Oscar Mañón: 23/03/2020 to 09/06/2020

Oscar Mañón is a videographer and international student from Mexico City who has been living, working and a part of the Moreland community since 2016. Oscar brought all of his video equipment with hopes to begin a career here. As a starting point, Oscar became involved with the Brunswick-based restaurant, Los Hermanos Mexican Taquería . It was whilst connecting with Los that Oscar became deeply engaged in the Moreland community, as well as within the wider Latin communities in Melbourne. He began to make promotional videos for Los Hermanos and other local businesses, then extended his services to local Latin bands including Amaru Tribe , Sun Seeds, The New Monos and others. “I feel like I found a home,” Oscar explains.

Whilst in Melbourne, Oscar missed significant events - including the birth of his sister's first child, as well as the funeral of his grandmother - unfortunately at the time he didn’t have money for travel and was unable to return home to be of support. Upon finding cheap tickets from Melbourne to Mexico, Oscar departed at the start of March to visit home. What was supposed to be a 20-day trip is now close to 3 months. Not being an Australian permanent resident or citizen, Oscar was not eligible to return to Melbourne as borders closed.

Whilst seeking a job in Mexico City, Oscar continued to pay Victorian car registration, pay school fees and had to arrange someone to rent his room in Coburg. Unfortunately, he was also unable to keep his job as a videographer. Whilst feeling the impacts of the lack of support, Oscar explains, “What I’ve been struggling with is the emotional aspect of economic instability, your lack of independence and space. Especially your friends. You don’t know if you’ll ever see them again”. As conversations about the returning of temporary residents begin, Oscar worries whether he will be able to afford flights and faces continued uncertainty whether he can afford 2 weeks accommodation in quarantine.

Instagram: oscar_manon