Summary

This digital photograph depicts Fairfield resident Jason Hunter mowing the lawn during the State of Victoria's first COVID-19 lockdowns and associated 'stay at home' restrictions. Also pictured in this photo are Jason's wife Sharon, son Ben, daughter Makenzie and dog Lou.

Jason Hunter, a MICA flight paramedic with Air Ambulance Victoria, had adapted to working on the frontline during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'He has been learning new modes of providing safe patient care', reflected his wife Sharon in June 2020, 'and also adapting to the potential risk to himself when working in the confines of a helicopter.'

Despite his stressful job, Jason became very passionate about his lawnmowing during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which became an in-house joke within the family. Sharon reflected in June 2020:

'Jason has really embraced his love for the lawn. He loved his lawn before lockdown, but he has definitely upped the game and dedication during this period. Every blade of our front lawn has been lovingly tended to, trimmed, fertilised and fully groomed to achieve the luscious oasis that glows in our front yard (don't look at the back; no love there)! Every day Jason will be there admiring his yard, and he may even have a pair of scissors for the minor trims that are required. He can be seen at 3:30pm in his chair on the front porch, radio on, beer in hand, admiring the afternoon glow.'

This photograph was taken by Melbourne-based photographer Julie Ewing as part of her 'Across the Fence' photographic series. This series documents life in Melbourne's Darebin region during the first COVID-19 lockdowns that began in Victoria on 14 March 2020. Julie photographed 120 households and 60 businesses during March to May 2020, and this digital photograph is one of 24 images that were acquired into Museum Victoria's Collecting the Curve Collection. These photographs provide a lasting reminder of how neighbourhoods and households in Melbourne were impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as the unique ways through which individuals and communities adapted their lives and found new routines, traditions and ways of supporting one another.

Physical Description

Digital TIFF file

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