101 Victorians

With the help of a wonderful bunch of photographers – amateur, hobbyists and professionals – and to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the Victorian community, the Metro Tunnel Creative Program presents 101 Victorians. This community participation project is inspired by the work of British artist Jenny Lewis and her One Hundred Years series, which was on display on Barry Street, Parkville, as part of Photo 2022.

Click on each image below to see the full image of each person.

100

Bette

Hi.

Photographer: Daniel Buffett

Aubrey

Daddy!

Photographer: Kendrick Naiborhu

Willow

On the farm we go on adventures into the forest to see what we can find. I make holes and call out “Bunnies! I’m making a new home for you, come see it!” I see kangaroos, echidna and kookaburras that laugh in the trees. I pick wild flowers and make towers from sticks.

Photographer: Catrina Pryor

Marlowe

Well, I am 3 because I still have my number 3 balloon. One day I will be 100 years old and I will be a 100 years old kid who still likes to play all day. I get cross about things being difficult. And I get upset sometimes when it’s not my birthday.

Photographer: Jordan Marshall

Isla

Life is like cookies!

Photographer: Anna Mindelis

Oscar

Look Mum - watch me go! I’m awesome!

Photographer: Maria Tan

Billie

If you look scary when you dress up you can always change your costume. I like dressing up as the Queen because she tells everyone what to do. If I was the Queen I would make sure that everyone always plays safe and everyone would always be nice to every single person and makes friends with every single person.

Photographer: Lindy Allen

Bassy

Being 7 is awesome, it’s an odd number. I like to run really fast. It makes me feel free.

Photographer: Imogen Caruso

Hunter

For Halloween I dressed up as a zombie. I scared people and had lots of lollies. If there is a zombie apocalypse, I will be ready to protect my family and battle them.

Photographer: Samantha Rovis

Ada

I want to live in the zoo as a parrot. I would like to fly like them, and also talk like them in their language.

Photographer: Cihan Bektas

Greta

In one more year I will finally get my letter from Hogwarts.

Photographer: Imogen Caruso

Rafael

During lockdown it was lovely to spend time with my cat Groucho Marx, and also my family. Groucho likes to flop on my lap, and he falls asleep a lot. He has a lot of nicknames – grouch, bud, features, thing, little brain, baby kongz, fongs, & puss-in-thongs.

Photographer: Daniel Boetker-Smith

Thomas

I’m really passionate about basketball. I love the game and my team. We’ve been playing like the 94-98 Chicago Bulls lately. I especially love Game Day: the way the stadium smells and the fans cheering. Kobe Bryant is one of my role models for sure.

Photographer: Victoria Tordy

Lachie

I am very lucky to be able to connect with mob through basketball with the Koorie Basketball Academy. I enjoy learning new skills and get to train with some deadly coaches. Uncle Ricky Baldwin has given me opportunities I would never have had a chance to do.

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe

Gracie

When I want to be happy, I just simply stop being sad.

Photographer: Greer Marshall

Ayden

Finally getting out to do cadet training has been so cool. I had the best time with my school mates, learning to work together and do some cool survival skills, even rough sleeping wasn’t so bad. I survived the food rations but wish I listened to my mum and took along a bag of snakes to give me a sugar hit when I really needed it!

Photographer: Svetlana Dimeski

Jay

What more could I ask for, in this world of technology?

Photographer: Gavin Pan

Vanessa

I finished Year 11 last year and I’m now looking for a job ... but I’m no ordinary 17 year old. The things most people my age like, I don’t like. But there are some things all 17 year olds like and that is music. My favourite band is Imagine Dragons.

Photographer: Sharon Start

I’m a gay and non-binary person from Melbourne. I volunteer at the Pride Centre to get to know other people going through the same journey as I am. I volunteer at RSPCA in the cattery, as well as fostering kittens from the Lost Dogs Home. I hope one day I will be able to give back to all the people fighting the struggles that I fight and make a difference. I write my own music of various styles and my biggest dream is to become a musician and play live shows.

Photographer: Bette Pearson

Joshua

Community is a part of my identity. It’s hard to describe because it’s always been there. I’ve been working at the Koorie Heritage Trust conducting tours being able to spend time with people and connect with them and really be a part of something. I’ve been stepping up and helping organise events at uni too, helping out organise a cook Up with the younger students to help them connect and feel welcomed in a time of transition.

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe

Brooke

I love working at Waverley Social Enterprises. Working makes me feel important and I have a lot of friends here. I like most of the jobs we do and making my supervisor, Wendy, happy. My favourite colours are red & green. I love golden retrievers and I hate mosquitoes.

Photographer: Julie Bryson

Zach

I've been collecting new and vintage Nike sneakers for around four years. Shoes have always been a massive passion of mine and since I've become older, I have continued to grow my collection. I also sell and collect vintage Nike memorabilia and display items from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. It's a passion that has introduced me to a lot of cool and like-minded people who share my addiction.

Photographer: Bette Pearson

Clare

Coming to the end of my university degree is providing me with a wealth of exciting opportunities, but I’m not sure which road to follow when I have to take the next leap!

Photographer: Eve Revill

Maisie

I am an early childhood educator, enjoying my first year in the job. I say be cool, be fun, be confident, explore who you are and what life is about, and most importantly, to shine through.

Photographer: Ivanka Li

Hashwina

Being in your early twenties and navigating life, love, career and a future in the middle of a pandemic has been interesting to say the least.

Photographer: Kajal Khodaskar

Nicol

I love drinking coffee in this special corner from the house & spending time with my two little dogs. I enjoys small things like a good coffee, trying new cake recipes & going for walks around the beach, or even just laying down in the sand. It is good and enough for me. Small things are what life is about.

Photographer: Laura Gonzalez

Bryce

For me, working in community means working with community. But in a way its not even about working. It isn’t something that can be qualified by a title or position. But rather, your own place within it. Sometimes its running programs, but most of the time its ensuring kids are fed and looked after, family who struggle are looked after, and that culture is valued and our people are heard. Working toward a strong community means doing that at all times. Looking after each other, and coming together as a unit despite differences.

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe

Madison

Being a small business owner these past few years has been difficult. Working for myself has been challenging, but I wouldn’t change it because I love my work, I love my clients, and I love the flexibility that comes with owning your own business.

Photographer: Jordan Turner

Hope

At 28 years of age, living authentically is the primary value I exist from. Speaking my truth and living in alignment with my values is of far greater concern compared with how I felt at 18. If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be - love yourself fiercely, speak your truth kindly, and never mould yourself to suit other people.

Photographer: Katie McClintock

Michael

Completing my PHD is probably the most difficult thing I have done.

Photographer: Gary Wong

Mihi

Our light is bright. We are majestic. I grew up in Sri Lanka where our small, loving family experienced family violence. Slowly, we came undone. Broken. I was lonely, afraid, armoured and twelve. Some days I still am. I am sitting with my twelve year old self today as I remind him: our light is bright. We are majestic.

Photographer: Rebecca Andre

Josh

I'm constantly thinking about the future, wondering what kind of world we will live in. At the moment I'm worried, worried that change isn't happening fast enough... Personally, I want to be remembered for what my contribution to Earth was, not for what I have taken.

Photographer: Victoria Meek

Duxie

I used to busk much more than I do now. It can be hard to stay motivated with music, but one good interaction with an audience member or somebody walking past on the street and I remember why I do it. Lots of people say ‘I always wanted to play music, but never did’, so I consider myself lucky.

Photographer: Chris Cobern

Laura

Accept that you are not perfect but you are enough and then start working on everything that destroys you: your insecurities, your ego, your dark thoughts. You will see in the end you’re going to make peace with yourself ... and that’s the greatest thing in the world.

Photographer: Martin Valenzuela

Monyq

I've always believed that waste is a misplaced resource. I'm building a start-up that helps reduce food waste, diverts them from landfill, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and gives them value within the circular economy. I am working towards helping Aussie farmers and food manufacturing businesses reduce their carbon footprint, doing everything I can because I believe it is up to our generation to mitigate climate change consequences to save the planet.

Photographer: Monyq San Tropez

Kim

I am currently in a period of transition. Transiting from one career to another. Transiting from having babies to having toddlers to having school-aged children. Transiting into study and soon to be into teaching. Transiting out of lockdowns back to socialization again only to be placed into ISO (for a short period). Transiting from being the only one in my family with children to welcoming a gorgeous nephew. Trying to learn not to fear change and transitions but take each step one by one and notice the many incredible experiences along the way.

Photographer: Claire Soveny

Xaiver

You can make an impact on someone’s life in many ways. A kind word, a compliment, encouragement, checking up on them or even shouting a coffee. I want to raise my daughter to be the kind of person who is not afraid to impact other people’s lives.

Photographer: Tiffany Reyes

Friska

I have an amazing husband. I have amazing friends and family. I also have a better understanding to have quality friends, rather than quantity friends.

Photographer: Kendrick Naiborhu

Whitney

I’ve always loved flowers. They’re used to commemorate so many life events, times of happiness and times of sorrow. Growing up, one of my favourite stories from my mom was that she planted a rose bush, and I was born the next day. It was always my rose bush. Flowers have always made me feel peaceful, connected and happy.

Photographer: Hassan Izadnia

Nisarg

What inspires me? Mornings, dance, and joyous people.

Photographer: Mai Ogawa

Libby

Life at 40 is a balancing act between my family, friends, wellness and career. I still don't know what I want to do when I "grow up", but I want to make the most of my life in this crazy post-Covid world.

Photographer: Joan O'Brien

Jon

For me, life at is about collecting enjoyable experiences. Travel, music, sport, the outdoors, friends and family are what energise me, and give me a focus and purpose.

Photographer: Joan O'Brien

Kiri

I use my power to create spaces for people to feel.

Photographer: Melissa Turnbull

Dianne

At 43, except for physical aches and pains, life is very good.

Photographer: Angel Hewitt/Charles

Daniel

It’s impossible to think about current times and not factor in COVID-19. Working for a not-for-profit that focuses heavily on HIV, I wish we could have more easily learned the lessons from another epidemic. I hope what we have learned makes us better at handling complex but important decisions. For me it has been a welcome normalisation of discussing mental health and hopefully removing some of the stigma that clouds discussion of this important issue.

Photographer: Abdurahman Katamish

Shannon

I’ve been fortunate to live, work and play in many different parts of Victoria. It’s made me realise that there’s good people everywhere you go. Community is so important and provides so many opportunities and connections.

Photographer: Joan O'Brien

Kerrie

What we say to ourselves internally, silently, is just as powerful as what we say to ourselves out loud.

Photographer: Michael Worsfield

Antonio

No one believes I'm this age 'cos I keep doing the things I love, no matter what. I find ways to do them. If you start allowing your mind to slow down and go into old thinking, your body is gonna follow.

Photographer: Les Ching

Mathew

I grew up on a farm, went to boarding school in Melbourne and went on to became a regional news cameraman for ten years before traveling overseas to work with CNN and the BBC. After meeting my wife over the phone through a friend, I returned to Australia to be with her. We now have four beautiful kids and I spend most of my time transporting them around for sport. We also try to get away in our caravan when we can and one day we’ll retire in sunny Coolangatta.

Photographer: Michelle Cambrey

Kathy

I am 49 years old and grateful. Regardless of the challenges life has thrown at me, I still want to live to 100.

Photographer: Julie Bryson

Evelyna

Now more than ever, I want to truly embrace my life. Walking tall, living fearlessly and loving deeply.

Photographer: Alicia Allanson

Alana

It feels great to be a part of all the different mobs that call this place home now, connection to this Country. I see love and beauty, I see myself as a reflection of country. I’m made from the same atoms, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, a little bit of nitrogen... I recognise that this is the atomic configuration of my body and that is what Country is made up of as well. We all move as a collective, with our human and non-human kin, in reciprocity with that love, vitality strength and joy.

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe

Maria

At 52 I'm learning to embrace my scars, both physical and metaphorical. I've bared my knees in the photo to show my surgery scars. It's amazing how humans are resilient - we can grab hold of strength's hand when we need to. I've lived in six different countries and visited many more. My knees have done a lot of work and I want to keep walking through life to explore much more!

Photographer: Michelle Wright

Angus

It’s hard to find a better resource than a book. In almost any field, you can find out what the experts think - without ever having to meet them. In fact, even if they’ve died, you can still access what they’ve learned, if they’ve written a book.

Tapping into that for a few dollars and a few hours of my time - I think it’s the deal of the century.

Photographer: Catrina Pryor

Yvonne

Fashion is for any age and shape. Great style is possible no matter how old you are. I am a social butterfly and support charity events.

Photographer: Rudi Bazjek

Alison

Life’s journey can be so overwhelming at times. As I’ve aged, I’ve learned the value of taking a step back to appreciate some of the simple things sitting right in front of me . . . like discovering Melbourne’s brilliant laneways and awesome street art!

Photographer: Claire Sowerby

Scott

Working less, playing more, and loving life!!

Photographer: Penny Ashby

Jeff

Sometimes I think I’m 37, but three grandkids remind me that I’m not.

Photographer: Sue Clifford

Julie

I’m a born Melbournian & raised my family here. My travel bug started when I was a child & now that I’m an empty nester I’m free to see the world! I could travel forever but my heart will always be in Melbourne.

Photographer: Tricia Stone

Robert

There is a memory in books and buildings. Books and buildings hold story and memory and are essential elements in my art practice. Over many years, my medium continues to inspire and provide moments of quiet reflection.

Photographer: Jill Powell

Gail

This is my best age so far, no longer giving a rats about things that don’t matter. I have started entering storytelling competitions, live on stage. It is fun, and easy and invigorating and something I would never have done when younger. Life is good.

Photographer: Dee Mason

John

Life is about family and connection, a sense of belonging, breaking through isolation and separation helping the generations of trauma to be healed through coming together, trying to solve problems, help people. Community helps all, and is a core part of the healing process. Sharing, having a good, fun time, taking people with you and getting people to meet more people, to help enrich all our lives. If you’ve got community with you, anything hard becomes an easy task. If you're alone, who’s there to back you up? Community always has your back.

Photographer: Jacinta Keefe

Sharon

Health and fitness have been important to me throughout my life and now I know that building and maintaining strength and flexibility are vital for an active lifestyle. I commenced an at-home program last year, using my own body weight as resistance, and re-discovered my dumbbells. I now use a 6kg kettlebell to do a daily morning rotation of squats and vertical presses and I feel fabulous!

Photographer: Phillip Start

Joey

I'm happy to be an accountant but ecstatic to be a musician.

Photographer: Monina Morales

Kay

When I was little I loved to walk and run and ride my bike. I still do. And I still skin my knees and hands and bruise my elbows!

Photographer: Kaye Moseley

Jon

Coming to Victoria from the UK more than 20 years ago, I was anxious that I might be landing in an arts backwater. Happily I discovered the reverse, including the opportunity to see my new favourite band (The Necks) multiple times a year, view ever-changing local and international contemporary art, and be able to get tickets for an inexhaustible array of fantastic events. And I didn't have to break my habit of a weekly dose of arthouse cinema (and the rest!). It's been a blast!

Photographer: Claire Sowerby

Stephen

66 is great, it’s the perfect camouflage to be as grumpy as you like!

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Peter

Life is treating me fine, all things considered.

Photographer: Amber Dance

Alison

I am a child of the 60s, now in my 60s living in a house from the 60s. I enjoy the vibe of the garden and its connections to that era including the Hills Hoist and the concrete garden swans.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Beth

Being in my sixties has brought greater self-acceptance and inner peace. Embracing my grey and naturally curly hair has been wonderfully liberating. It has also proved to be a great conversation starter, even with total strangers. My curly-haired older sister tells of similar experiences. My sixties has also brought a deepening conviction that the greatest gift I can give to others is respect, love and care, and that laughter really is medicine for the soul.

Photographer: Bette Pearson

Jin

To continue a sustainable and healthy life, I stand to protect the air we breathe and the soil we plant to grow our food. There is no better passion project than making my own veggie patch, and share my organic produce with people around me.

Photographer: Jenny Yu

Patricia

I wouldn’t be me without my motorbike. It gives me anonymity, freedom, being one with the land around me. It allows me to be with like-minded people, especially other women riders.

Photographer: Amanda Hiorth

Catherine

Even though I am 72 years old, I celebrate another number too. I've been in remission for 42 years and I celebrate the day I received that news in the same way I celebrate my birthday. I'm grateful that those extra years have allowed me to share in the lives of the people around me. I enjoy spending my days helping my community and fulfilling my purpose of being of service to others.

Photographer: Chris O'Brien

Chris

Jumping for joy!

Photographer: Michaels Antony

Rudi

Humans have been using these grains for more than 10,000 years. We’ve now sequenced the wheat genome but there is still so much to discover.

Photographer: Andrea Sparks

Margaret

After a lifetime in academia, I now choose to cultivate an imaginative world where mystery operates and hopefully leads to a sense of the sacred. I have chosen this room because here there exists a possibility to evoke such a state. I am surrounded by my antique santos figures, from Saint Catherine to Saint Francis. They carry an energy of reverence and portray a history of religious traditions. On a lighter but not to say less important note I have a collection of toys and puppets along with a stage to stimulate a sense of play and imagination in children, whom after all represent our future.

Photographer: Roze Elizabeth

Jean

My cousin in England sent me a postcard when COVID started, I keep it on my wall and look at it every day. It’s a quote from Julian of Norwich: ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well’. It reminds me that in the end everything will be ok. It makes me feel good and optimistic.

Photographer: Kate James

Shona

The only way I spell ‘old’ is with a ‘b’! It’s important to stay visible, be involved in living life with as much pleasure, activity and involvement as possible.

Photographer: Jack Walden

Violeta

I used to do ballet, cartwheels and a lot of fancy dance moves. Nowadays, I watch my granddaughter do gymnastics at competitions. It's in the blood.

Photographer: Joey Santos

Vasiliki

I was born in 1942, and migrated from Greece in 1957. I’ve raised 3 children and 4 grandchildren in Melbourne. I am proud to cook pasticcio for my family and continue the traditions of my country.

Photographer: Tori Filis

David

The walking group that I organise, and of which I am the oldest member, has recently been walking the Main Yarra Trail in easy stages of up to about 10 km once a month. We try to choose a loop that involves well-formed tracks and more challenging narrow paths close to the river. Walking with this group of friends has given me enormous pleasure. My other interests include trying to improve my French and German and constructing a model railway which, unlike the Yarra Trail walk, will never be finished.

Photographer: Phil Susman

Fay

Be practical, and follow what you want to do - even if you think you can't.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

John

As I've gotten older, I've come to realise: don't sweat the petty stuff, the little things; they don't matter.

Photographer: Bridget Strahan

Pat

I love being this age, I can do so much now that I couldn't do when I was younger. I go out more now than I ever have before, and I always have of plenty of visitors and lots of laughter in my life. It really is great fun!

Photographer: Kate Neely

Shoshanna

I don't feel as if I am 84, more like 60. I actually try not to think about being any particular age. I just like being able to do whatever I like. That is the advantage of getting older, just sitting by the beach and contemplating.

Photographer: Ilana Rose

Bea

My good brain conflicts with my dementia. There’s a wonkiness in my thinking process. My mind isn’t reliable and it’s a confusing place to be. But I’m still grateful for those lovely, simple moments that make up a day.

Photographer: Joanna Bayes

Eunice

I was born in 1936 in Weethalle, NSW. It was hard on the farm. No power, electricity, water or gas. We worked hard to keep the food and drinks cool. We would have baths only once a week. When I was twenty, I got the chance to visit Melbourne and decided I would study nursing. It was so free and easy back then. Melbourne is where I married and had children. I've had the best of life.

Photographer: Indigo Hallett

Ruth

18 of my old friends and I used to attend the swimming pool in Warragul to do exercises. They called us The Golden Mermaids.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Jia Bao

I was an engineer in Shanghai, and I came to Melbourne in order to help out my daughter to raise her 2 children. I am one of those traditional grandparents – 100 percent for the grandchildren.

Photographer: Joy Zhang

Liz

They wheeled us around Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens. At the end, while my daughter was looking in the gift shop window, she let go of my wheelchair and I started slowly rolling away without her noticing. Before I knew it I had rolled up to a table with two lovely ladies sitting at it outside the cafe. “Hello" they said, “care to join us?” and we all laughed and laughed.

Photographer: Sandra Davis

Grace

The advice I give to the young ones is that they should be free and do what they want to be happy. I’m 90, but in my mind I am still young. I am as young as I feel.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Dulcie

Ninety years spans a remarkable era and life-changing developments in science, medicine, and travel, as well the drama of world wars.

My early childhood was spent on a farm. I rode my pony, Trilby, 5 miles to school with 10 other children. I went to bed with a candlestick. A battery radio brought us the news of the world and entertainment.

I graduated in occupational therapy, then travelled around the world … marriage, the raising of 4 children to adulthood.

Now I am enjoying the 'fruits of my labours' ... grandchildren!

Photographer: Claire Soveny

Ronald

The hardest part of getting to be so old is that you don't have the same number of old mates around anymore. Losing my darling wife was the worst part. Still, I'm surrounded by my family and there's always the great grandkids that come along and those babies sure put a smile on my face. That and lawn bowls keep me active and looking forward to living life every day.

Photographer: Mark Hopper

Letty

It was really hard for me to sell my home to move into residential care, I loved my home, it had the most beautiful garden.

I broke my hip when I was cooking. The smoke alarm went off and I ran into the kitchen, threw a pillow up at it to try and stop the alarm, and slipped. Luckily I had a device to press a button for emergency medical help. I’m not sure how long I would have been there had I not had that button.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Rashmi

Do I look like a really old man? In my mind I don’t feel like it anyway. In my mind I still feel young. That’s what really matters.

Photographer: Yask Desai

Jack

Be honest and truthful, and always do the right thing by yourself, your family and the community.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Katalin

I went through hell in the Holocaust but when my daughter was born, I felt like I had started a new life. Being able to come to Australia was the answer to all of my prayers, and to have a peaceful life. In the long run I think I am lucky.

Photographer: Phoebe Powell

Alwyn

I find it hard to realise that I am 97. My children are all over 65 years old. It seems that I am stationary and they’re catching up!

Photographer: Shirley Fletcher

Hal

I had the advantage of growing up in a caring community in Maryborough. After engineering studies, I was part of a team producing the first Australian fighter plane, the Boomerang, but after active service in the Pacific, I became a lifelong pacifist.

My early life in Maryborough prepared me for all forms of work, including building my mud brick house at Eltham in the late 1940s and a career in teacher education.

There’s dignity in all work, no matter what the job.

Photographer: Dawn Gibson

Mavis

When I was young, we would walk from our home in Coburg to town. Only one person in the street owned a car. I remember having all of my teeth pulled on the kitchen table. I was then given dentures. I must have been around 14 years old.

My uncle was the president of the Essendon Football Club. Wally Crichton was his name. They still play for the Crichton Medal. Many people don’t know this, but he had one wooden leg from the First World War.

My advice to everyone is have a sense of humour. Laugh at yourself, not at others.

Photographer: Karen Ann Buckley

Mary

100

It's true! You do get a lovely letter from Queen Elizabeth when you turn 100. I got a lot of letters. I was born in Ireland you see. So the biggest surprise was the letter I got from the Irish President - it also came with a cheque!

Photographer: Dee Mason