The week of May 18, 2024, was captured in 22 striking images by staff photographers and regular contributors at The Age. The photos showcased a diverse range of subjects and events, capturing moments of joy, struggle, activism, and everyday life in Melbourne and its surrounds. From Carlton footballer Zac Williams posing with his daughter to a heartwarming reunion with a long-lost bike, the photos provided a snapshot of the city’s people and stories.
One of the standout images featured Stephanie Fernandez-Nadinic with her dog Harry at Onte’s retail space in Melbourne. Another highlight was Brady Morton, who received a special birthday gift that ended years of regret when he was reunited with a bike he had sold to pay for his father’s funeral. The emotional moment was captured as his sister surprised him by tracking down the current owner and buying it back. The photos also documented the return of a mother and baby to Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Mother-Baby Unit after a seven-week stay.
The collection of images also included portraits of individuals such as full-time arts student Martha Clark and the Potharaju-Kastury family with their young children. In addition, there were photos of Lord Mayor Sally Capp engaging with staff and customers at Heartbaker Bun Mee, as well as the Giuliano family, whose children suffered asthma attacks due to smoke from wood heaters and fire pits in their neighborhood. The images captured moments of resilience, community spirit, and personal challenges faced by individuals in the city.
The photos highlighted various issues and events in Melbourne, including the occupation of the Arts West building at Melbourne University by protesting students, concerns about open space planning by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority in Box Hill, and a cryptocurrency scam that resulted in significant financial losses for an individual. The images also captured protests outside the University of Melbourne, accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users like Martin Leckey, and parking challenges experienced by residents like Harriet Gledhill.
In addition, the photos featured community gatherings and performances, including the Naroman Melbourne Timorese Community choir at the Harold Mitchell State Memorial Service at Hamer Hall. The images also documented the Monash University Gaza Solidarity Encampment organizers facing disciplinary action, as well as the ongoing struggles of individuals like Anna Peretic, who was still waiting for shoulder and hip replacement surgery after a fall in 2022. Overall, the photos of the week provided a window into the diverse and dynamic life of Melbourne, showcasing both its joys and its challenges.
