Riding the Covid-19 Wave in Brimbank

Brimbank City Council Telephone 9249 4000 Email

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ISBN: 978-06-46839-97-4

Riding the COVID-19 Wave in Brimbank

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

August - November 2020

294 - 0920

Published in 2021 by Brimbank City Council.

Copyright © Brimbank City Council, 2021.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo copying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

Brimbank City Council 301 Hampshire Rd Sunshine VIC 3020 info@brimbank.vic.gov.au www.brimbank.vic.gov.au Phone 03 9249 4000 Printed in Australia ISBN: 978-06-46839-97-4

Acknowledgement to Country Brimbank City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Please be advised that this publication deals with responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and may cause strong emotions.

Experiences of the Brimbank Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic August - November 2020

Timeline of Events in Victoria 31 December 2019 First cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ reported in Wuhan, China.

2 March 2020 First Australian cases of community transmission reported.

11 March 2020 WHO declares SARS-Cov2 (COVID-19) a global pandemic.

20 March 2020 Australia closes borders to all non-residents.

30 June 2020 Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews imposes local lockdowns on ten Melbourne postcodes.

7 July 2020 Second lockdown introduced for metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell

Shire.

2 August 2020 State of disaster declared for Victoria. Restrictions included nightly curfew, mandatory face coverings in public and the closing of schools and businesses.

13 September 2020 ‘Roadmap’ for reducing restrictions in Victoria commences.

31 December 2020 Australia has recorded a total of 28,381 COVID cases and 909 deaths with the state of Victoria reporting 20,365 cases and 820 deaths.

Note: At the time of publication, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing.

Victoria now in fourth lockdown with 94 cases reported.

Sources ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-02/coronavirus-human-to-human-spread-inaustralia/12018198 Australian Government Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novelcoronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers Department of Health and Human Services https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/updates/coronaviruscovid-19/statement-premier Department of Health Western Australia https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Media-releases/2020/WAconfirms-first-novel-Coronavirus-death Minsters Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/ first-confirmed-case-of-novel-coronavirus-in-australia Prime Minster of Australia media Release March 2020 https://www.pm.gov.au/media/borderrestrictions World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/ interactive-timeline#

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Riding the COVID-19 Wave in Brimbank Project Riding the Covid-19 Wave in Brimbank was a project led by Brimbank Libraries in partnership with Creative Brimbank. The aim of the project was to capture the unique voices, stories and experiences of people within the vibrant Brimbank community. The project was designed to demonstrate how diverse cultural groups and identities banded together, helped one another and supported each other during a time that was, for many, the most difficult time of their lives.

People who belonged to the Brimbank community, whether it be through residence, employment or education, were invited to submit their experiences in the form of images, written works and videos. This was designed to illustrate how the pandemic impacted the lives of community members and how they coped with the restrictions that brought about some life altering highs and lows. Online submissions opened on 31 August 2020 and closed on 30 November 2020.

The submissions were collated and documented to produce a virtual exhibition in the form of two art gallery displays – an adult community exhibition and a children’s community exhibition. A physical presentation of the artwork, writing and images was displayed at Sydenham Library in June 2021 for the community to appreciate and reflect on. The submissions were then curated to publish this book, which can be viewed upon as a piece of history, created by members of the Brimbank community, for us to look back on and remember how we experienced and dealt with the year that was 2020.

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“Me wearing a mask.”

“There are virus outside.”

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“Children washing their hands before they eat.”

“Mummy and Daddy wearing a mask.”

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“These are the bad coronavirus.”

“Virus are going everywhere in the world.”

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“You can’t feel the virus.”

“He touched the ground and got coronavirus. The virus is hot by the sun.”

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“Me and Dad are going to the shops with our masks on.”

“The virus is getting bigger.”

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“The person is using the spray to spray the coronavirus.”

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“He didn’t wear a mask outside and he got coronavirus. He quickly put on a mask but another person made him more sick.”

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“These people are wearing a mask and these are the viruses. You need to remember to cover your nose and mouth.”

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“This person is sick so he goes to the bathroom to wash his hands properly.”

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“A girl wearing a mask.”

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“This is a man and the coronavirus is coming to him.”

“This is me and I keep on coughing. I might get coronavirus.”

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“A man did not wash his hands. He got dots on his face. They are the germs. If he washed his hands then he would not get sick.”

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“A man washing his hands wearing a mask.”

“My whole family and I are going to the park.”

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“Me washing my hands.”

“Daddy, Mummy, Me and Eve going shopping.”

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“My friend and I socially distancing.”

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“My friend and I keeping a safe distance from each other.”

Eliza Princess Myra Priyajayanth

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“I wish I could go to school so I can see my friends but I have to stay home to be safe from the Coronavirus.”

Charlotte Catania

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“We are not allowed to use the water taps at school.”

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CORONAVIRUS

Closed in Online school Running to the shops and figh�ng Overkill of rules Not fun anymore Annoying siblings and being alone Vaccine In your room all the �me Res�ng Using devices too much!

Social distancing.

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CORONAVIRUS MASK

Caught back in lockdown Over this stage!

Rolling in circles Out we go, we’re FREE! Now back in lockdown Again here we go Virus is spreading It is flooding throughout world wide Really over this!

Umbrellas not used So are we free yet?

Mad at Covid Asking for freedom Same old things Kick Covid out

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“Learning from home looks like this during Term 3 2020.”

“ Because of Covid-19 we are doing remote learning instead of learning at school.

This is the desk I work at when I do my school work.“ 50

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The Covid 19 pandemic certainly created many changes to our school community. Communication with our community occurred on-line with all school staff, parents and students communicating using technology.

New computer skills were developed as we used new online platforms and all relied on the internet providers to give reliable service. Students did their work online and parents/family members learnt to be educators, explaining tasks to their children. Some work packs were provided to families who preferred the education of their children that way in a Covid safe manner.

The school also provided onsite learning for the families of essential workers through a staff roster system. Teachers and Education Support Staff gave constant and regular feedback to keep students on task as well as providing opportunities for students to socialise virtually. Families were called regularly making sure everything was going well with tasks provided. Staff kept in contact virtually and by phone so that we remained a strong team.

A Paul Griffin, Principal Sunshine Harvester PS

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Well it all started in March, when all the kids had to study at home, and not come to school. I thought it was going to be good, because then I could sleep longer. But after seeing all the work given, I don’t think free time was an option. Well I still found ways to procrastinate, but then I’d have loads more work to complete. I really couldn’t do any of the work, I wasn’t focusing on it. I needed some proper guidance, at a school with the teacher teaching, and other kids to talk to about the work. My whole schedule was a catastrophe! Then it was a miracle school had opened, but only for a while until it was closed again.

Later on we got new packs and this time there was less work, I had learned about persuasive texts, narratives, fractions, Multiplication, division and poetry.

Our school also started to host online classes, so all the kids went to the school, and got there iPads. Mine wouldn’t work and I’d have to go the school, and get it fixed so I missed a lot of meetings. But now it is finally working! I can also attend the online classes, so all is well! Except that I still don’t want to stay inside, for long periods of time.

I want to go to school as soon as possible, to play on the playgrounds,chat with my friends face to face, since the only way I can talk to them now is from discord. Chat with my classmates and work with people around me, since the only time I can see my classmates are during Online class. To do things School captains do since I missed out on all of that, I really miss the whole school assembly and doing the whole thing in the hall, because I did that online too.

Even the excursions have been moved or cancelled! (I hope that they still have the $13 dollars I paid for the excursion to the MCG)I just wish it was already 2021, maybe by then most of this will finally be over. These are my experiences of being stuck at home for almost the whole year.

Asna

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Asna

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Coronavirus Pandemic as a Student little classroom. Literally. The monotonous homebound routines left me out of my own control of my mental sanity. I empathise at times for many of us, for those whom this virus has exacerbated social and economic inequalities for. The fluctuating availability of necessities such as toilet paper, frozen foods and medicine has highlighted the precarity that has crept up on us all. The sudden reliance on the internet and mobile phone With each event cancelled, tighter restrictions signals for productivity and social connection and empty aisles a dreadful sense of worry creates a concern about the solidity and is brought to my mind. I fear for the safety reliability for these connections. I miss what I of myself, my family and my friends. When once took for granted.

I dare to venture out, I keep my distance, Despite these challenges that the uncertainty gloves on, mask secured. I dwell on the has presented me, I have maintained my own growing number of cases overseas, as I stability with timetables, personal workplaces remember those abroad whom I have meet and meaningful check-ins with my loved ones. in the past. A quick conversation is all that I Above all, I am grateful. I am grateful for can do to try to break the miles between us, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I’ve become so access to virtual education, food, people that care for me, a home and a community. I am close to them from being so far away. I wish my wishes of hope and good health. United by grateful for technology and the supportive social networks that empowered me with the our sympathies but still divided by entities. hope to keep going. Spending time amongst I’ve noticed that time has become its own nature with family (with physical distancing) illusion. The weeks go by, the fourth, the fifth. has created a new sense of social inclusion for Every day, every hour, every minute, every me. Going outside for a walk or run always second. Do you remember back to the time leaves me with clarity and a refreshed mind. before this ‘thing’? When we lived in a time The little things are now appreciated. of freedom of movement, a time of laughter Learning during COVID-19 has transformed and hugging and sitting in each other’s my student experience. It has enabled me to living rooms? Now living in a time where we anxiously anticipate world updates and cry of self-reflect and appreciate strengths within myself and others, but I’ve also learnt how uncertainty and confusion. to check in with myself, both mentally and School used to be about swim meets, camps, physically. chatting with friends and creating memories.

This virus has made some changes that That’s changed since I’ve been learning remotely from home. Today becomes another I’d actually like to keep. New habits, new routines. Getting used to adjusting to change. day, while tomorrow is unknown. The alarm I’ve learnt to work in teams and affirm is my bell, the table is my classroom. The dignity like never before. But I know that empty space in my mind where thoughts one thing for sure, human contact can’t be echo into silence yearns to be reminded of replaced by a virtual world. what school once sounded like.

Roads are empty. Crowds too small. Where’s the people? There’s no one at all. There’s a virus out there smaller than our cells. It’ll bring havoc to your lungs through coughing spells. Mothers who chatted now prefer to stay away. All they can ever do is to continue to pray. Remember the times we never did say; “Social Distance! N95! Asymptomatic!”?

But never mind now. Corona gambles away.

This ‘new normal’ wasn’t always so ‘normal’.

It’s overwhelming and frustrating. Staring at my laptop, muting my mic during Zoom.

The only ‘connection’ I had was through my Wi-Fi. It’s virtually me in my own

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And yes, I’m still wishing. I’m wishing for a cure. A cure that things will go back to how they used to be.

Kiana Jackson

This pandemic affected my education. As school was moved online, I found it hard to learn.

I had to revise over my work multiple times to understand the content.

Personally, I struggled with trying to keep up with my classes and studies, being at home affected my learning and concentration. It made me feel almost anxious and isolated believing I was the only one going through this, but many of my peers felt the same as well. Mostly ….

My motivation decreased during my time in quarantine which made my struggles with studying much harder, coming back to school was a very slow transition but was a better learning experience for me rather than being at home.

Secondary School Student

Secondary School Student

My day to day life changed greatly, I didn’t have much time at home to do anything else but school work.

I stayed connected with my family and friends on social media, which was a relief because I had people to talk whenever something happened. I visited one of my closest friends because she shows interest in my mental health and wellbeing and always makes sure I am alright.

My first day at school was nerve wrecking because I’d been inside for so long. I felt so anxious going back to class but got used to it quickly except the mask policy.

Student at Copperfiled College Delahey

By being in lockdown, this provided me with negative and positive impacts. Negative being that I’m away from social interaction with friends and family but positive is me taking time out for myself at home and taking advantage of the situation.

Secondary School Student

Been difficult during Covid to succeed in Year 12 as I couldn’t study in library or print in library.

Secondary School Student

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Visy Cares Hub

Visy Cares Hub 80B Harvester Sunshine 80BRoad, Harvester Road,VIC 3020 T +61 3 9927 6222 F +61 3 9312 1757VIC 3020 Sunshine Info-headspaceSunshine@orygen.org.au T +61 3 9927 6222 F +61 3 9312 1757 E Info-headspaceSunshine@orygen.org.au

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly impacted our lives in a multitude of ways. As a Community Awareness Officer at Headspace Sunshine, I found myself shifting from in-person presentations, workshops, and events to learning how to do these with the online community. Engaging and raising awareness about mental health and supports has been tricky in the online world, but it’s a space that has given me great insight on how the pandemic has disrupted the ways in which our young people go about their lives.

Students talked about adjustments in eating, sleeping and socializing habits, and as restrictions became tighter, the struggle with the sudden reduction of (in real life) social connection. Indeed, the online transition of school and university only widened this connection gap. Compounding this was the little guidance given to young people on how to navigate new challenges of studying in the home environment and balancing the work and play in the same space. The constant media coverage on COVID cases, restriction updates and the associated obligatory lifestyle changes contributed to an inevitable accumulation of stress. When the usual stress outlets of ranting to friends over food or playing sport with friends or even accessing services in person become restricted, what else can they do?

Understanding individual fluctuations in our experience of mental health and learning ways to self-care became more and more important during these unprecedented times, and it was inspiring to see so many schools, organisations and our government come to quickly recognise this and innovate ways to improve mental health literacy and its awareness in their communities.

Indeed, headspace released interactive online tools to support young people – to find motivation, set goals, and build a routine around times of uncertainty.

Peer led online group chats also became increasingly popular as a haven for young people to chat and support one another.

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At Headspace Sunshine, we adapted our services for the new online space – we continue to provide services through telehealth while understanding that some young people live in environments that are not always conducive to meaningful sessions online. We worked with Orygen Digital to roll out the new Moderated Online Social Therapy platform, where young people connected to our service (wait-listed, engaged, or discharged) are given access to an online platform where they can connect with other young people as well as have options to receive peer, clinical and vocational support. Moreover, young people are given the autonomy to choose from a variety of wellbeing skillbuilding modules freely available for them to complete in their own time.

We moved our mental health masterclasses online so that young people are able to continue to learn and discuss skills for social and emotional wellbeing together. We organized online games, dancing and trivia events in collaboration with other headspace centres in Glenroy, Melton, Craigieburn and Werribee to provide a space for young people to connect and have fun.

Due to our inability to organise stalls and events to bring young people and their family together, a majority of community awareness efforts went into our social media platforms – Instagram and Facebook, where we tried to post inspiring content to promote hope in our communities.

Following this theme of connection, our Youth Advocacy Group recognised a particular need of supports for CALD families, and met up on Zoom every fortnight to develop a guide for young people on how to have conversations about mental health with parents who have intergenerational and cultural barriers. Indeed, a central theme that emerged was the need to build connection; to promote opportunities for our communities to come together, to share and learn together and remind each other to reach out whenever we can.

As restrictions slowly ease and we transition back to ‘COVID Normal’, we reflect on our learnings and continue to place emphasis on hope and connection. Of course, the headspace Sunshine team will continue to place their best efforts in supporting the young people and their families in our community and we look forward to learning to flourish in this new space together.

Winn Ma (she/her), Community Awareness Officer Headspace Sunshine

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‘Keeping it Together’ explores the concept of trying not to fall apart during lockdown and using temporary fixes to keep it together. The lockdowns were tough to get through mentally. My day to day was all about staying sane. Feelings of disconnection, frustration and hopelessness constantly made their way into my mind. I wanted to make a piece that captured those emotions and thoughts in a raw, honest way and not sugar coat my experience during lockdown.

Manuel Sison

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‘Stay Inside’ During the COVID-19 lockdown we were all confined to our homes. Life grinded to a halt.

We all felt a bit like a child looking out of our windows, missing the park. Many emotions were triggered.

But we adapted and tried to stay connected. Art kept me grounded and helped me release my emotions.

Staying inside was an opportunity to look “inside”, a time for reflection and reassessment about how I live my life and what I value most. Reference photo: Lacey Steward.

Laura Montalvo

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It was a time of (reflection) to slow down and examine my heart.

It was a time where we could spend more time with our immediate family.

It was a time where we could cook the foods we love like homemade pasta.

It was a time to clean out our cupboard and wardrobe.

It was a time to email letter to friends.

It was a time to read the Bible and pray for others.

It was a time to prioritise what’s important in life and what’s not.

Angela MacKenzie

Victory Scored toilet paper!!!! After the panic buying of toilet paper subsides... one way you can use your stash. Julie Baullo 60

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8 months in Slippers.... Simons

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Haircut at Home during Lockdown. Mabigail

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“The pandemic has truly change my perspective in life. Things that I was not aware of before had made me realize the importance of it. Small things such as being able to go anywhere and visit anyone whom you want to see or just some things that became significant during lockdown.

Time spent with loved ones i.e. kids during lockdown had made me realize how lucky I am to watch them grow before my eyes which is a positive thing I appreciate during pandemic.”

Emily

“During this pandemic, we have learnt many new skills amongst us all. The one common skill that we all took up was the use of technology. It has played a very important part of our everyday life – The use of technology has re-shaped the way we connect and support our families now and into the future.”

Nhung Nguyen, Playgroup Coordinator, VICSEG New Futures

“Life in Covid so different being locked down not seeing the kids and friends but it did had positive effect of learning to be at home and learn new things like cooking, knitting and writing experience, learn to be in the home without takeaways, reading, lots of music to listen. Negative just alone, listening to news, what is happening around you. Now the new normal is like being a bit free.”

Prithi Kachru

“During this period, I can’t see my friends and go to work. I feel (frustrated). Luckily, now we are free. I hope the virus don’t come back.”

Anon

“I’ve missed not joining into the Library and seeing all your smiling faces. Plenty to read = perfect service – what more could I ask for. Outside, well I just managed like everyone else.

God Bless you all.”

Renate Koch

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Homemade masks I made on my lunch break. I used items I already had – handkerchiefs and squares of fabric. No need to sew – just fold.

Danielle Marie

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Locked indoors, and growing next week’s Dinner without even knowing it. Simons

Proof that the owner was definitely STAYING AT HOME. Simons

DIY Project during Lockdown. Mabigail

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Like many people I turned to food during the stress of the first lockdown, and quickly saw the results on my scales! As lockdown progressed and I was able to get some home gym equipment I settled into the new routine. Eventually I was able to return to my (semi) healthy normal routine and weight. Scott Hall

Home brew project designed, assembled and all done by me. I utilized electric type 11.1 Volt 3 cells lithium (ion) battery. Sardjono Wibowo 66

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The “Green Bucket” first came into my life from the children next door who would send me notes and drawings and goodies by placing items in the bucket and dropping it over the fence.

I would send back my offerings and so it went on throughout Lockdown.

We are still using it to communicate today.

Claire Dorgan

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Mercy Grief Services is a program of Mercy Palliative care, and provides a skilled accessible service to bereaved people in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne.

The recent pandemic has had a major impact on clients of this service whose lives were already compromised by the recent loss of a loved one. It has exacerbated the sense of social isolation and disconnection already felt by our clients. The Covid safety restrictions has limited the opportunities for bereaved people to draw on the support from family and friends can provide. This has further intensified experiences of bereaved individuals at an already very challenging time and period of major adjustment people go through in grief following a significant loss.

Like many services Mercy Grief Services has changed its practice model and has been providing counselling support over the phone or through various internet meeting forums (WebEx, Zoom). Whilst this has been a challenging time for our service and its clients, it also has opened up new avenues of the variety of ways in which our service can engage with and be more accessible to our clients. As Covid restriction are lifting, this service will review our practices and consult with our clients to further explore the variety of ways we engage with them and provide counselling support.

Garrett O’Dowd, Coordinator/Counsellor Mercy Grief Services

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First lockdown: Lost. Thi

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Pandemic 2020 has changed what l can control. It has made me slow down, be grateful for the things l have. During this time I took on a new hobby, alcohol art. This art brings…

Colour

Uniqueness

and Joy in my life

It’s my new calm, my new escape!

Anna

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My iso-baking during lockdown. VikiB

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To satisfy my Vietnamese food craving at home during lockdown. Mabigail

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Random acts of kindness During lockdown, when no-one could go out to eat, my neighbours and I started dropping meals and baking at each other’s doorsteps. It was such a lovely surprise, to open the door and find a meal or some baking, and it was a real morale booster. Likewise, cooking and baking for my neighbours gave me something positive to focus on away from the doom and gloom of COVID. Scott Hall Riding the COVID-19 Wave in Brimbank

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The Keilor Historical Society has been active in a very different way but active we have been. The number of queries from the public has increased as perhaps people had more time to think about family history queries in particular. As to our own operations we are still preparing for an exhibition about the Prefab Police Station that will be restored at Harrick’s Cottage Site. There has been research work going on in respect to this work. We have prepared an exhibition on William Taylor ‘Father of Keilor’ which is now available for people to see at the Keilor Hub. The world of the IT era has meant we have to face greater demands on understanding how we can get our stories out to different communities via different technologies.

A series of podcasts have been planned and the first one has been produced on ‘Bridges of Keilor Region’. We have had to adapt to Zoom meetings during this pandemic time.

We certainly have been riding the wave in an ocean of the challenging unknown.

Susan Jennison OAM, President Keilor Historical Society Inc.

During Lockdown I spent many happy hours tending and enhancing my herb garden, the products of which I use in my meal preparations every day. Eventually I had success with coriander which I have tried to grow for years. Claire Dorgan 74

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‘Question Mark’ It appears that nature is wondering about 2020 too! Audrey

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‘Vulnerable’. This painting is a tribute to the elderly people who have left or suffered during this health crisis. I stand by all these older adults who gave so much to our communities and their families.

Laura Montalvo

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Grief by Google My grief is my own My grief is unbearable My grief is like a river My grief is killing me Grief makes me sleepy Grief makes me stronger Grief makes me angry Grief makes me do crazy things Is grief an emotion Is grief an adjective Is grief a theme Is grief depression Grief is the price of love Grief is the thing with feathers Grief is like the ocean Grief is like a ball in a box Can grief cause illness Can grief cause dementia Can grief be delayed Can grief cause PTSD Grief can break you Grief can take care of itself Grief can be overwhelming Grief can be the garden of compassion Does grief last forever Does grief come in waves Does grief counselling work Does grief only apply to death Grief does not change you Hazel Grief doesn’t have five stages Grief does not have a timeline Grief is the final act of love…

A poem for the families and friends of people who lost their lives globally due to Covid-19. It was constructed entirely from autocompleted searches on Google, inspired by Brian Bilston’s ‘Love in the Age of Google’. Fire Horse

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The (lasting) impacts affecting me include the following:1. S ignificant improvement of my IT skills – using retailer websites, click & collect ordering, online meeting skills which in some cases allowed me to ‘attend’ meetings I would otherwise have been unable to attend, and the ability to obtain health services remotely through online ‘telehealth’ media.

2. R ecognition of the power of leadership, particularly as demonstrated by political leaders of different countries, and the widely differing outcomes from what appear to be competent versus incompetent leaders (eg. The Victorian Premier’s apparent very successful management of COVID-19, versus what appears to be very disastrous outcomes from the mismanagement of COVID-19 by the U.S. President).

Thill Wardy

Spending more time with my cat... especially working from home. She would come to our front room every morning and hang out all day next to my working from home computer setup. Anna 78

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Spent more time with my doggies! They loved having us humans home in lockdown! Anna

I was starting to get a really sore lower back working from home as I am used to walking around for a large part of my day. My partner is a carpenter so I twisted his arm and got him to build me a standing desk.

Jennifer Brus

Our family made the most of lockdown time. My son bought a pet lizard and had fun with the pet during lockdown. Joanne Fergusson

Zoe is my extremely cute cat. She kept me company the entire time I was working from home.

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Whilst at home during Lockdown, I decided to paint my outdoor table. I hand sanded the legs and used an orbital sander on the top. I then undercoated it and painted it in a yellow/ mustard colour. It looks great and I feel happy. Claire Dorgan

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This short story highlights the current job crisis young people are currently facing during the lockdown.

We are all in this together and if we strive to (stay) connected digitally then things will slowly improve for the better! Lily Nguyen

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Pandemic meant that we appreciated family and friends more. During Covid & lockdown rules, being away from loved ones was very difficult.

Caroline

The pandemic has been a time for reflection as well as time that prevented me travelling – both interstate and overseas. It has kept me from visiting family in NSW, ACT & Queensland for most of the year.

It has provided me with time to walk new paths in the vicinity and connect with neighbours.

Jill Crowe

Above all what this time has highlighted for me has been the importance of thinking creatively.

Our team has consistently attempted to trial new strategies and practices and integrate technology into our work. No one has backed away from the challenges thrown their way. We have all been on a learning journey together.

Kirsten MacKenzie, Inner West Programs Coordinator, VICSEG New Futures

Slowing down and appreciating everything you have. It was hard not seeing family and friends but the positives were finding new things to do. Lots of reading, cooking a new recipe, playing the odd game of scrabble or cards. Walking every day and appreciating the silence and the fresh air.

Heather McFarland

The impact of the pandemic for me • Gained 5 kg+ • Enjoyed my son’s presence • Made a lot of pancakes • Enjoyed reading • Missed friends & family • Difficult to find a job Rozita

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My daily early morning walk and run along this creek were much needed for my physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown. An unintended consequence was weight loss! Audrey

This is the first thing we did when the 5km limit was increased to 25km - took Willow to the dog beach.

This was her first trip there all year and she couldn’t get enough of the water and being social with the other dogs. Lisa Riding the COVID-19 Wave in Brimbank

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Thank you for asking the Melbourne Murugan Cultural Centre Secretary to send the difficulties underwent by the members and nonmembers and how the Cultural Centre and the attached Hindu Temple and the Priest living at the premises coped with the situation.

Most of the multicultural people who usually attended the Melbourne Murugan Cultural Centre and the Hindu Temple were Hindus from India –North and South, Sri-Lanka, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, Kathmandu, local community and many new migrants. This place was also catering (for) the needs of all seniors, and students who were learning languages and local school students visiting the Temple to learn about the religion, the Hindu way of life and festivals.

As a Hindu, their life from birth to death as well as after death revolves around prayers to God celebrating the birth of a baby, the first feed of solids, the birthdays, weddings and all important ceremonies during their lifetime and also fasting and feeding people requesting the priest to do Modsha Archana for people in their families who have passed away.

Due to the Covide19 pandemic and the continuous restrictions in the North Western region the families and the seniors suffered and underwent many problems to find ways and means of overcoming the situation. Sometimes the people have even gone up to the wire fence outside the temple and cried saying prayers.

The management arranged with the priest to use phone messages and make the bookings during important dates and using the You tube the priest learnt to project the poojas for the devotees who requested specific Homams and Archanas to avoid the impact of Covid19 for their families and the people in Victoria.

Each night the about 15 families would have requested the priest to do prayers for them and watched on You tube. The people who suffered most were those who could not handle the current technology as well as the Seniors who regularly attended the Centre for prayers and collected free food parcels and Pradasm to take home. It was difficult for the management committee to attend to all the activities and also have meetings to make other arrangements.

Currently Volunteers are making applications for funds to educate the seniors to handle computers and You tube if this Pandemic continues.

Marnie Selvendra, Secretary/Seniors Coordinator Melbourne Murugan Cultural Centre Inc.

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Veggie Garden Project during Lockdown. Mabigail

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‘Broken Wing’ While the world was going into lockdown to battle this pandemic, I turned to my backyard where the circle of life continued, undisturbed.

This native turtle dove landed in my backyard. It was injured. I took care of it for a short time. Sadly, it left this world with a broken wing. It is with compassion and holding each other together in our own humanity that we can heal.

The pandemic has presented us with the opportunity to reflect on how we start life, live life and end life.

Laura Montalvo

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Spoonville around Brimbank

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Visy Cares Hub, 80B Harvester Road, PO Box 5083, Sunshine VIC 3020 P: (03) 9091 8200 F: (03) 9091 8203 E : info@youthjunctioninc.net.au

The Youth Junction Inc (TYJI) continues to evolve working around the Global Pandemic environment with the most recent aggressive Stage 4 lockdown.

“If this crisis has taught us one thing, it is the importance of staying in contact in a safe but creative way. Work with what works. While at the Youth junction we find that we are having to review almost weekly how we do that, we know that we need to work in a way that keeps both our clients and our staff safe, so we made the difficult decision recently to move most staff to working remotely. At the moment we are focusing on keeping in contact with our community with a mix of informational and interesting social media posts and options, while we can’t deliver as much service as we would like. You can for example follow our social media for the latest updates/info and guides relating to COVID 19.

“We want to provide information that is useful but also practical and we want to hear what you need. Whilst many of us are lucky enough to stay home during this time, many thousands do not have that luxury of a safe space, we know that isn’t a reality for everyone. We understand it is a difficult time” TYJI is more digitally enabled than ever before and connected through all means of social media platforms, Emails, Phone calls and text messages, Zoom, etc. enabling the team to continue providing essential advice and guidance over all communication platforms available.

Extra services during the COVID 19 outbreak have been put in place such as collaborating with Brimbank City Council who generously donated over 100 three course meals (meals on wheels) to support young people who are struggling financially within Brimbank LGA. TYJI continue to work closely with young at risk people who may be facing the prospect of homelessness. We will support around pathways for finding places to stay, and offering some initial support around basic needs.

“Please contact our team if there is anything we can help you with as there are always options. Recently we have worked to access non-perishable food items and have gained access to some disposable and some non-disposable masks.

Given these will be part of our lives for a little while, we wanted to provide young people with something a little more sustainable.

Joe Malcolm Black, CEO

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The Youth Junction

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I live in the City and during my one hour walks I captured this photo of international students lining up for their weekly food hampers at a Foodbank pop up centre. I remember feeling grateful that I live in such a great city where people come together to help each other especially those who do not have family in Australia. On my walks nowadays I would consciously find moments of human positivity and use this as a reminder to be grateful for all the small things life has to offer. Tai Darley

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Covid 19 seriously curtailed the activities of Sunshine & District Historical Society. The regular Wednesday attendance at Sunshine Library had to be cancelled when libraries were closed. We plan to resume this service once library programs are reinstated.

The Committee decided to abandon the entire planned program for 2020 once Covid 19 began to impact our community life. However, the production and distribution of the quarterly Newsletter continued during the lockdown. Whilst Tuesday activities at the Hunt Club Ballarat Road ceased, research and other requests have been answered to the best of our ability. The Committee has had to adjust to the use of Zoom conferencing.

Shaun Crosbie, Secretary Sunshine & District Historical Society

Enjoying the flowers in my garden after all the work put into it during lockdown. Audrey

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HIATUS 2020 interrupted

By Tracie Yin

My Creative Journey In the world today, we are faced with the “new norm” and this period of isolation has forced us to stop, slowdown and reflect.

As we abruptly closed our programs down, we were forced to face a new way of working.

With no plan in place for how we would continue or what the future would look like, we jumped into action. We rapidly put together activities and ideas to provide remote services to our senior clients as many found themselves isolated from family and friends.

We continue to provide activities through phone calls, window visits, zoom and videos in order to ensure our clients stay connected and maintain their sense of belonging.

During lockdown we have learned a lot about each other (staff and clients). We have shared our fears, our hopes and our dreams. We have discovered how resilient and adaptable each and everyone of us is. Through these challenging and uncertain times we have teased opportunity out of despair and will continue to thrive and stay connected no matter what we are faced with.

Through my love of weaving I hope to capture these stories and promote dialogue around the importance of social connections and having a sense of belonging.

My work features a varied mix of fibres from hemp, hand dyed raffia, botanical dyed wool, cotton, linen and so much more. The natural earthy tones represent the Australian landscape, and the pieces depict how we, like Mother Nature, adapt and adjust to the changing environments.

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Connectedness As we navigate through this period of transition and uncertainty, we find ourselves longing for the the common threads that bind us together. To bask in the glow of our family and friends and soak up the love and laughter. To know that we belong, that the ties and bonds will stay strong and give us the confidence to traverse life's adversities.

Unravelled As we came to an abrupt closure we were forcibly torn from the ties that bind us.

Slowly our lives became fragmented and loneliness skirted around us.... As the days turn to weeks we begin to lose all hope.

Loneliness seizes the opportunity and invades every thread of our being.

Our souls stripped bare, devoid of colour.

Fraught with fear and uncertainty, slowly we begin to unravel.

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Reaching Out

A familiar face, a friendly voice in times of uncertainty provides comfort and an element of hope. As we reach out we provide an anchor amongst the turbulent and chaotic waters. Where nature prevails, humanity shines through and is a reminder that we don't have to face these challenges alone.

Only when we have this glimmer of hope and sense of belonging are we able to slowly start to heal and know that we will get through this.

Lockdown Laments These woven stories are the response from the impact of COVID19. The comments were captured during the conversations staff had with clients, carers and colleagues.

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Seniors Planned Activity Group. Tracie Yin

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So long Ring of Steel! A much needed escape to recharge the soul with ferny forests, waterfalls and wildflowers. Rosie

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As we come out of lockdown, I feel unease at the thought of resuming my old life. The social engagements, which usually felt more like a necessary task to ‘show my face’ at a community event, seem overwhelming to me now, with all the people, their problems and their vapours.

Sam Elkin

When the “Ring of Steel” was removed- my first adventure out of Metro was down the serene St. Leonards.

Calm, quiet and beautiful! Anna

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Our annual Brimbank Playgroups Children’s Week picnic in the park went virtual this year. This year, Children’s Week celebrated the right of all children to choose their own friends and safely connect with others. Families were sent a link and prepare to set up a picnic mat in the comfort of their own home to enjoy the range of activities on offer.

The Brimbank Early Years team partnered with STACC, libraries and our seniors to produce an online Children’s Week event. The online event celebrated our local community, partnering with a local actor, Aurora and emerging film maker Lily. The library team added a fabulous Sunshine Library Bear Hunt, which was already on line, and resulted in being able to embed the youtube video into the package with ease. The seniors joined in the event with an acknowledgement and knitted 100 bears for children. The Star newspaper featured children receiving their bears.

Hosting the event was made challenging due to care taker period, as the usual promotional material was not possible. Despite the challenges, there were 357 views on the Brimbank Early Years Youtube channel. Virtual mode was new to all, deadlines and promotional timelines extremely limited, so having the expertise of Kerri Harding as the project manager was a critical element.

The Brimbank Early Years team greeted families in languages other than English. Families could sing along with Aurora who is a local actor, go on a bear hunt at the Sunshine library, dance with the Australian Ballet, visit our parks and playgrounds with Glenda the Garden Fairy, Ellie the Explorer, Sun Smart Suzie and others. Penguin parade, Melbourne zoo, playgroup Victoria and other activities were available online.

Julie McKenzie, Early Years Playgroup Team Leader Brimbank City Council, Community Care

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“Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others” Brimbank Playgroups invites children and families to celebrate National Children’s Week with a virtual adventure!

playgroups@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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Little SAY of Sunshine Kind Words banner project

By GALLERY SUNSHINE EVERYWHERE Local artists and Yesterday’s Creatures The Little Say of Sunshine – Kind Words Banner project is a collaboration between Gallery Sunshine Everywhere with Yesterday’s Creatures and the local Brimbank Community. People have been asked to contribute short messages of kind words which are made into up-cycled fabric banners and sent back outwards like rays of sunshine, to be displayed in the community.

Banners were also sent overseas to Canada, UK, France and Italy. These Kind words that are part of these pandemic times are displayed in the hope that they sustain us now and into the future.

The Sunshine Gallery Everywhere Banner Project kindly created some banners for each of the Brimbank Libraries, using kind words and phrases that the Library staff came up with.

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Behind The Scenes: Brimbank Library Online Programming – Lego

Brimbank Libraries Lego Challenge entry

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Brimbank Libraries Online Book Cover Challenge entries

Brimbank Libraries Online Book Cover Challenge entries

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Behind The Scenes: Brimbank Library Online Programming – Storytime

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Brimbank Library to Your Door Service during lockdown

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Brimbank Libraries Covid Safe reopening

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All visitors must wear a mask

If you are unable to wear a mask due to a lawful reason please talk to staff to discuss your options.

Brimbank Libraries

Imagine, Explore, Discover, Connect

Sanitiser Station

Please sanitise your hands regularly during your visit.

Covid Safe Signage around Brimbank Libraries

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Acknowledgements Brimbank Community Guardian Childcare and Education Sydenham Sydenham Early Learning Centre Sunshine Harvester Primary School Grade 3/4 Sunshine North Primary School Grade 5/6 Glengala Primary School Headspace Sunshine Mercy Grief Services Gallery Sunshine Everywhere The Youth Junction Inc. Sunshine & District Historical Society The Keilor Historical Society Melbourne Murugan Cultural Centre Inc. VICSEG New Futures Brimbank Seniors Planned Activity Group

Brimbank City Council Telephone 9249 4000 Email

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Post

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

Hearing or speech impaired?

• TTY dial 133 677 • Speak & Listen 1300 555 727 • www.relayservice.gov.au, then enter 03 9249 4000 Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube www.facebook.com/brimbankcouncil www.twitter.com/brimbankcouncil www.youtube.com/brimbankcitycouncil

ISBN: 978-06-46839-97-4

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www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

August - November 2020

294 - 0920