Forgotten Melbourne

Forgotten Melbourne is a commentary on the experiences of individuals throughout Melbourne and the special place it holds in our hearts. From first memories to market magic and the charming blend of culture, Melburnians share their story of belonging.

Photography by Nalisha Kumarasinghe

“I remember wishing that Melbourne was a city that snowed. Instead, winters brought the biting cold without the beautiful image of snowbanks and snowfall. Winter was Christmas-less. Not exactly hook-line-and-sinker for a kid who just migrated from the tropics. But Melbourne brought something new: snow as a destination. Mt Buller, Lakes Entrance, Mt Baw Baw. When the holidays came around, everyone would talk about where they were going. ‘Snow! We’re going to the snow!’

Toboggans. Renting snow suits. Mountain town bakeries. Meat pies, hot chocolate. Beanies, gloves. And making the most terrible snowmen imaginable.

That was my Melbourne in winter.”

- Anonymous, 2003

“The first three months of being a licensed driver were intimidating - the dark side streets, people obviously crossing roads, and me unable to not take my eyes off my embedded car GPS giving me a glimpse of confidence in where I was heading. It was maybe my fifth week on the road, first time driving amidst Melbourne’s busy inner cityscape. 

When my reliable GPS directed me to drive down Bourke Street, my subtly flawed sense of direction headed down without hesitation. Half way through the turn - yes, I did realise that this is not a city street you are allowed to go down - I had no  choice but to hold down my horn, grab the attention of the hundreds of people walking in the hope that they would move out of the way, and hold my head down as I drive  through one of the  most  distressful driving experiences to date. 

Thankfully, nobody was hurt in this incident, and I had conquered one of Melbourne’s busiest walkways. It was this experience that gave me confidence, if I could survive Melbourne’s astounding inner city streets, there was no road challenge I couldn't meet.”

- Anonymous, 2016

Photography by Nalisha Kumarasinghe

Photography by Nalisha Kumarasinghe

“Growing up, I fondly remember the Saturday morning trips to the South Melbourne Market with my family. I had a ritual by visiting a particular stall near the elevator entrance that sold art supplies, toys and jewellery. I would always gravitate towards the mood rings, something about the changing colours hypnotised me. Indulging in the richness of the charming hole-in-the-wall cafe along Cecil Street, Clement Coffee, with their exotic beans and delicious pastries remain deep in my heart. There’s nowhere else quite like it (and that’s saying something). 

To this day I am in awe of the hustle and bustle of the market; the fresh produce, and the talented buskers along Coventry Street. It’s a hub of music, business,  creativity, food & beverage - it’s just so very ‘Melbourne’. I always admire the joy and passion of the stall owners, it’s always refreshing to see. For anyone that wants farm-fresh produce, I highly recommend visiting!”

- Amelia, 2017

“There are curiosities that line the graffitied streets of Melbourne. The smells of cheesy pizza waft down from Lygon Street, cinnamon chai soothes me from Lonsdale, and music calls me from Bourke Street. Around me I feel a bustling life in the city that has held still for so long. I sit and watch the faces of the strange passerbys, longing to know their stories of what the last year has been. What came before now, and which of the city skylines that their eyes linger on as we now return to a ‘covid normal.’

I walk along the Princes Bridge, the night time sky and restaurant lights twinkling in the dark, navy river below. I am heading to a show at the Arts Centre, the first one I’ve been to in months and I am attending completely alone. 

As I walk past elderly women with loud, wine soaked laughter, young queer androgynous couples, and art student turtlenecks, I smile to myself of the contrasting spectrums of CBD life.

I take my seat in a red theatre chair, surrounded by those I don’t know. As I take in the music, the performers on stage and the lights that shine them into dazzling reality, I’ve never felt more at home than I do, right here in the heart of Melbourne.”

- Natalie, 2021

Photography by Nalisha Kumarasinghe

At the time of writing this, Melbourne has had 200 days (and counting!) of lockdown. More and more, it can feel like there is no end to the lockdowns, but hidden behind closed doors, we will always value the place that we live for.

When it’s time, we’ll be ready to create new moments in Melbourne.

Photography by Nalisha Kumarasinghe

COLLATED BY: JEANNE CARLOS & CONSTANCE ALLAN
GRAPHICS: AMELIA ASCIUTTO
PHOTOGRAPHY: NALISHA KUMARASINGHE