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 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)
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)
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram
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.
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)
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram
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)
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram
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)
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram
Since March 2019 I’ve been covering the Corona Virus crisis here in Melbourne Australia. If I look back the moment it felt like the impact of Covid-19 and its entrance into our lives started around the time of the Australian Grand Prix or more specifically the cancellation of it, any event I was covering up until it’s cancellation.
Melbourne, Australia – March 13 2020: A press conference from Chase Carey, Andrew Westacott, Michael Masi and Paul Little is held following the cancellation of due to Covid 19 the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on the Friday 13th of March . Photo by Asanka Brendon Ratnayake www.abrfoto.com
Since then I’ve documented the closure of businesses, empty streets that followed, innovations and people adapting to the new realities. With every new restriction added a new way of life needed to be introduced. Thankfully compared to the rest of the world the human toll and adverse health impact anticipated by Covid 19 never arrived. On the 15th of May, restrictions were eased in Melbourne.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 30: Medical practioners conducting tests for Covid-19 at a drive through testing facility in a undercover carpark as cars are lined up with drivers awaiting to be tested at the Chadstone Shopping Center on April 30, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. COVID-19 testing is set to expand across Australia as the government looks to ease current lockdown restrictions. Asymptomatic or those with mild symptoms will also be tested to ensure there are no cases missed as Australian health authorities hope to keep confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on the decline. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
As the the impact of the Corona Virus hits Melbourne and our lives change I’ll continue to document and archive the changes and update this Photo Essay, so stayed tuned.
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake is a photojournalist and travel photographer based in Melbourne Australia covering Australia, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Follow him on instagram
A few selects from the Reclaim Australia protests in Melton.
Supporters of the Reclaim Australia group shout and hold banners during a protest organised by the far right wing group. Melbourne, Australia November 22 2015.
Anti-Fascist counter protestors clash with supporters of the Reclaim Australia group during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia.
A member of the Reclaim Australia wearing a balaclava of the Australian flag over his face an during a protest organised by the far right wing group. The Anti-Islamic group protested in the city of Melton on the outskirts of Melbourne voicing their opinions in relation to immigration and the building of Mosques and schools in the country.
A man is arrested by police in riot gear during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia. The Anti-Islamic group protested in the city of Melton on the outskirts of Melbourne voicing their opinions in relation to immigration and the building of Mosques and schools in the country.
Anti-racism counter protestors push back a line of horses used to seperate opposing groups during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia. The Anti-Islamic group protested in the city of Melton on the outskirts of Melbourne voicing their opinions in relation to immigration and the building of Mosques and schools in the country.
Anti-Racism protestors protestors shield for cover as they are pepper sprayed by police after they tried to push through police lines during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia.
Two young boys one of whom is riding his bicycle stand in front of police in riot gear during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia.
Anti-Fascist counter protestors clash with supporters of the Reclaim Australia group during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia.
A supporter of the Reclaim Australia group is pushed back by police officer dressed in riot gear during a protest organised by the far right wing group Reclaim Australia.
Supporters of the Reclaim Australia group march down the street waving flags and shouting anti-islamic slogans during a protest organised by the far right wing group.
A young malnourished Rohingya boy inside the Sittwe IDP camp . An estimated 110,000 ethnic Rohingya live in an overcrowded IDP camp in the outskirts of Sittwe. The Rohingya continually make attempts to flee the camps by fishing boat and seek asylum in neighbouring Islamic countries however often fall victim to human traffickers. At current they are a stateless people believed to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. According to the UN the Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. – Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
One of my photographs from the IDP camps in Sittwe was recently picked up for an article in Time.
Whilst getting a photo used by time is something i’m quite happy about, i’m glad that this story is starting to get a bit of traction.
What i witnessed in those camps i can only describe as state sponsored genocide.
This article and Al Jazeera’s expose proves this.
Al Jazeera Investigative Unit expose the inner workings of the Myanmar government, providing “strong evidence” of genocide against the Rohingya minority.
Recently, Cycling Australia & the Australian Institute of Sport made use of Monash University’s Wind Tunnel facility for aerodynamics testing.
World Champion cyclists Matthew Glaetzer (2012 Team Sprint World Champion) and Anna Meares (4x World Champion & Olympic Gold Medallist) were present to test their carbon fibre track weapons.
As this was a private test session and not a media call, I only had access to shoot each rider for 5 minutes each.
A big thankyou to Monash University, Cycling Australia & the riders for the opportunity.
Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer conducts a wind test inside the Monash University Wind Tunnel Facility. Photo Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
World Champion track cyclist and olympic Gold Medalist Anna Meares conducts a wind test inside the Monash University Wind Tunnel Facility. Photo Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer conducts a wind test inside the Monash University Wind Tunnel Facility. Photo Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
World Champion track cyclist and olympic Gold Medalist Anna Meares conducts a wind test inside the Monash University Wind Tunnel Facility. Photo Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer conducts a wind test inside the Monash University Wind Tunnel Facility. Photo Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Asanka Brendon Ratnayake Photojournalism blog 