Andrew Balnaves, 59, from Melbourne, shares his personal story
Dumping my suitcase in the living room, I collapsed on the couch next to my husband, Carl, and our housemate, Lisa.
We’d spent the last 10 days in Cape Town at the Bazique Festival, an alternative arts and music event, and we were completely exhausted.
Donning spectacular costumes each day, parading and dancing around the festival, we had the time of our lives.
When we left Australia, we knew we were leaving on uncertain terms.
Toilet paper had started disappearing from supermarket shelves as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, but with no restrictions or warnings from the government, we were still free to go.
Carl, Lisa and me (right) had so much fun dressing up.
(Image: Supplied)While we were gone, we found out from friends that when we arrived back to Melbourne, we’d need to quarantine at home for two weeks.
Our mates kindly stocked up our fridge and pantry with food and wine for us.
Being locked in our three-bedroom apartment for two weeks seemed daunting at first.
While Lisa could do her job from home, I worked in events and Carl in travel, so our tasks quickly dried up.
“What will we do to pass the time?” Carl lamented.
We sat in silence until Lisa had an idea.
“What if we do a challenge where we come up with 14 costumes in 14 days only using the things we have around the apartment?”
We always loved throwing dress-up parties and entertaining so we had lots of fun costumes.
With nothing else to occupy us, Carl and I eagerly agreed.
Each day in quarantine had a new theme.
(Image: Supplied)We got to it, rolling out butchers paper and jotting down ideas with markers.
For our first challenge, our theme was “gold.”
Wearing make-up, masks and accessories, we were soon sparkling with the metallic colour.
We spread out a gold blanket and posed for the camera.
Later that night, Lisa posted the snap on Facebook. Our friends loved it and someone commented that we should send it to a group called The Kindness Pandemic.
Within hours of sharing it, we went viral with thousands of people liking and sharing our challenge!
Spurred on with excitement, we started an Instagram page where were could share our daily challenge.
Our aerobics costumes were a hit!
(Image: Supplied)Each morning we planned a theme, chose outfits, and post the results of our photo shoot.
It was so heart-warming to read the responses.
People from all over the world commented.
You’ve made my day!, one wrote.
We need more positive stories like this, said another.
With support from our friends and neighbours keeping us well fed and caffeinated, and the challenge to keep us occupied, we had loads of fun.
It not only made a huge positive impact on our mental health, but helped other people in similar lockdowns situations.
Although it started as a flippant idea, our costumes became the light in a dark time and I’ll cherish these memories forever.
With Melboure back in lockdown, the Quaranqueens are back for round two! Follow them on Instagram at @quaranqueen2020
