Anzac Day 2021 Melbourne

Photos of Anzac Day coverage in Melbourne at the Shrine of Remembrance by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake on assignment for Getty Images

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: A member of the Australian defense force is seen playing the last post on his bugle on the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: A member of the Australian Defense force is seen playing the bag pipes on the top left hand corner of the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: Major General (Ret.) Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld making the Veteran address at the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: People are seen behind wire fencing outside the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: Members of the RAAF are seen marching during the Anzac Day march at the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 25: Marchers are seen marching pass the Shrine of Remembrance during the Anzac Day march on April 25, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Anzac day is a national holiday in Australia, traditionally marked by a dawn service held during the time of the original Gallipoli landing and commemorated with ceremonies and parades throughout the day. Crowds are limited at services across Australia, while Perth events were cancelled due to lockdown restrictions following a community COVID-19 outbreak. Anzac Day commemorates the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during World War 1. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Daniel Andrews Visits Construction Site Of New State Library Metro Station

In a sign of the times in ‘post-lockdown Melbourne’ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has taken the press pack out of the the dreaded ‘purple room; the room now synonymous with one of the darkest chapters in Melbourne’s history. Since Lockdown restrictions were eased Premier Daniel Andrews has conducted his press briefings away from the purple backdrop and by design done so in places which project a more positive optic.

As part of that, we joined the premier as he visited the New State Library Metro Station as part of the wider Metro Tunnel project. Images taken on assignment for Getty Images

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Workers building the Metro tunnel underground from the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: A general view underground from the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne were lifted on 28 October, with people now able to leave their homes for any reason. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen subject to patron limits while beauty services, tattoo parlours and any other service where you can wear a mask will be able to resume. Up to 10 people from any number of households will be able to gather outdoors, however, Victorians are still required to wear a face mask in public. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: A general view underground from the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne were lifted on 28 October, with people now able to leave their homes for any reason. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen subject to patron limits while beauty services, tattoo parlours and any other service where you can wear a mask will be able to resume. Up to 10 people from any number of households will be able to gather outdoors, however, Victorians are still required to wear a face mask in public. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Workers building the Metro tunnel underground from the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne were lifted on 28 October, with people now able to leave their homes for any reason. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen subject to patron limits while beauty services, tattoo parlours and any other service where you can wear a mask will be able to resume. Up to 10 people from any number of households will be able to gather outdoors, however, Victorians are still required to wear a face mask in public. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews (centre) with workers behind him inspects the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne were lifted on 28 October, with people now able to leave their homes for any reason. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen subject to patron limits while beauty services, tattoo parlours and any other service where you can wear a mask will be able to resume. Up to 10 people from any number of households will be able to gather outdoors, however, Victorians are still required to wear a face mask in public. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews speaks to the media from the site of the currently being built State Library station as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdown restrictions in Melbourne were lifted on 28 October, with people now able to leave their homes for any reason. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen subject to patron limits while beauty services, tattoo parlours and any other service where you can wear a mask will be able to resume. Up to 10 people from any number of households will be able to gather outdoors, however, Victorians are still required to wear a face mask in public. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Jacinta Allan (left) and Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews (centre) with workers pose for a photo underground from the site of the currently being built, State Library station, as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 06: Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews speaks to the media from the site of the currently being built State Library station as part of the Metro Tunnel metropolitan rail infrastructure project on November 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a Melbourne based Photojournalist who works on regular assignment with The New York Times, Agence France-Presse, Getty Images, AP | http://instagram.com/abrfoto/

Melbourne’s Jewish Community adapts to bring in the new year during Covid-19

This year, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) will be unlike any other for the 50,000+ members of Melbourne’s Jewish community. In lieu of the closure of Synagogues and restrictions on wider family gatherings, the celebrations will continue albeit under a totally unprecedented set of rules. 
Normally over 1,500 Jews join Rabbi Yaakov Glasman at the St Kilda Synagogue, this year it will be closed. The Kallenbach family usually spend the 2-day celebration breaking bread with their wider family, this year they do so among themselves while gathered around the dinner table listening to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann deliver the Rosh Hashanah Drosha (sermon) live via Zoom. 

On Assignment for the Guardian Australia I worked on this story for this piece titled ‘Everyone wants to hear the shofar’: ringing in Jewish new year in locked-down Melbourne

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman picks up copies of the Torah from the pews at the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne Australia on the 18th of September 2020. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman Synagogue at the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne Australia on the 18th of September 2020. Due to Covid-19 stage 4 restrictions, mass gatherings are not allowed, meaning this years Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Years celebrations are not allowed to be conducted at the Synagogue. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

The empty Synagogue at the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation in Melbourne Australia on the 18th of September 2020. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

An Employee at Glicks Bakery picks up a piece of Challah bread to serve to a customer in Melbourne Australia on the 18th of September 2020. Challah bread is baked in a circular fasion during Rosh Hashanah as it symbolize continuity. Glicks Bakery has become an institution amoung the local Jewish Community. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann blows the Rams horn also known as the Shofar at a park in East Hawthorn on the 18th of September 2020. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann will be blowing the Shofar on Sunday at 50 street corners within a 5km radius of his house, a custom normally conducted at the Synagogue. The Blowing of the Shofar signifies the announcment of significant dates on the Jewish Calendar. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann blows the Rams horn also known as the Shofar at a park in East Hawthorn on the 18th of September 2020. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann will be blowing the Shofar on Sunday at 50 street corners within a 5km radius of his house, a custom normally conducted at the Synagogue. The Blowing of the Shofar signifies the announcment of significant dates on the Jewish Calendar. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann blows the Rams horn also known as the Shofar on a street corner on the 18th of September 2020. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann will be blowing the Shofar on Sunday at 50 street corners within a 5km radius of his house, a custom normally conducted at the Synagogue. The Blowing of the Shofar signifies the announcment of significant dates on the Jewish Calendar. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

The Kallenbach family gathered around the dinner table listen to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann deliver the Rosh Hashanah Drosha (sermon) live via Zoom on the 18th of September 2020. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

The Kallenbach family eat Apple slices dipped in Honey, a custom during Rosh Hashanah on the 18th of September 2020. Ancient Jews believed apples had healing properties, and the honey signifies the hope that the new year will be sweet. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

A Silhouette of Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann as he blows the Rams horn also known as the Shofar at a park in East Hawthorn on the 18th of September 2020. Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann will be blowing the Shofar on Sunday at 50 street corners within a 5km radius of his house, a custom normally conducted at the Synagogue. The Blowing of the Shofar signifies the announcment of significant dates on the Jewish Calendar. Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The Guardian.

Melbourne By Night: Scenes From The Longest Lockdown

Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life.

Video of Scenes of Melbourne during Curfew during Covid.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A lone car is seen traveling during curfew along Alexandra Avenue on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A lone man outside a deserted Luna Park as curfew approaches on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A Lone man is seen crossing the deserted intersection of Swanston and Bourke Street on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A general view from the entrance of an empty Chintatown on little Bourke Street during curfew on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 09: A Lone commuter walks towards Southern Cross Station on September 09, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A lone food delivery rider is seen travelling along a deserted Swanston Street during curfew on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A deserted Queen Victoria Gardens is seen during curfew on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 09: A lone man walks down the usually busy laneway on Flinders Lane and Centre Place on September 09, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A deserted Alexandra Avenue near the Botanic Gardens on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A general view deserted space near the Palais Theatre and Luna Park as curfew approaches on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: A deserted Federation square during curfew on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 09: An empty scene on the walkway overlooking the Yarra River towards Flinders Street Station during curfew in the Southbank Precinct on September 09, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 10: An empty Hosier Lane is seen on September 10, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne residents are currently experiencing some of the strictest and longest coronavirus lockdown measures in the world as Victoria continues to work to contain a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Under stage 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into effect on 2 August 2020, people are only allowed to leave home to give or receive care, shopping for food and essential items, daily exercise and work while an overnight curfew from 8pm to 5am is also in place. Originally scheduled to end on September 13, Melbourne’s tough stage four lockdown has been extended for a further two weeks after the Victorian government announced COVID-19 case numbers remained too high for a safe return to a more normal way of life. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake #onassignment for @gettyimages

Images are available for licence via Getty Images here

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Charities Work To Provide Food For People In Need During Melbourne’s latest Lockdown

Among some of the worst-hit by this pandemic in Melbourne are International students and those on temporary, humanitarian or bridging visa’s.

During some much-needed respite from the usual joyless Covid-19 coverage, I spent some time with two volunteer charity organisations providing and distributing free meals for those who fall through the cracks of government assistance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri (Far right) project co-ordinator of the Kasih Project is seen marking down the details of group as they come to collect their food which was prepared by ‘Alex Makes Meals’ on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A large number of the people that the Kasih Project support are on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working underpaying jobs with the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector. With work hours reduced and some without work due to Covid-19 many have had to resort to initiative such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

The first is @alexmakesmeals, an organisation started by 20-year-old university student @alexkdekker during Melbourne’s first lockdown when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in March. 

Originally aimed at providing meals for healthcare workers, the charity has now expanded to provide meals for anyone in need following the return of lockdown restrictions due to a spike in community coronavirus transmissions. A team of volunteer chef’s and kitchen staff (most out of work) cook and pack hundreds of nutritious culturally appropriate meals a day. 

 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: An international student is seen collecting food from Alex Dekker of ‘Alex makes meals’ at a location in the Melbourne CBD on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Alex Makes Meals is a volunteer food organisation started by 20-year-old Alex Dekker during Melbourne’s lockdown when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in March. Originally aimed at providing meals for healthcare workers, the charity has now expanded to provide meals for anyone in need following the return of lockdown restrictions due to a spike in community coronavirus transmissions. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: International Student Meisa Betty from Indonesia is seen collecting food from Alex Dekker the founder of ‘Alex Makes meals’ on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Hospitality management student Meisa Betty has been without a job for 4 months added to this her studies have been effected as all her classes are online and she is unable to do her necessary internship. Alex Makes Meals is a volunteer food organisation started by 20-year-old Alex Dekker during Melbourne’s lockdown when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in March. Originally aimed at providing meals for healthcare workers, the charity has now expanded to provide meals for anyone in need following the return of lockdown restrictions due to a spike in community coronavirus transmissions. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

The second group was the Kasih Project is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri project co-ordinator (left) and Hetty Hermanus a volunteer with ‘The Kasih Project’ are seen packing a car with food cooked by ‘Alex Makes Meals’ on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Angelina and Hetty then deliver the food to a collection point where residents in that area are allotted a time to come and collect their food. The Kasih Project is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri project co-Ordinator of the Kasih Project (centre) is seen making a ‘thank-you gesture’ as a worker comes to collect food on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A large number of the people that the Kasih Project support are on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working underpaying jobs with the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector. With work hours reduced and some without work due to Covid-19 many have had to resort to initiative such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri project co-Ordinator of the Kasih Project (centre) is seen handing food to an International student at a house in Springvale on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. The Kasih Project is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri, project Co-ordinator of ‘The Kasih Project’ is seen counting a number of food containers as she prepares to hand out meals which were prepared by the charity ‘Alex Makes Meals’ to members of the Indonesian community who are in Australia on Humanitarian Visa’s on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A large number of the people that the Kasih Project support are on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working very low-paying jobs in the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector. With work hours reduced and some without work due to Covid-19 many have had to resort to initiative such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Angelina Sukiri project co-Ordinator of the Kasih Project has been assisting in the distribution of food to those on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working very low-paying jobs in the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: Angelina Sukiri, project Co-ordinator of ‘The Kasih Project’ (centre) is seen handing food package which were prepared by ‘Alex Makes food’ to members of the Indonesian migrant community at a property in Springvale on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A large number of the people that the Kasih Project support are on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working very low-paying jobs in the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector. With work hours reduced and some without work due to Covid-19 many have had to resort to initiative such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

With work hours drastically reduced and some without work due to Covid-19, many have had to resort to initiatives such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 28: A group of temporary working Visa holders from Indonesia are seen as they leave a property in Springvale after collecting food packages from members of ‘the Kasih Project’ on July 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. A large number of the people that the Kasih Project support are on Humanitarian Visa’s illegible for government assistance, often working very low-paying jobs in the farming, warehouse or cleaning sector. With work hours reduced and some without work due to Covid-19 many have had to resort to initiative such as The Kasih Project, which is a community organisation that has been distributing emergency food relief for international students and other temporary visa holders who are not able to access any government assistance. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

If you wish to donate to either organisation you can do so via their links

@alexmakesmeals bit.ly/ammDonate

Kasih Project https://www.facebook.com/kasih.project/

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake #onassignment for @gettyimages

#melbourne #coronavirus #photojournalism

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Melbourne Hotspots go into Lockdown

On 28th of June Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews during a press conference on June confirmed COVID-19 infection numbers continued to rise, with 49 new coronavirus cases recorded overnight.

Health authorities are continuing on a testing blitz in Melbourne suburbs that have been identified as community transmission hotspots for coronavirus.

A few days later Daniel Andrews announced Lockdowns across Melbourne which came into effect at for residents of suburbs identified as COVID-19 hotspots following a spike in new coronavirus cases through community transmission. From midnight Wednesday 1 July, residents of 10 postcodes will only be able to leave home for exercise or work, to buy essential items including food or to access childcare and healthcare. Businesses and facilities in these lockdown areas will also be restricted and cafes and restaurants can only open for take-away and delivery. The restrictions will remain in place until at least 29 July.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews during a press conference on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: A woman conducts an oral Covid-19 test at a pop-up facility during a COVID-19 testing blitz in the suburb of Broadmeadows on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: An elderly man has a Covid-19 test under the guidance of a member of the testing team during a COVID-19 testing blitz in the suburb of Broadmeadows on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: A man conducts a Covid-19 test by inserting a swab in his nose, under the guidance of a member of the testing team at a pop-up testing site, during a COVID-19 testing blitz in the suburb of Broadmeadows on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 28: An elderly woman is tested at a pop-up clinic during a COVID-19 testing blitz in the suburb of Broadmeadows on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: A police officer directs traffic into a lane where drivers are checked on their reason for travel and residential address on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: A police officer directs traffic into a lane where drivers are checked on their reason for travel and residential address on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Lockdowns across Melbourne have come into effect for residents of suburbs identified as COVID-19 hotspots following a spike in new coronavirus cases through community transmission. From midnight Wednesday 1 July, residents of 10 postcodes will only be able to leave home for exercise or work, to buy essential items including food or to access childcare and healthcare. Businesses and facilities in these lockdown areas will also be restricted and cafes and restaurants can only open for take-away and delivery. The restrictions will remain in place until at least 29 July. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: An empty row of shops is seen at the Olsen Place shopping village in the suburb of Broadmeadows on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: A general view of a drive through testing facility at Broadmeadows central shopping center on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: A man gets a Covid-19 test at a testing site on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: A woman gets a Covid-19 test at a testing site on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

People line up to get a Covid-19 test at a testing site in the locked-down suburb of Dallas on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 02: Bottleshop owner of Dallas Cellars, Darshan Singh in the locked down suburb of Dallas on July 02, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Darshan Singh has noticed a drop in business today, he normally gets a lot of walk-in customers but since lockdown has only got local customers. The restrictions will remain in place until at least 29 July. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews walks to the podium to conduct a press conference on June 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Victoria’s confirmed COVID-19 infection numbers continue to rise, with 49 new coronavirus cases recorded overnight. Health authorities are continuing on a testing blitz in Melbourne suburbs that have been identified as community transmission hotspots for coronavirus. Restrictions in Victoria have been tightened in response to the spike in new cases across the state with premier Daniel Andrews extending the current state of emergency for at least four weeks to allow police the power to enforce social distancing rules. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Suburbs under stay-at-home orders

• 3012: Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray
• 3021: Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans
• 3032: Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore
• 3038: Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens
• 3042: Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie
• 3046: Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
• 3047: Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana
• 3055: Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West
• 3060: Fawkner
• 3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park and Kalkallo

Words and Photos by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram 

Melbourne Rally In Solidarity With Black Lives Matter Movement

An estimated 10,000+ #BlackLivesMatters protestors took the street today in #Melbourne in an effort to bring further attention to the Indigenous deaths in custody, Racial profiling and the murder of George Floyd.

Australia has had 432 Indigenous deaths in police custody since 1991.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: A protestor holding a placards reading ‘Black Indigenous Lives matter’ on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: A general view of protestors with the clenched fists raised in front o Black Lives Matter street posters on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: A woman is seen wearing a face mask reading ‘More scared of A racist World than a Pandemic’ on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: Protestors holding Black Lives Matter placards as they listen to speeches on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: A protester holding face-masks and gloves as a sanitization station on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Events across Australia have been organised in solidarity with protests in the United States following the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota and to rally against aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: Protestors stand with clenched fists in solidarity on the steps of St Paul Cathedral on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: Protestors take a knee as they protest in Solidarity with clenched fists on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Events across Australia have been organised in solidarity with protests in the United States following the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota and to rally against aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: An Aboriginal man with a clenched fist stands before the crowd on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 06: A general view looking towards Flinders Street station as protestors listening to speeches as Night falls on June 06, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Words and Photos by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake 

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram 

Melbourne International Students Impacted By Coronavirus Line up for Food vouchers.

 

While working on another story, I came across hundreds of people lined up toward Melbourne town hall.

Curious, I checked it out, spoke to people lined up, only find out they were International students lining up for food vouchers.

 

I made the call to drop the other story I was working on and focus on this.

After publishing and a tweet in which I recorded a video of the line of students, the images and video went viral and consequently, publications such as SBS picked up the story.

www.sbs.com.au/news/thousands-of-international-students-lining-up-for-food-vouchers-could-just-be-the-tip-of-the-iceberg

The City of Melbourne is distributing retail vouchers to support international students impacted by COVID-19 and boost trade at Queen Victoria Market as part of its ‘Our Shout’ program. The $200,000 retail voucher program aims to support international students affected by job losses and housing insecurity with access to vouchers worth up to $200 each to spend at Queen Victoria Market. Lines extended around the block. The international student economy is worth $9.1 billion a year to the state of Victoria.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up standing in the rain outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: International Students are seen lined up outside the Melbourne Town Hall on June 01, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

To give some idea of how long that line of international students in #Melbourne lining up for Food vouchers was. pic.twitter.com/kAMLphponH

— Asanka Brendon Ratnayake (@abrfoto) June 1, 2020

Words and Photos by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram 

As Melbourne opens up a Corona Virus cleansing team have begun a blitz, but who are they?

My news beat covering the Corona Virus over the past few months has meant I’ve spent numerous days walking through the eerily quiet streets of Melbourne. In the last month or so, teams of Hi-Visibility vest clad cleaning teams would be dispatched throughout the city and into the suburbs. It was obvious to me that many of them didn’t seem like the sort of people you would generally associate with such work, it was evident that this was a new form of employment and in all likelihood the only form available for most. Curious to this, I felt compelled to learn more about who these people were, there was more to this story than just an increase in the number of cleaners on the street.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 28: Former tour guide Paul Guley holds a morning briefing with COVID-19 Cleansing Team on May 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Under an initiative funded by the Victorian Government titled ‘working for Victoria’ councils were giving funds to employ via their contractors displaced workers to conduct a sanitisation blitz.

On assignment for Getty Images, I spent a few days with the Covid-19 cleansing teams in the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne inner city south-east, to learn about the makeup of these unsung heroes of the Pandemic in Melbourne. Who are they, where do they come from, how are they in these roles and why have they chosen to do it?

Some have come from all over the world, among them are recent Law graduates, Architects, International Students and displaced local workers from the tourism and hospitality sectors. Most of have fallen through the cracks of being eligible for financial assistance during Covid-19, there are also some who have chosen not to get financial assistance and just want to get back to work.

For 5 days a week, they navigate their way through the street of Melbourne walking over 15 kilometres a day cleaning and sanitising railings, playgrounds, bins, lamp posts bicycle racks and every other council amenity we may not even notice. All done enthusiastically and with a sense of duty to the community.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 28: Helmut Prieto from Colombia sanitizes a public shower on the shore of Port Melbourne beach on May 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 29: Julien Battut sprays sanitizer on a railing in Port Melbourne on May 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from France Julien formally a member of the French Army who came to Australia to work as a chef found himself unemployed and unable to access Jobseeker due to his immigration status, he took on the role to not only maintain an income but to help the community, he says “I love Australia and Melbourne, if I can help at this time I am to do so” . (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 28: Julien Battut (centre) and Adhar Bol (right) discuss the planned cleaning route their teams will be taking throughout the day on May 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 29: Suzanne Kerr poses for a portrait on May 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Suzanne Kerr aged 45 was unable to claim Jobseeker as she fell one month short of eligibility. She a resident in the country town of Mansfield, she commutes back home by bus on the weekend while she works five days a week as part of the Sanitization team while staying overnight at a hostel. She says “I don’t see it as a big deal, I have to do what I need to do to get by, there is no work in the country”. She feels that those unable to find work need to look at all options and maybe get out of there comfort zone “It’s not fantastic but sometimes it’s a good thing to be outside your comfort zone but don’t give up there is hope”. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 28: A cleansing team sanitize playground equipment in the suburb of Port Melbourneon May 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 28: Former tour guide Paul Guley cleans play sanitizes play equipment at a childrens playground on May 28, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Paul Guley was a former tour guide previously worked with a tour operator taking predominantly international tourist, as a result of International travel restrictions he was without work. He finds his new employment “enjoyable as it provides a community service and an opportunity to still stay fit”. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 29: A COVID-19 Cleansing Team cleans bike racks as they walk past a COVID-19 Clinic in Port Melbourne on May 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Words and Photos by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake taken while #onassignment for @gettyimages 

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram 

Australian Muslims Observe Eid Al-Fitr Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

Eid al-Fitr follows weeks of fasting and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. I spent some time with the Abbas family in Melbourne as they broke fast and conducted their evening Taraweeh prayers.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: Father of three Afrizal (left) of the Abbas family leads Taraweeh prayers with his family on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Due to Covid-19 and the restrictions on large gatherings, Ramadan this year meant prayers wouldn’t take place in Mosques and breaking of fast couldn’t be conducted in large groups. Eid al-Fitr celebrations to would be confined within family homes.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: The Abbas family break fast during Ramadan on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Mother of three Dewi Andrina felt Ramadan this year felt more special and harmonious within the confines of their family home and allowed their family to be closer to their faith as a result allowing for more time to be dedicated to the teachings of their faith as a family. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: Dewi Andrina (left) Afrizal (centre) and their daughter Indy Abbas read the Quran following prayers on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: Afrizal reads the Quran following prayers on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

To those celebrating, Eid-Mubarak to you and your families. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: The Abbas family sit around a laptop where they watch short videos on teachings from the Quran on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Dewi Andrina the mother of the family encourages her daughters to sit together at the end of prayers during Ramadan to watch videos on elements of the Quran as part of an informal Islamic studies class during Ramadan. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 22: The daughters of the Abbas family pay their respects to their parents following prayers on May 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Muslim communities across Australia are finding ways to celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, in smaller groups due to restrictions on gathering sizes due to COVID-19. Many mosques remain closed with some providing limited access and streaming prayer services. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Images taken while #onassignment for @gettyimages 

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram