Pen-demic

Ordinary people, extraordinary times in the face of COVID-19 as told to South Fremantle resident, singer Penny Shaw, and recorded just before the June 2021 lockdown. ‘Pen-demic’ is a Neighbour to Neighbour initiative and supported by the City of Fremantle.

94 year old Arthur has seen a lot in his lifetime; this is his first pandemic but he recalls family stories from the last one.  

Fran, the only 6th generation Aussie of the group finds herself alone in WA. With her children and grandchildren interstate and overseas, friends become the new family. 

Just when you thought you had the place to yourselves the pandemic sends an adult child back to live with you again. 

Whilst many of their neighbours stayed home and took long walks on the beach, others went into overdrive. 

Whilst local artist Olivia relished the simplicity of lockdown, maths teacher Jamie felt on the frontline.

We hear from four members of the same family; parents, their 18 year old daughter and 13 year old son all recall their varying COVID experiences.

With all upcoming gigs cancelled, local musician (and son of the interviewer) Finn; trapped with his large family and unable even to see his girlfriend, turns to reading books and writing songs.