Items
Date is exactly
2020-04-16
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2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Hana Assafiri
“At this time of social distancing, I’m looking to create social harmony. That’s what we have always been about. We closed the bar a few weeks before we were told to because, based on what we were seeing and hearing, I believed we were putting our workers in harm’s way. We tried take-away but I wasn’t convinced that was safe. Looking for how we could continue to empower our women through work, while also making a contribution to the community and social justice, we launched into providing meals for frontline health care workers through a pay-it-forward scheme. In some countries they applaud their health care workers, in other countries they sing for them. In Melbourne, it’s all about the food, so it makes sense we feed them! Everything is cause and effect. This pandemic didn’t just ‘happen’, nor was it dropped on us by aliens. It is a consequence of how we live in the world, our disregard for animals and the environment. We must take heed of what got us here and change the conversation, rather than just thinking we are going to ‘snap back’. Our behaviours and attachments came to an abrupt halt. I’m already seeing a change in attitudes. It’s about harnessing this and taking this opportunity to reset our values and activate our citizenship to work towards a more harmonious society. Almost all of those doing the thinking and leading are men. Women know how to heal with heart and compassion. We need to respect that contribution, not take it for granted.” Instagram post on Hanna, owner & manager of Moroccan Soup Bar, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Felix
“It’s strange that as days go by, I'm reminded very much of the time when I was a young boy in Shanghai, under the Japanese troops, and we had ration books. I was about 8 and I would have to wake up at 4.30 or 5.00 in the morning for sugar or rice. So there's the same kind of feelings of stress, with tension in the air. Instead of Japanese troops around, there's a deadly virus menacing us. I don’t really have to adjust to this life; it’s the young people that have to. We don’t go out that much anyway in non-corona conditions. I listened to Bill Gate’s Ted Talk given in 2015, where he spoke about precisely this, and how we were not ready to handle a pandemic. In that sense, some knowledgeable people could have predicted this. In terms of immensity, this is probably one of the biggest possible events imaginable.” Instagram post on Felix, a facilitator, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Clementine Ford
“Like a lot of people, I began isolation in quite a heightened state of anxiety, wary of how long this might go on for. Initially it was difficult, but I’m adjusting to this slower pace of life. I have been indulging in things that have traditionally been seen as frivolous, especially when women do them, but are actually deeply enjoyable: cooking, baking, playing with my hair, creating new makeup looks. When my son was in childcare, I was regretting all the time that I wasn’t spending with him. I could foresee a moment in the future when I would look back and think I missed out. At least now I have all this time, with memories I otherwise wouldn't have had. Women are on the front line at the moment: nurses, health care workers, child care workers, teachers. Interestingly, this has really exposed exactly who the essential workers are in our society. They’re not the CEOS, but the women out there who are taking care of their communities. What has become transparently obvious from this pandemic is that the only thing holding us back from significant social change is political and social will power. We are highly malleable and adaptable as a species. We have the choice to build the kind of society that we want to live in. It's just about whether we want to do it.” Instagram post on Clementine Ford, writer & host of the Big Sister Hotline podcast, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Joshua Batten
“My album release date was set for April 3rd. I was going to organise a launch show and some other stuff. But most of the gigs and festivals where I was earning money have either been postponed or cancelled. In replacement, I’ve been doing some live-stream concerts to people all over the world. I was playing 2-3 gigs a week, and earning a good amount to get by, but since COVID19, the only income I get is from album sales, which is not much. Fortunately I still live it home, so the conditions are not that bad. But from a mental health standpoint, it really sucks not to be able to go out, see people, and play music in the traditional sense. We’ve been looking for other options, but I have really had to change course. For many artists, it is incredibly stressful. The government hasn’t offered nearly enough support in our sector. Musicians are also parents, music is their main source of income. And it’s not just the musicians; it’s the behind-the-scenes people too. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. In order to support artists at this time, people can check out the website ‘I lost my gig’, Tipjar or schedule in time just to listen to new music. I think the arts industry will be one of the last things to get back on its feet.” Instagram post on Joshua Batten, musician, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Jesse Burns
“Broadcasting is classified as an essential service, so we still have to work as much, if not more, as before. COVID has changed the entire way we approach stories; in particular, we can’t be close to someone when we interview them. Without being able to shake hands, the interactions can be quite awkward. At first, I think people were struggling. The bushfires were all about a team effort, and that was so fundamental to getting everyone through. But with corona hitting, and the toilet paper saga, it was each man for themselves. This was a big blow to a lot of people. There have been some really somber days, with huge numbers of people losing their jobs overnight. We all felt it. A reminder of our sympathetic, compassionate nature as Australians.” Instagram post on Jesse Burns, journalist, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Jemma Katz
“In November, I was diagnosed with a cancer of the immune system. I've been undergoing chemo ever since. I finished three weeks ago, but the chemo is really intense and makes you very vulnerable to catching everything, so I can’t leave the house at all. My sister caught a tiny cold and it gave me a really intense chest infection. I have nothing in my body to fight off infection. My life was meant to go back to normal after chemo, but it hasn’t. Very much the opposite. The whole experience of cancer and then corona all around has made me realise how much I took for granted in my life, like being independent. I pretty much can’t do anything alone. I'm 23, and not really living the life of a 23 year old. I've found it helpful to establish a routine. I’m looking forward to being able to do the simple things once this is over, like going for a drive or a walk alone, being able to look after myself.” Instagram post on Jemma, a university student, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Haikal
“It’s very different. We’re not used to being this slow-paced. It feels really strange compared to the mayhem and craziness we usually work in. We’re still trying to stay busy with deliveries and stuff like that. We’re adapting as best we can, but sadly we did have to lose a few employees. We’re very grateful to still be open and getting customers, so I’m not complaining. Somehow there’s still that community feel, with regular customers continuing to come, but we aren’t seeing as many of the older faces. The staff are happy to be working and there’s lots of support going on. If all shops are forced to close, it would affect our family heaps - it's what we do. We’ve been doing it since 1992.” Instagram post on Haikal,, manager A1 bakery, and their experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Ani Jordens
“I’ve been feeling fully immobilized by this pandemic. I’ve noticed many people jumping into new interests and hobbies, and I'm just struggling to work out: who am I outside of work? What hobbies do I have? What are my interests? I just don't know! I’ve been observing my friends and family who have lost the jobs and livelihoods that gave them a sense of purpose. An important part of self-esteem is drawing it from multiple sources. If all of your eggs are in one basket and it gets taken away, then you will have a massive drop in self-esteem. But right now, people have lost multiple sources of self-esteem, which puts intense strain on mental health. Perhaps we need new structures and more supportive systems. The working-at-home thing has revolutionized able-bodied peoples’ lives, and could be used in a really productive way post-pandemic to make careers more accessible to people with a disability. Hopefully we learn something from this.” Instagram post on Ani Jordens, a university student, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Campbell Walker
“What has changed the most is definitely not going to football. The season would have just started and I guess not having that big commitment. We’re still supposed to be doing a little bit of running and weights as best we can, with the equipment that we have. I actually quite miss it to be honest. I enjoy a break at the end of each year, but not at this time of year, purely because we’ve done a lot of hard training over the summer. The timing is what it is, but I do miss it a little bit. I'm going to really appreciate, and not take for granted, seeing my girlfriend properly. At the moment we have decided that keeping the 1.5m gap is the best decision for us. Like we’re still going for a few walks and that, but in terms of actually giving her a big hug when I see her. It’s only been a couple of weeks since we’ve decided to do that, but it’s still pretty rough. I wont take that for granted, and I’ll definitely appreciate that, when the restrictions lift and we’re able to do that again.” Instagram post on Campbell Walker, VFL player & landscaper, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Nicole
“Like everyone else, I was feeling a bit gloomy and today is actually the anniversary of my brother passing away, so I wanted to do something that would bring sunshine to people walking past. I’d like to see my friends and my god-children. And my family. It’s a month since I saw my mum - I don’t think I’ve ever not seen her for that long! I work in the events industry, so that was one of the first areas to get hit pretty hard. The simplicity of it all is something I’m discovering I like, yet never knew it… the slow breakfasts, extra time cuddling my son, not rushing everywhere. Ironically the team I’m in is closer than ever before, linking up from all around the world. That’s another unexpected. Life throws you curveballs every now and then. You just got to go with it” Instagram post on Nicole, events, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 AU: Paul Crusi
“Certainty. These are very uncertain times. We don't know what restrictions will be in place in a few weeks' time, let alone a few months’ time, or even in a few days’ time. I have a lot of uncertainty with my work, which will impact my family. I’ve got work booked up, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it. Makes things tricky. I wouldn’t say relationships have changed exactly, maybe bit more involvement and strengthened. Family time has increased incredibly, especially with seeing a lot more of the twenty-year-old (the others are seventeen and ten). Playing Monopoly, Squatter - long-term games, and jigsaw puzzles…” Instagram post on Paul Crusi, a painter, created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. -
2020-04-16
Humans of Covid-19 Australia
I am a psychology student living in Melbourne, and I was interested to hear about how COVID19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives. So I contacted a broad range of people from different backgrounds and sectors to see how they were tracking and how their lives have been changed by the current state of the world. I then posted anecdotes of the conversation onto an instagram forum @humansofcovid19aus. -
2020-04-16
Pedestrian crossings on Macquarie St, Sydney automated to discourage transmission of COVID-19.
This photograph shows measures taken by a local authority to slow the spread of the virus. -
2020-04-16
Neighborhood window art in Hobart
A window message in my neighborhood in Hobart (Tasmania), adding some humour to the Covid - 19 situation.