COVID-19 Diaries: A View of the Quay

NSW Government and Transport signage about the coronavirus at Circular Quay train station, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Minto Charity Food Drops

Photographs from today’s food drops around Minto in Sydney’s south west, run by local volunteers for the elderly, the poor, the sick and those particularly at risk from COVID-19.

Despite the billions of dollars being spent by governments to prop up the economy during this health crisis, many people at the bottom end of the socio-economic ladder are struggling to afford food. Widespread job losses, self-isolation and strict social distancing laws have compounded the hardship.

In response and with no financial support, a group of diverse locals working through a handful of small charitable organisations have banded together to set up a daily food store for the needy, to cook meals and to distribute them to homes around Minto.

The food store and deliveries are organised through a grassroots campaign involving South West Multicultural Centre, Young Spirit Mentoring Program, Community Connect MacArthur, Campbelltown Council and Shining Stars.

Special thanks to Uncle David Bell for organising photographic access.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: At Home With Aunty Verna

Aunty Verna Barker looks out from her window at her Minto home, as food deliveries are made by grassroots community volunteers.

In March, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said people over 70 years of age should self-isolate at home because they are most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. He went on to say that equally, Aboriginal people over 50 should also self-isolate. In that instant, perhaps unwittingly, the Prime Minister publicly pronounced the appalling disparity and 20 year life expectancy gap between non-Aboriginal people and Aboriginal people.

More pics to come from this series shot today.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Nightfall in the CBD

Images of a normally busy peak hour period across the CBD as night falls.

Images of the Goods Line in Ultimo, along George Street, Martin Place, William Street and Bridge Street.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries

A collection of today’s images documenting the impact of COVID-19:

  • A disposed medical mask is suspended in a rubbish bin

  • Caution tape separates seating at Town Hall train station

  • Electronic signage at a deserted Town Hall Station, one of Sydney’s busiest peak hour underground station

  • Empty streets in Sydney’s CBD

  • Yellow ‘X’s spray-painted on the ground outside a building site mark appropriate distancing markers for workers

  • Homeless, some of the most vulnerable to COVID-19 line up for a feed in Martin Place

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Easter Sunday Mass at Home

Rosita and Lucerito, originally from Peru, watch Easter Mass being live streamed from St Mary’s Cathedral at home.

Under new Covid-19 social distancing laws, attending church is no longer permitted, even on Christianity’s holiest day. In response, the ancient church has found new ways to reach out to its followers through the use of technology and the Internet.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID Diaries

Today’s collection of images documenting the impact of the corona virus.

On a fine Easter Saturday, people were out and about, although more subdued than usual. Most seemed to adhere to strict social distancing laws.

  • A Government sponsored billboard warning of social distancing laws over Easter

  • Cleaners sanitise a light rail carriage at the Kingsford terminus

  • A poster urging self-isolation

  • A single car drives down the M1 motorway (Southern Cross Drive), usually filled with a steady stream of traffic

  • A couple wearing medical masks walk their dogs at Sydney Park

  • A kite flies at Sydney Park with Waterloo Housing in the distance

  • Political street posters on King Street, Newtown

  • Cafes and restaurants reduced to take away only - signs ask for social distancing when ordering

  • An elderly couple walk past a convenience store selling face masks, hand sanitiser and toilet paper amongst their usual wares

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: No Worker Left Behind Car Rally

With the enforcement of new social distancing laws and restrictions on public movement and gatherings, protest rallies are, in effect, outlawed. Protest movements have had to find innovative ways to mobilise and express alternative ideas and views. Many of these movements have found traction online. But there have been other, creative ways to protest in the real world too.

Today, a car rally was held, travelling from North Sydney to the NSW Parliament on Macquarie Street in Sydney’s CBD.

Represented by an array of unions, the protest expressed concerns about the inequity of the recently announced government support package, which will see more than a million casual workers miss out. Gig economy and migrant workers will also fall through the cracks, while asylum seekers, still in detention, are being housed in cramped conditions, despite the dangers of COVID-19.

Unions called for a universal basic wage, the nationalisation of essential services and the extension of Medicare to everyone, including to migrant workers. They are demanding that no worker be left behind during this crisis.

More than 50 vehicles participated in today’s convoy.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries

A few images taken today, documenting the impacts of the coronavirus.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Social Distancing

A family finds some solace from home isolation in the wide open and largely empty spaces of The Domain.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Police Patrol Bondi Beach

Today, there was a conspicuous police presence on Bondi Beach, with mounted police patrolling the area, moving on people, including the homeless, who were contravening the new social distancing laws which forbid people from being in a public place without a valid reason. These exemptions include shopping, medical appointments, work related tasks and other prescribed activities. Penalties include an $11,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment.

There were police helicopter and car patrols along the coastline as well.

Included here are also images of Bronte Beach which has been fenced off from public access.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Ruby Princess Investigation

The Ruby Princess cruise liner floats off the Sydney coast as a police investigation was launched today into how 2,700 passengers were allowed to freely disembark on March 19, when there was evidence there were cases of COVID-19 on board.

Nearly 700 passengers have so far reported having contracted the virus, while 11 others have died. It makes the Ruby Princess the largest source of COVID-19 in Australia.

Meanwhile more and more cases of the virus are appearing amongst the 1,100 stricken crew members still onboard the ship, in what is developing into a full blown humanitarian crisis.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Police Move Ons

Police move on people this afternoon at Rushcutters Bay under new social distancing measures.

Strict new laws around movement and gathering in public spaces are increasingly being enforced around Australia. Movement for work, shopping, exercise and some other essential needs are the only exceptions currently permitted. Loitering or lingering in a public place is no longer allowed.

In the background, one of several cruise liners docks for refuelling before being forced out of Australian waters as part of today’s ‘Operation Nemesis’, Australia’s largest peace-time operation on Sydney Harbour.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Public Health Orders

A woman shows a public health order warning, just after it was issued to her by police for sitting in public eating a cake next to the El Alamein Fountain in Kings Cross. She was given a warning and not fined. The penalties for breaching these public health orders are up to $11,000 and/or a 6 month jail term.

The crackdown on public movement and gathering, under the auspices of ‘social distancing’ is being ramped up around the country and as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Authorities say that there has been some initial signs of the curve ‘flattening’ since these measures were introduced but others have warned it is far too early make this conclusion.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Bondi Beach Pop Up Testing Staion

Today, a pop-up COVID-19 testing station was opened at Bondi Beach as an outbreak of the virus intensified around the famous beach area, and as infection rates soared across the country overnight.

This morning, the beach was still closed off to the public. The ocean pools at Bondi Icebergs were emptied and the skate park closed. New social distancing regulations were being enforced by police and council rangers along the promenade, as surf life-savers dug the words ‘STAY HOME’ into the beach sand.

By order of government, nearby playgrounds were also fenced off to the public.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Barbers and Hairdressers

A barber cuts hair wearing a mask and gloves.

Hairdressers have been deemed an ‘essential’ service by the government, despite social distancing regulations. Many have closed down, but some hairdressers who are still working wonder if their health, and the health of their customers might still be at risk.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: Fast Food Outlets Hit

Tables and chairs are taped off from pubic use inside a McDonalds restaurant.

Fast food outlets are looking more like construction zones than diners as governments shut down all restaurants, leaving them only open for take away.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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COVID-19 Diaries: High End Stores Close

A store manager wearing a medical mask casts a lonely figure as the economic effects of COVID-19 bite at the high end stores across the city.

Part of an ongoing photographic series, 'COVID-19 Diaries'.

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