Yarra Ranges rallies residents to wax poetic during Covid-19

An outer Melbourne council is using traditional Japanese poetry as a vehicle for reflecting residents’ experiences of Covid-19 lockdowns.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges has invited residents to write and
display haiku – three-line poems capturing moments in time, moments of
stillness, and fleeting observations – on their rubbish bins. 

Notable examples will be featured on the sides of the
rubbish trucks that service the municipality.  

Local poet and novelist Lia Hills was involved in project’s development, and as well as composing demonstration poems she created a short film and worksheet to help residents create their haiku.

It is hoped the project will also promote community
connections at a time when Stage 4 restrictions have severely curtailed the
movements and activities of residents.