the One Bunbury Project. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Ben moved to Western Australia in 2008 seeking a slower, more meaningful life by the coast. A cancer survivor and award-winning visual storyteller, Ben is passionate about using authentic storytelling to inspire, uplift and connect communities. Through the One Bunbury Project, Ben is creating a global movement that celebrates the power of everyday people and their stories. His work blends creativity, purpose and a deep belief in the beauty of human experience.