Skip to main content

Loading...

Abdullah Farzad makes deliveries on an electric bike near Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.
Abdullah Farzad makes deliveries near Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Abdullah Farzad's leg and hand are visible, holding a McDonald's bag, as he prepares to deliver it.
Abdullah Farzad will usually make between 20 and 24 Uber Eats deliveries over the course of the night.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

A man in a red tee-shirt and black-rimmed glasses enjoys a coke in front of a delivery rider's bag.
Abdullah Farzad enjoys a Coke at the Gig Workers Hub, a not-for-profit space for night-time workers.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

A drink rests on a bar, as a man prepares to pay with his mobile phone.
The key aim of the Night Shift Project is to build a picture of Australia's night-time workforce.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

A man in a red top and black bike helmet stands by his white bike at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market.
Abdullah Farzad says it can be difficult finding an open public toilet while working at night.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

A 28-year-old woman sits at a table with two men, with the city at night reflected in the window behind her.
Deanna Coates speaks to fellow gig economy workers at the Gig Workers Hub in central Melbourne.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

Deanna Coates eyes are seen in the rearview mirror of her car, with red car tail lights visible in front.
Deanna Coates waits in traffic during an evening delivery.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

Mark Heinicke, a man in his early-60s, is seen in high vis reflected in the windscreen of a council vehicle.
Mark Heinicke first began working for Adelaide Council back in 1983, after a friend suggested he apply for a job.(ABC News: Che Chorley)

Mark Heinicke sits on a park bench in the early hours after a shift, wearing high vis clothing.
Mark Heinicke has been working night shifts at the council for over three decades.(ABC News: Che Chorley)

Mark Heinicke stands with his arms crossed, smiling at the camera.
Mark Heinicke says he has slipped into the role of father figure during his long years working nights.

Mark Heinicke sweeps a patch of concrete in the early morning.
These days, Mark Heinicke rises at 3am for the start of his shift, cleaning the city streets.(ABC News: Che Chorley)

A man in a grey suit and white shirt stands inside a restaurant.
New South Wales 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues has been tasked with quantifying the state's night-time workforce.(Supplied: NSW Government)

The moon in the night sky.
Michael Rodrigues says much of the state's night-time workforce is "hidden".(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Neon signs, including a McDonald's sign and a sign for a parking garage, are reflected in a window at night
The night economy has become an increasing focus for state governments.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

Three delivery riders can be seen sitting together in the Gig Workers Hub, through glass that is reflecting a McDonald's sign.
Uber workers Abdullah Farzad and Deanne Coates take a break in Melbourne's Gig Workers Hub.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)
Andrew Copolov smiling at the camera while two delivery riders sit on a table in the background talking
Andrew Copolov founded the Gig Workers Hub in Melbourne.(ABC News: Iskhandar Razak)

Abdullah Farzad faces away from the camera, checking his phone as he prepares to deliver a meal.
Abdullah Farzad says it would make delivery riders' lives easier if apartment dwellers met them at the pavement, because it meant they did not have to leave equipment unattended.(ABC News: Patrick Rocca)

Posted , updated 
Share