Melburnians asked to share their coronavirus stories in museum display

Museums Victoria wants people across greater Melbourne to share how the pandemic changed their community and home. Here’s how you can submit your story.

Mother and Daughter reunite after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Northcote/ Picture: Julie Ewing

Melburnians are being asked to send in their memories, takeaways and thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic to be compiled in a digital exhibition.

Museum in my Neighbourhood is a campaign organised by Museums Victoria and the Office for Suburban Development with the aim to document 2020.

Submissions can be anything from an image or painting to a written reflection, with an emphasis on how the pandemic changed your home and community.

A gratitude journal written by 13-year-old Kofi Aden has been donated to the museum with one passage reading: “Day #20, I am grateful that my mum is a nurse and she is helping people that are sick. And it really shows how kind she is an I like to following her footsteps by helping others in many things.”

In another submission called Over the Fence the story of a mother an daughter who live on the same street in Northcote is told.

Angela Velissaris was pictured reuniting with her mother Vicki Velissaris with a hug after only interacting ‘over the fence’ for months.

The Velissaris family have been living in Northcote since migrating from Greece in 1969.

Over the Fence — The story of Vicki Velissaris and her daughter Angela Velissaris and their coronavirus experience.

A photo series documenting the teddy bear hunt which became popular during the state’s lockdown will also be included in the series.

To contribute your story visit Museum in my Neighbourhood and share you coronavirus experience.

Submissions will be selected for a digital display.