Date31st January 2026Date KnownExactDescriptionWhile meandering along the streets of Fairfield with my camera, I stumbled across Mafalda’s joyful, lush front yard, its bright red flowers perfectly accentuating the red roof of her humble home. The smell of Portuguese cooking and sound of cheerful conversation drifted through the open front door and, gathering my courage, I knocked. Mafalda greeted me with a warm smile and, after I explained that I was documenting local homes and the people who live in them for the Fairfield Heritage Collection, she eagerly stepped outside to be photographed in front of her garden. She proudly showed me everything she had planted and nurtured herself, explaining that none of it was there when she first moved in and now it stands taller than she does. Mafalda shared stories of her remarkable life and her years of community service as an assistant nurse, working in drug and alcohol facilities and caring for elderly people in nursing homes. Now retired, she looks after her teenage granddaughter. We spoke about the joy of living out west, knowing your neighbours by name and how, no matter where you are in the world, Fairfield always feels like home. She told me that the area’s diversity and multicultural spirit have always been her preference, even after working all across Sydney.
- Chloë Nour, February 2026PhotographerChloë NourNotesThese photographs are part of the 2025 City Photographer project.
Details
Image ColourColourTypeDigitalCopyrightPartial restriction. Please contact Fairfield City Heritage Services for image use.AcknowledgementChloë Nour 2025 Fairfield City Photographer. Image courtesy of Fairfield City Heritage Collection.
