In January 2022, after 6 lockdowns, Melbourne saw the return of large-scale public events for the first time since March 2020. To mark this post-lockdown milestone, photographer Tyr (Jiayuan) Liang captured a series of images of various events on 26 January 2022 from around Melbourne. 

These photographs capture a changing moment as the people of Melbourne were once again able to go out and gather – something they hadn’t been able to do in a very long time. The images also illustrate the importance of the National Library to collect today for what will be important tomorrow. 

Explore the January 26 Events series in Trove

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Lots of people gathered outdoors in a park with tall city buildings in the background, in front of a stage with big TV screens showing a concert.
Jiayuan Liang, Daryl Braithwaite performing on stage at a free concert in Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria, 26 January 2022, nla.obj-3085464451
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Many people gathered on some grass watching a traditional First Nations smoking ceremony
Jiayuan Liang, Smoking ceremony during the We-Akon Dilinja (mourning reflection) ceremony, St Kilda, Victoria, 26 January 2022, nla.obj-3085464438
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Crowds standing near a ceremonial fire during a First Nations mourning reflection ceremony
Jiayuan Liang, Crowds standing near a ceremonial fire during the We-Akon Dilinja (mourning reflection) ceremony, St Kilda, Victoria, 26 January 2022, nla.obj-3085464472
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Two people on a stage in front of a crowd. One person is standing at a microphone singing, and the other is sitting next to her beating a drum with one hand and shaking a percussion instrument with the other.
Jiayuan Liang, Wiradjuri soprano and composer Shauntai Batzke and accompanist performing during the We-Akon Dilinja (mourning reflection) ceremony, St Kilda, Victoria, 26 January 2022, nla.obj-3085464519
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Several people swimming up to the sand on a beach, with some of them getting out of the water. There is a long jetty in the background.
Jiayuan Liang, Participants in the Kieser Great Australia Day Swim event, Middle Brighton Beach, Victoria, 26 January 2022, nla.obj-3085464495