Laura Kelly: Nurse featured in Southbank’s Portraits of Strength exhibition

A Melbourne nurse has opened up about how it was a “privilege” to comfort COVID-19 patients in their final moments during the peak of the pandemic.

Crown Melbourne have celebrated the beginning of the Chinese New Year by decorating the iconic fire towers with 'Portraits of Strength' for two weeks.

A public art display has been unveiled along the Southbank river walk, highlighting six portraits of COVID-19 pandemic heroes. 

Royal Melbourne Hospital has been chosen to represent the hardworking team of healthcare workers in Melbourne, who cared for COVID-19 patients.

Infectious diseases nurse Laura Kelly worked relentlessly during Victoria’s first and second waves before later catching the virus herself and returning to work once cleared.

Ms Kelly told The Melbourne City News the medical team have bonded over the experience and said it was a “privilege” to care for patients and comfort those in their final moments.

“It was a privilege for me to be there for patients during their most vulnerable moments, a time usually reserved for close friends and family,” she said.

“I’m truly honoured to have featured within the Portraits of Strength exhibition and equally loved learning about the stories of other strong and resilient Australians.”

Crown Melbourne have celebrated the beginning of the Chinese New Year by decorating the iconic fire towers with ‘Portraits of Strength’ for two weeks. 

Under the Chinese lunar calendar, 2021 is the year of the Ox which resembles strength, diligence, reliability, honesty and commitment.

Crown Melbourne have celebrated the beginning of the Chinese New Year by decorating the iconic fire towers with 'Portraits of Strength' for two weeks.

Crown Melbourne have celebrated the beginning of the Chinese New Year by decorating the iconic fire towers with 'Portraits of Strength' for two weeks.

Other Australian’s honour in the Crown Melbourne display.

Melbourne photographer Sam Wong took the images for the project and said he was ‘honoured’ to share inspiring local stories. 

“Lunar New Year is a very important holiday in Chinese culture and to me personally. 

“While I was unable to visit my family this year to celebrate, I was really honoured to be part of this project and help bring these inspiring stories to light through the art of photography – the perfect symbolism for the intrinsic nature of the Ox,” he said. 

Crown Melbourne will continue the Chinese New Year celebrations with zodiac sculptures at The Atrium, lion dance teams, and roving performers from tomorrow until March 1.