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Portraits of Strength

2021 is the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac

The Ox has many attributes – including strength, diligence, reliability, honesty and commitment – all of which are attributes that have been more important than ever as the world faced a global pandemic.

To celebrate a new year, Crown Melbourne has partnered with acclaimed Hong-Kong born, Melbourne-based photographer, Sam Wong, to document the stories of ordinary Australians who embody the characteristics of the Ox.

Sam Wong, Photographer

Sam Wong is a Hong Kong-born Melbourne-based photographer, filmmaker and creative storyteller, passionate about capturing the unfettered side of life.

With a particular interest in people and culture, Sam has developed an upbeat style of exploring the distinctive characteristics of his subjects and their backgrounds. His passion for travelling and photography has seen his work exhibited across the globe, including New York, Hong Kong and Melbourne.

The 28-year-old has a strong cultural connection to Lunar New Year, and while pandemic restrictions meant this year he was unable to venture home to celebrate with his family, he feels honoured to be part of Crown Melbourne’s Portraits of Strength urban gallery.

As part of this project, Sam’s compassion for others and their stories has seen him bring to life the experiences of some of Victoria’s most inspiring people throughout 2020 and beyond, using the powerful art of photography.

Laura Keily

Ox Characteristics: Strength and reliability

Working as an Infectious Diseases Nurse at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Laura Keily embodies courageous reliability and strength every single day. Touching the hearts of Victorians throughout the pandemic, her days were spent caring for the sick and comforting terminally ill COVID-19 patients in their final moments. Laura describes the experience of holding hands with those dying as a ‘privilege’ and something she felt honoured to do at a time when they couldn’t be with their loved ones. It was in July that Laura contracted COVID-19 herself, confronted with overcoming the deadly virus she had worked so tirelessly to help others defeat.

Throughout 2020, Laura learnt that when it comes to saving lives, being strong is about showing your vulnerability and empathy. True strength is about the ability to open yourself up to another human, making them feel comfortable and at peace in times of distress.

It is because of Laura’s strength and reliability in 2020 and beyond that her story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.

Jules Wong

Ox Characteristics: Diligence and reliability

As Assistant Director of a junior school, Jules Wong never fathomed the widespread effect COVID-19 would have on Victoria’s education system.

Determined to ensure the physical safety and mental wellbeing of his students and fellow teachers was maintained, it was Jules’ commitment to his job that saw him become a trusted and reliable figure as he actively led the implementation of one of the state’s first remote learning programs.

While ensuring the curriculum was upheld, it was most important to Jules that his community felt emotionally supported during this unprecedented time. Fittingly, the school community is now closer than ever as they reunite after many months of separation.

Jules discovered a sense of resilience within himself he never knew existed, committing to the challenge at hand despite the many obstacles. He learnt that when put in situations that required him to step up and lead his community; channeling strength and open mindedness was paramount.

It is because of Jules’ diligence and reliability in 2020 that his story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.

Cecilia Chuah

Ox Characteristics: Reliability and commitment

Each day on her commute to work, mother-of-two Cecilia Chuah would see people of all ages struggling on the streets and wanted to do something to help.

On top of juggling two jobs and taking care of her own family, she decided to proactively cook and deliver homemade fried rice to the homeless throughout the height of the pandemic and become a reliable and friendly source of support to her community during this time.

Motivated to teach her daughter about the importance of giving back to the community, each Tuesday the pair would prepare more than 100 meals and homemade cakes, along with bottled water, fruit, hand sanitiser, masks and other essentials. Simultaneously, they forged relationships with those most vulnerable, offering their support and friendship.
To this day, Cecilia and her daughter are committed to continue their support and hand-deliver meals and products each week, and say they wouldn’t have it any other way. Cecilia is humbled to be seen as an inspiring, trusted and reliable person by her community, and has learnt that being generous to those less fortunate gives her more in return than she could ever have imagined.

It’s because of Cecilia’s commitment and steadfast support for her community in 2020 and beyond that her story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.

Sallie Jones

Ox Characteristics: Strength and commitment

Sallie Jones is the proud owner of Gippsland Jersey, a business she launched in memory of her father. Growing up on a dairy farm, Sallie learnt from him first hand the hard work and resilience that’s required to rise above the mental and physical challenges that come part and parcel with the industry.

Leading a business that supports struggling farmers and raises awareness of suicide prevention, the lessons Sallie inherited from her father ensured that when the challenges of 2020 came to a head, she was armed with the drive and necessary skills to face them.

With a new milk factory set to open just weeks before the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic swept through Victoria, Gippsland Jersey rapidly lost most of its restaurant and cafe trade. And while it was during this time Sally learnt the true meaning of hard work, she also discovered it’s ok to not be ok. If you’re determined enough, tomorrow will always be there as an opportunity to pick yourself up and soldier on.

It is because of Sallie’s hard work, persistence and strength in 2020 that her story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.

Jaswinder Singh

Ox Characteristics: Reliability, trustworthiness and commitment

A valued member of Sikh Volunteers Australia, Jaswinder Singh played an instrumental role during the height of Victoria’s pandemic, delivering food to more than 3,000 residents living within the public housing towers that were put into mandatory lockdown.

What was once a singular van distributing free meals to the homeless, evolved into a powerful act of kindness during one of our city’s most challenging periods.

Devoted to his community, Jaswinder and the volunteer group made it their mission to ensure those facing hardship within public housing were supplied fresh, nutritious produce on a daily basis. He learnt that being loyal to those in need, no matter the cost, built invaluable trust and connection within Melbourne’s vibrant community.

It’s because of Jaswinder’s loyalty and commitment to his community in 2020 that his story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.

David Michalowski

Ox Characteristics: Strength, commitment and reliability

As a volunteer Operational Responder for Victoria State Emergency Services (SES), 27-year-old David Michalowsky was tasked with coordinating resources from the Traralgon Regional Control Centre for the Gippsland fires, and responding to a number of state emergencies throughout 2020.

Showcasing immense mental strength and reliability, the full-time primary school teacher bravely responded to countless critical calls simultaneously, ensuring each crisis was met with the emergency support required – from managing storms and flash floods, to bushfires and COVID-19 calls.

David is also responsible for training new and current SES volunteers to ensure the team is fully equipped for the call-outs the organisation receives around the clock. After enduring his own personal loss and leading a team throughout intense periods of trauma, he discovered an inner strength he never knew existed.

It is because of David’s strength and commitment in 2020 and beyond that his story is being shared as part of Crown Melbourne’s Lunar New Year art series, Portraits of Strength.