Could you be in one of Melbourne’s most iconic photos? State Library Victoria wants to hear from you!

Were you a fixture in Melbourne’s nightlife in the 70s? Spotted at St Kilda Fest in the 80s? Or maybe just a face in the crowd on Bourke Street in the 90s? State Library Victoria is calling on Melburnians to look for themselves in the electrifying snapshots of renowned photographer Rennie Ellis. 

Part of the Library’s iconic Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the Lens of Rennie Ellis exhibition, this public call-out invites Victorians to reconnect with history through Ellis’ captivating photos, which immortalise the city’s character and subcultures from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. 

State Library Victoria CEO, Paul Duldig, spoke to the Library’s key role as a cultural and historical custodian: 

‘This is about making Victoria’s stories unforgettable, personal and fun. Whether it’s spotting yourself in a Rennie Ellis photo or discovering a piece of history you didn’t know you were part of, connecting you with your stories is at the heart of what State Library Victoria is all about.’ 

Get involved 

State Library Victoria has curated a gallery of striking Rennie Ellis photos featuring unnamed faces and scenes that reflect the heart of Melbourne. Think you might be among the featured faces? Head to slv.vic.gov.au/rennie-and-me and share your story. 

It’s easy: 

• Explore the collection online
• Identify yourself or a memory you recognise
• Submit your story or information. 

You’ll not only help build a richer picture of Melbourne’s history and contribute to Rennie Ellis’s epic legacy. 

About Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the Lens of Rennie Ellis 

Between its opening in March 2024 and January 2025, Melbourne Out Loud has welcomed over 233,000 visitors, with attendees revelling in the unmatched energy and nostalgia captured in Ellis’s work.  

Showcasing a treasure trove of fresh archive gems, even repeat visitors will uncover new joys – from the bold energy of vibrant Arts Balls to iconic sporting moments, dazzling party scenes and cutting-edge fashion, Rennie Ellis captures the colourful heart of Melbourne. 

Melbourne Out Loud is located in the Library’s Victoria Gallery and must close 25 May 2025. 

Dust off your flares, dig through your old scrapbooks, and find yourself – literally – in the history of Melbourne’s most vibrant decades. 

For more information and to contribute visit slv.vic.gov.au/rennie-and-me.