Stories of how Melbourne’s suburban communities coped during the unprecedented events of the past year will be shared in a new online digital exhibition.

One year on: Stories of COVID-19 in Melbourne’s Suburbs was officially launchedat the Melbourne Museum today.

The digital display features a collection of stories and illustrations about how people across Melbourne adapted and supported each other in 2020.

The display includes the story of Elder Aunty Jennine Armistead, who spread joy to her neighbourhood by offering traditional handwoven baskets and native cuttings from her garden in Frankston. Some of Aunty Jennine’s baskets have been donated to the Melbourne Museum as part of the display and will be able to be viewed online.

To assemble exhibits, last year Melburnians were encouraged to document and share how their lives changed at home and in their local communities – to capture and reflect on stories of resilience, community and ingenuity.

These stories, and artifacts donated to Melbourne Museum, will form part of the historical narrative around the Melbourne experience of the pandemic.

The digital display can be viewed at museumsvictoria.com.au/one-year-on.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Shaun Leane

“Melburnians are resilient and over the past 12 months we have seen local communities unite like never before.”

“The exhibition allows us all to look back on the extraordinary year 2020 was and how far we have come.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson

“This exhibition celebrates the strength and generosity of Victorians, and how we banded together to get through.”

Quotes attributable to Museums Victoria chief executive Lynley Crosswell

“It’s been a great honour and privilege to collect the stories of Melburnians and their experience of the pandemic for ‘One Year On’.”

“These are accounts of the incredible generosity, warmth and resilience of our communities, as well as the terrible hardships experienced by so many people. Every story will be preserved in the State Collection as a record of this extraordinary time.”