Migrant Stories

My journey began when I moved to Australia in 2005. Initially, I assisted colleagues and fellow students, which inspired me to create a platform where diverse communities could come together. This led to the formation of the “Australia-Pakistan Youth Association Inc.”, known as the ‘Australia-Pakistan Club’. My name is Syed Muhammad Aqeel Tahir, a youth […]

Migrating to Australia has profoundly influenced my identity and sense of belonging. Navigating new cultural landscapes and professional environments has been a transformative journey, blending excitement with adaptation challenges. Balancing my Indian heritage with integrating into Australian society has been a journey of self-discovery, shaping my evolving identity. I arrived in Australia in 2008 as […]

Our diaspora has challenged my identity and sometimes I struggle to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western ideals. Yet, we have maintained our traditions through cultural practices and staying connected with our community. As a Third Culture Child, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western ideals has been a journey of personal growth and […]

Starting from humble beginnings, we faced sleepless nights and numerous challenges, but today, we stand on the brink of success, thanks to the dedication of our employees. We believe that as the company grows, so do our people. Reflecting on our journey, we express gratitude and share the remarkable stories that have shaped our path. […]

“Home is where the heart is” A personal migrant experience that stands out for me is participating in a multicultural festival where I shared traditional culture from my home country, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and celebrating our unique cultures together. In 2008, I migrated to Australia with my daughter to provide her with […]

As females, we always tend to put other’s needs ahead of our own. I would like to say to all the women out there with dreams and plans to please work towards them. Your time is now. Don’t hold back, take action, and run after your dreams. Life is too short to live with regrets. […]

I faced conflicts at home due to cultural values; while I was encouraged to express my thoughts at school, doing so at home was seen as disrespectful to my father and “I was not to have a voice”. In my 20’s, I went to Adelaide with my family and spotted an old print in a […]

During my darkest moments, contemplating ending my life, I stumbled upon a quote: “What you feed your mind will lead your life”. This realisation was my turning point. I began to strengthen and transform my mindset and leadership skills, turning from being a victim into a leader. At 15, I arrived in Australia from Hong […]

Reflecting on my transformative period, I ventured into life coaching, founding my full-time business, “Motivationalee”, one of my biggest achievements.  As a Coach, Speaker, Voice Over Artist, Professional MC, and Podcast Host, I found fulfilment and creativity in inspiring and motivating others. I moved from Great Britain to Australia in November 2009 due to the […]

In my initial days in Australia, I had to work in restaurants and do odd jobs. I felt I could do more, and after overcoming many obstacles and life challenges, I managed to pull myself up and reach the place where I am today. In Australia, I became the family’s breadwinner while my husband, who […]

Embracing change, resilience, and a growth mindset transformed my adversity into thriving in a new country. I stood up against challenges to protect my mental health and be the strong mother my daughter needed. Staying connected with the Malaysian community and culture in Australia helped me stay connected to my roots while building a new […]

I live by the quote: ‘There is no option to give up, know your strengths and shine’. Seventeen years ago, my husband and I made the life-changing decision to migrate from India to Australia. Back in India, I was diligently preparing for the IAS (Indian Administrative Services) exams. I had never imagined that I would […]

“As a new migrant, I faced 516 job rejections before securing my first professional role. My upbringing instilled values like persistence and adaptability, which guided me through these challenges and laid the groundwork for rapid career advancement.” Since my arrival in Australia from Sri Lanka in 2015, I’ve encountered a series of challenges and victories […]

My move to Australia gave me a unique opportunity for self-discovery. Stripped of my corporate identity, I began to explore different aspects of myself and what truly mattered. I was born and raised in Mauritius, but my journey brought me to Australia six years ago after meeting the love of my life. My career as […]

I encourage anyone considering migrating to Australia to know that this country truly supports the realisation of dreams and ambitions. My experience, like that of many others from diverse cultures, has shown that Australia provides a welcoming environment where aspirations can thrive. In 2008, I moved from India to Australia to support my sister with […]

I want to understand my ancestry. I came here in 1972, and while I feel I have inherited many Indian traits, I don’t feel I have had sufficient exposure to fully understand and embrace my heritage and ancestry. My favourite quote is from former Australian skipper Michael Clarke: ‘Practice, practice, practice because your opponents are […]

“The hardships I faced due to my migrant status, helped me become a better human.” I was born into a middle-class family in India, but my challenges began early. At just 15, I faced the turmoil of family fights fuelled by alcohol and drugs. Tragedy struck when I lost my mother, and soon after, my […]

My limited English skills made adjusting to the new culture and environment challenging. Over time, I have become an author and inspiring speaker. I miss the close-knit community of Indonesia where neighbours know each other, unlike in Australia’s fast-paced lifestyle, which often leads to social isolation. In 2006, I relocated from Indonesia to Australia due […]

“All of us do not have equal talent. But all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents”. This quote by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is close to my heart. I read it ages ago, and it’s something I have followed and believed in ever since. I moved from India as a student […]

“In 2013, I became a full time Monk to serve God and people of his creation in a country where I never thought I would think of anything other than making money and having a good time for myself” In early 2007, I arrived in Australia from India, driven by the pursuit of a better […]

Migrants contribute to diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging is crucial for their success. International Migrants Day, commemorating these contributions, emphasises the significance of their role. Australia, a land of opportunity, allowed my family to thrive through hard work and education, despite a childhood impacted by civil war in Cambodia. As an 18-year-old, I […]

In Colombia, I felt that I didn’t have a clear identity, I was just “fitting in” to belong. In Australia I uncovered my uniqueness and I embrace it. I arrived in Australia from Colombia back in 2009, seeking a change in my life. My motivation was to have greater work flexibility, pursue my passions, and […]

I have improved on my executive presence and leadership skills that are authentic to my culture and values. In November 2008, despite a highly successful career in the Philippines, I relocated with my family to Australia, driven by the desire for a safer and more secure life for my children. Initially, I believed that my […]

Being a first-generation migrant, I speak the language fluently and regularly journey to Vietnam, motivated by a deep curiosity to understand the historical depth of my cultural traditions. I am committed to imparting this knowledge to future generations and preserving the lively stories of the Vietnamese diaspora in Australia. I come from a Vietnamese cultural […]

Australia welcomes those who dare to dream, fostering a mosaic of opportunity, harmony, and shared prosperity. I came to Australia from Malaysia in 1993 as an international student and later in 2005 as a migrant seeking better opportunities for my daughters. Embracing the diverse presentation of humanity, I believe in creating a harmonious, fair, and […]

Migrants need to be realistic about their expectations and try to adapt to change in their new homeland. These are the things that helped me carry on teaching for 40 years, across 3 countries and ultimately achieving recognition and respect in the education sector. At my prime in India, I was the head of my […]

Everyone should travel when they can. It’s an opportunity to learn a new language, pick up a hobby, do those fun things you’ve always wanted to do. One should also help out in the community by volunteering your time. This is your society, your world. I was born in Singapore, educated in Melbourne, and have […]

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. In 2010, I made the life-changing decision to migrate from India to Australia, seeking better educational opportunities and a higher quality of life. Australia, to me, is a blessed country with stunning landscapes and a diverse and welcoming culture that offers ample opportunities to shape one’s dream […]

The selfless sacrifices my parents made for our well-being continue to be a constant source of strength and inspiration. Motivated by their desire for a better future for their children, my parents embarked on a brave journey from Myanmar (Burma) to Australia, leaving behind a life of relative privilege in pursuit of freedom from the […]

“My parents had their struggles but always said they were so glad they came. Lots of funny stories too. My mum went to get an ice cream and was asked single or double, she said oh no I’m married.” I belong to the first generation of migrants. My father, a former Dutch Navy serviceman who […]

What I miss the most about my home country is the hospitality and strong sense of community where people find contentment even with the basics. I relocated from Zimbabwe for work purposes. My decision to migrate to Australia was significant as I left my behind my 2 children, the youngest being a tender age of […]

My journey involved a curveball in grade 10 with a severe medical challenge that left me bedridden and in a wheelchair for two years. Despite doctors advising against it, I pushed through. In 2019, I relocated from India to Australia for my higher studies. To fellow migrants, I advocate for perseverance through challenges, as overcoming […]

Migration has profoundly shaped my identity, making me a proud Australian with Chinese heritage. I cherish the diversity embraced by Australia, describing it as the land bound by luck and fortune with the Chinese words “XING” (luck) and “FU” (fortunate). Back in March 1989, my dad set foot in Australia with the same dreams countless […]

On the 3rd of April, 1927, Mary Ann, the cherished wife of the late Peter Connelly, peacefully departed after a prolonged illness at her residence. She was 102 years old. Mary Ann HYNES, daughter of Michael HYNES and Sarah LUCKNOW, was born in 1825 in Galway, Ireland, at a time when a Cholera epidemic was […]

“As a first generation Australian, it was important initially to “fit in” and therefore there was a lot of denial of the motherland culture, ethics & norms … until I grew older” Born to Greek parents who separately arrived in Australia, my mother from Greece and my father having fled Egypt during Nasser’s nationalization, I […]

For 21 long years, I remained entangled in an abusive marriage, shouldering its weight and enduring pain due to cultural expectations. Fuelled by resilience, I made a life-altering choice—to pursue a divorce in a culture where divorce is stigmatised and challenges family honour, my decision became a fearless reality. This is my empowered journey—a story […]

I take great pride in the fact that I arrived in this country with just two suitcases and $500 in hand. Today, our achievements, both personally and professionally, stand as a testament to the rewards of unwavering hard work. In 1992, my husband and I relocated from India to pursue a better future and lifestyle […]

I think most of the migrants struggle in their initial years in Australia and the biggest support that they need would be informational, community and sometimes emotional. In November 2016, I moved to Australia for a company project on a working visa, navigating the initial challenges of migration. This journey transformed me from an IT […]

During my early days, obtaining favourable positions proved challenging due to my non-permanent resident status, leading me to work only half a day for a meagre $50. Presently, I strive to assist fellow students in achieving success and contribute to the community in various ways. I migrated to Australia from India in February 2006 to […]

I have been blessed with enormous opportunities which shaped who I am today including having an international career as an opera singer. In 1950, I relocated to Australia from Alexandria, Egypt, due to the increasing risks faced by Greeks. Balancing assimilation with preserving my identity was challenging during my early years, but I thrived with […]

“I have long advocated that all migrants should be allocated a “Mentor” from their community. This is to assist them with acculturation into a new community as well as maintaining their cultural origins and practices” As permanent residents of Brunei, I pursued my studies in India since there was no university in Brunei at the […]

“Australia is a land of opportunities. If you have the will to push forward, the rewards are totally worth it. Spreading this message is crucial, rather than just painting a fairy tale.” I arrived in Australia from India in January 2018, aiming for a better quality of life. My advice to fellow migrants is to […]