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Neighborhoods
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2021-09-10
Australian Census Materials
The Australian Census was conducted when many people and cities were in Lockdown. This changed the nature of Census work. No longer door knocking, workers were required to drop of census materials and reminders in keeping with 2021 contactless procedures. I wasn't allowed to doorknock but had to use intercoms for large apartment buildings. We were given masks and bright yellow satchels to carry materials. -
2020-10
Northcote Public Golf Course #PeoplesPark
HIST30060: The Northcote Public Golf Course was reclaimed during Melbourne’s second lockdown as the #PeoplesPark. Members of the community had repeatedly broken into the course by cutting through the wire fence and bending it back. When I visited, the hole had been turned into a semi-permanent doorway and was covered in signs and notices such as this. The #PeoplesPark was a vibrant community space, with an abundance of picnicking families, groups of friends, dog walkers, and frisbee throwers. My friend described the space as a ‘slice of heaven’ – it was a blissful and joyous break from the stress of lockdown. -
2020-07-01
Brunswick West Testing Blitz
HIST30060: My suburb, Brunswick West, was marked as a ‘COVID-19 hotspot’ in late June. This image shows a line of people waiting to be tested at Dunstan Oval during the subsequent ‘Testing Blitz’. I saw several doorknockers distributing pamphlets and directing residents to the testing site. The Blitz aimed to test the majority of residents, and we had to supply permits at police checkpoints to leave the postcode. -
2020-04-25
Anzac Day in the Street
HIST30060: Anzac Day was commemorated in a COVID-safe fashion. Some rose at dawn to stand at the end of their driveway, with many leaving messages or objects around the streets. I went for a walk and spotted several commemorative pieces in my area, including this ute with an electric candle and mat reading ‘Lest We Forget’. -
2020-05-01
COVID influenced street art
During the first lockdown in Melbourne the community in Southbank bonded through new COVID influenced street art. On the side of my apartment building on City Road, Southbank street artist Peter Seaton also known as CTO Art was commissioned to paint a piece over some recent graffiti. He titled the street art ‘trapped in a third dimension’, he described that COVID19 had caused fear and panic, which are the lowest emotions and he wanted people to experience and remember the feeling of love. This painting reflects intimacy during coronavirus and ideas of not being able to touch one another. -
2020-06-30
Meme: Hotspot Lockdown in Brunswick West, Melbourne
This meme was posted in my Melbourne friends' Facebook Messenger group chat in the wake of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' announcement that certain 'hotspot' suburbs in Melbourne would return to Stage 3 lockdown at the end of June 2020. From the point of view of people outside of hotspot suburbs, it makes light of other neighbouring suburbs turning a blind eye to people who have to go back to lockdown, creating temporary walls between spaces, people and families. Unfortunately, because I lived in Brunswick West, I was one of the unlucky few in my friendship group who had to go back into lockdown. I watched on social media as all my other friends caught up with each other and took advantage of being able to travel more and go out to bars and cafes. As unlucky as I felt, memes like this one always functioned as a way to laugh at bad situations. My friends and I usually coped with lockdown through memes and jokes, characteristic of gen Z humour. HIST30060. -
2020-07-21
Pets in the Pandemic
HIST30060 It’s been difficult not seeing friends and family, but one stalwart of this year has been Gracie: my beautiful four-legged companion. Gracie’s been a source of much needed support this year, accompanying me on my daily allotted exercise and stopping for regular belly rubs. She’s cut through the pandemonium and provided me with a constant supply of love and laughter. I think pets have outperformed themselves this year, especially when human connection has been sparse due to restrictions. ‘History from below’ might not literally mean below knee-level, but I think considering the experience of pets during the pandemic will be a valuable avenue of historical enquiry. -
2020-11-09
2020: The Year of The Ring of Steel and Shaggy Dogs
In the series of images depicted above, I portray the imminent changes to both my life and the lives of those I love. The stage three lockdown which dawned on the 8th of July 2020 somewhat replicated a tale of two cities. A ‘Ring of Steel’ enforced between metro and regional Victoria separated a state in the grip of a deadly second wave. For me personally, 2020 changed my life in two notable ways; my two worlds were separated, and as droll as it sounds, I couldn’t get my dog a haircut. The ring of steel meant that I was separated from both my family property and my boyfriend who lives in Regional Victoria, although we could still visit one another it just didn’t feel the same. Like going through customs at an airport you are grilled on your reasons for travelling into a regional zone, and the answer of visiting a partner seemed to also evoke a multitude of other questions confirming the validity of the aforementioned statement. This however was all very necessary as there are regions of Victoria that haven’t even seen one single case of COVID since it reached Australia in January 2020. My first image was taken one day upon my return to Melbourne from seeing my boyfriend in regional Victoria and epitomises how even back in April, COVID-related precautions were widespread. Whilst my second photograph pinpoints the outage which the Vic Roads change of address function encountered a day prior to the announcement of the ‘Ring of Steel’ on July 9, 2020. The third photo is a government document and summary of those restrictions that were also outlined from this date onwards. Stage 4 restrictions also meant that all non-essential services were shut to combat the unnecessary spread of the virus, and this included dog groomers. Our West Highland White Terrier Angus was certainly thankful for this as sitting still is not his strong point, but it also meant that he could hardly see with his hair growing over his eyes like a veranda. There were calls from the RSPCA to re-open these services to the public earlier as they had treated a number of grisly injuries from owners attempting at home cuts on their pooches. Whilst a number of petitions were also got up by dog groomers who were more concerned about the welfare of the animals rather than the business aspect. With continuous lobbying, the efforts of the animal welfare community paid off and on the 28th of September they were able to resume services, a far cry from October 26th the original date outlined. The fourth and fifth photo depicts Angus before and after his much-needed haircut in early October. -
2020-11-05
Church in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia
The Williamstown Church of Christ put up a sign on the front fence to advertise food hampers and online services that are being provided during the lockdown. On the right of the image, in front of the reflective building, you may be able to see a grey box. This is a pantry where members of the public can leave their groceries for others to collect. 37°51'17.8"S 144°53'50.5"E HIST30060 -
2020-09-28
Noticing the little things
Like many people, I've been spending a lot more time in my back yard this year. Once the weather started getting nice enough our household and the neighbours all seemed to have the idea to start barbequing, just for something different to do, and we often had barbeques going in three back yards along at the same time. One such day I spotted two baby wattlebirds in the tree. I spent a good few hours that day, and the next few, just watching them and their parents feeding them, I even saw their first flight. It's something I never could have imagined spending so long doing before the pandemic, so I guess you could call that a positive of the experience. (HIST30060) -
2020-09-28
Reunited at last
Once restrictions started to lessen in Victoria following our second wave, it became common to use sites that calculated the radius we could travel from our homes to figure out if we could meet up with friends outside or walk somewhere different. In the later part of September in Melbourne, our permitted radius was 5km and we could meet up in groups of two for exercise or leisure outside for up to two hours. They had also just announced we could exercise within the same radius of our workplaces (if you were a 'permitted worker') which meant one of my circles overlapped with my best friend. This meant I could finally see her in person for the first time since June and the second time since March. (HIST30060) -
2020-05-08
Neighbourhood entertainment
Early in the Covid 19 lockdown I found these notes posted on telephone poles along my path to the train station. I later heard a rumour that they'd been sighted all the way along the local bike path. Whether the story they tell is real or not I love that someone in the neighbourhood was providing a story for the community to follow on their daily walks. It felt like following an old fashioned newspaper serial. We've all had to find new forms of entertainment, and since gyms shut down and people started working from home, people seem to have been taking up walking like never before. (HIST30060) -
2020-11-05
Lethargic Lockdown
HIST30060 - In reviewing this 'plague' year, I feel that there can be no simple way of explaining the whirlwind of emotions that seemed to fluctuate just as readily and sporadically as our daily covid- case numbers did back in April and May. My first uploaded image is a photograph I took of a note that was found in our letterbox in Balwyn, which we received on the 7th of April. Later we discovered it was made by two younger girls who lived at the bottom of our street, who had been writing similar letters for all our neighbours too! I felt it was very important in this unprecedented time to cherish the small acts of kindness, particularly given the emotional state of lockdown. Despite their relative insignificance, it is these small communal acts which I will cherish, which keep us connected to those around us, while ironically social distancing at the same time. Similarly, the young sisters who made the card are the same age as my niece, 9 years old. I often look at this card and think of how their youth has been irrevocably changed in this pandemic. My second image is a photo I took of Mills beach in Mornington on the 31st of July. I think it will always remind me of the occasion where I snuck down to the Beach, on the premise of doing some 'maintenance' at a family property, which was what I explained to the police who were patrolling the highway. My father has had his bouts with pneumonia in the past, so the family decided that if he could conduct his work from home, then it would be best to get of Melbourne. So my mum and dad were staying down the in Mornington from late March and came back to Melbourne around the start of November. Although we would routinely call eachother on zoom, this photo in a way commemorates the time where I had to sneak down to the beach in order to see them. Though a beautiful sunset at mills beach, there also is a sense of morbid beauty and unease to the photo. It was the only time I think I have ever seen such beautiful weather and calm water, with no boats or people in sight. The third image is a screenshot from a facebook invitation to a party which was created in early March. The guys that made the group event had originally planned to host a get together by December. I think in a sense this does give some explanation in regards to the expectations of corona, and the hysteria that was surrounding it in early March. I think as explained in the screenshot, although we didn't know what to expect, all we did know was that "the next few months are gonna be very long." Recently they updated the invitation from a party that will maybe happen in March next year. Although it may be some form of normality to look forward to, I think that this year more than any other we have learnt to prepare for the worst. Though it is currently listed to go ahead around March next year, part of me thinks it will be delayed again. My fourth image is a screenshot I took from an instagram page called "melb_lockdown," which was created in early April this year. It is an instagram page that features many artful collections of the Melbourne CBD area in black and white photographs. As one who often indulges in photography myself, I think the artist behind the instagram page is always trying to send a message with his work. I think what strikes me most is naturally seeing images of one of the 'most liveable' cities in the world, which is now devoid of the very things that have have given the city it's -claim-to-fame.' The once frenetic energy and vibrancy of the busy Melbourne CBD is now lifeless, colourless, and painfully mundane. My last image, is a meme that a friend of mine sent me. Similarly it is a an Instagram page called 'Covid 19 Funny Memes.' Though very funny, it also highlights a lot of the communal attitudes that have fluctuated and changed through out the pandemic. In late February/ early March, I believe that because it the pandemic was largely still a distant story that was affecting Europe more readily and Australia, it was something we really engaged in a kind of hysteria with. Because we hadn't experienced it, it was something we couldn't truly understand. Certainly these sought of humorous memes were not being created back then. But now I feel having lived with the pandemic for the last 8-9 months, people's attitudes have altered so much. I think because we are now more prepared to satirise, mock or create humorous memes is not to suggest that we have become apathetic towards the pandemic, but I think it shows that we are 'over it.' I think now living with this shadow over our lives for 8 months has taken its toll, and humour may be one way we can attempt to disassociate ourselves from this monotonous cycle. -
2020-08-29
Building of the house next door: progression
These are two images of the house being built on the block behind us. Due to us being home all of the time, we have been able to see the slow progress of the house being built. I was looking at this house being built so often, to the point where it wasn’t until two months later that I actually noticed just how much progress had been made. To me, these photos signify the daily repetition of our lives during the pandemic, especially during the lockdown periods. The picture showing the least amount of progress was taken on August 29, 2020 and the one showing more progress was taken on October 30, 2020. HIST30060 -
2020-11-04
A Rainbow
HIST30060. The only time I would frequently leave my house during lockdown was to go and see my partner. I saw him for absolutely none of the first lockdown in Melbourne but would often see him during the second lockdown. He was only a quick train and a short walk away, so I consider myself lucky that I was able to see him at all. I pass this house every time I walk to his and it encourages children and adults alike to count all the rainbows. It became a part of my routine, each time I would go to his I would pass this house and would feel my day get just a little bit brighter. It was only recently that he told me there are other houses around his suburb like this, aiming to give children a little distraction if they happen to pass by. The lockdown was long but necessary, so it shows me that there's hope that there's still some good in this world, with strangers hoping to give one another a distraction and a smile with a rainbow. -
2020-10-28
First Day Free
HIST30060. The first day out of the second lockdown in Melbourne, Australia, I got invited to a picnic with friends from high school. We went to a park that was local to everyone and no one at the same time, having been going there for parties and gatherings for the past six years. This photo is of a café local to Yarraville in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Alfa Bakehouse backs right out onto the train station where I get off and the only reason I went passed it was to check if a froyo place I loved had yet reopened with other retail and hospitality businesses. To see this many people together was both exhilarating and uncomfortable at the same time. Knowing that freedom was finally in our grasp but the overlying fear that we could easily return to lockdown if we are not careful. I made my way to my friends shortly after this picture was taken and talked and ate for hours, even getting a sun burn, and it reminded me how all that time in lockdown was worth it if people can see one another again and enjoy their time together. -
2020-10-28
Spoons send hope
HIST30060 The pandemic has brought together communities in a way that little else has. It is often during the worst times in history that people seek comfort and solidarity in each other, secure in the knowledge that every person is in the same boat as them. We have seen similar Spoonville’s pop up in different suburbs around Melbourne. I believe that their purpose is something for children to enjoy when going out on walks during the many months in lockdown. When I first saw the Spoonville’s being posted on social media, I thought that it was a cute and fun idea. It wasn’t until I saw them myself that I realised the impact of what those spoons represent. People took the time to make them, create the desire for more to be made and I am sure inspired joy in the young children of my community. In times when so much is uncertain, it is nice to walk by the spoons and see them still there, a representation of the heart of Laverton. -
2020-08-10
Paste up street art, Ballarat
The pandemic has inspired a lot of creativity including street art. This example on a mail distribution box was spotted while walking in the local neighbourhood (walking being another popular pandemic past time). The design has a virus symbol together with a rat. ("The rat" is a colloquial term for Ballarat). -
04/15/2020
Chalk messages on local footpath
Messages of kindness from unknown neighbours; take each day as it comes. -
04/15/2020
Chalk messages on local footpath
Messages of kindness between strangers. -
2020-04-12
It's going to be ok
I took a photographic of this sign hanging in an apartment window on an early morning walk around my suburb. The streets were very empty and deserted, but this small colourful sign, presumably by a child, was cheering. It is one of many signs and pictures in windows which have become important landmarks on my morning walks and provide a little reassurance and connection. -
2020-04-20
Protect the Elderly not the 1%
This graffiti went up in April inext to the Prahran Market, Stonnington, one of the areas in Melbourne with the highest count of Covid cases, which is also very affluent. The reference may refer to the poor compliance to lock down procedures in this wealthier area, with many residents of the suburb attending the market and not adhering to social distancing rules. I took this image after visiting the supermarket next door to the market for essentials. I was distressed by the number of people socialising at the market and not complying with social distancing measures, and came across this graffiti immediately after. It struck me as particularly relevant. -
2020-04-20
Protect the Elderly not the 1%
This graffiti went up in April inext to the Prahran Market, Stonnington, one of the areas in Melbourne with the highest count of Covid cases, which is also very affluent. The reference may refer to the poor compliance to lock down procedures in this wealthier area, with many residents of the suburb attending the market and not adhering to social distancing rules. I took this image after visiting the supermarket next door to the market for essentials. I was distressed by the number of people socialising at the market and not complying with social distancing measures, and came across this graffiti immediately after. It struck me as particularly relevant. -
2020-04
Feeding the Locals
At night when I look outside my loungeroom window I can see lights dancing in the shadows. It gives the comfort of life going on, a party, a celebration. But of course that's not what is happening. It's just a guy trying to save his business by reinventing it for Isolife XOXO -
2020-04-25
Last Post
With official public commemoration of ANZAC Day cancelled, people are finding their own ways of expressing their tributes locally. -
2020-04-24
Street as playground
With social distancing in place and stay-at-home rules, kids are playing more in the street right outside their own properties. -
2020-04-24
Have a Nice Walk
The kids are taking over the footpaths with chalk messages -
2020-04-24
ANZAC Day chalk message
Another example of vernacular response at a local neighbourhood level for ANZAC Day -
2020-04-24
ANZAC Day 2020
With public ceremonies for the annual ANZAC Day commemoration cancelled, there is more vernacular response at a local neighbourhood level. -
2020-04-25
Keep smiling
‘Keep smiling’ painted on paling fence. Painted for the local community by the local community. -
2020-04-19
Daily Walks Need a Purpose
Sydneysiders are allowed to leave home for exercise and essentials. Sporting activity has ceased so the streets are overflowing with people, prams, and dogs that have suddenly discovered the joy of walking. I seek out quiet places, but it is tedious to walk for the sake of walking, so I give myself little projects to make it more interesting. Last Sunday (a glorious Autumn day in Sydney), my goal was to find primary colours in a bushland park. There were yellow leaves and a blue pillar near the entrance, but no sign of red in my hour-long walk - until I came across this small reflector on a post in the car park. Mission accomplished! -
2020-04-17
Chalk footpath message
Easter chalk message on neighbourhood footpath -
2020-04-14
Ballarat COVID-19 Number 2, 14 April 2020
This is the second set of observations created specifically for this by an historian located in the Australian regional city of Ballarat -
2020-03-25
Papa bear in an Urrbrae House museum window at the University of Adelaide's Waite campus, South Australia
Inspired by the book 'Going On A Bear Hunt' by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, people across Adelaide started putting teddy bears in their windows for children to find when they were out walking. Like all museums in Australia, Urrbrae House (a historic house museum} was closed to public visitors due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions. So during the museum's closure, the Urrbrae House manager decided to put three teddy bears - Mama, Papa and Baby Bear - in various windows of the building for local children to spot. She then alerted people to look out for the bears via social media with the following post: "Mama, Papa and Baby Bear at Urrbrae House heard that bears all over Adelaide were sitting in windows to enjoy the sun and offer a smile to anyone going by while on a safe social distancing walk. While the museum is closed and our bears are in social isolation, they thought this was a splendid idea and have joined in." The picture represents one way people tried to remain connected during the pandemic and a desire to bring joy to children and their families at an uncertain time. -
2020-04-06
Letterbox art #2: Easter message
Easter message in letterbox art -
2020-03-31
Rosemary for remembrance (and roast lamb)
Neighbourhood in virtual lockdown but some people leaving out excess for others, corner of 14 Waterdale Road and Latham Street.