MIGRANTS LIFE Event 2023
- On 16th December 2023, 24 migrant stories were showcased at the Melbourne Immigration Museum
- The goals of the event were to celebrate International Migrants Day and showcase the struggles of migrants to serve as inspiration for people today and in the future
- The event showcased people who have come to Australia over different years and contribute to the diverse Australian culture
- The latter part of the day included conversations with a panel, including words from speakers
Supporters of the event
- Vision Overseas Group: www.visionoverseasgroup.com.au
- After the WHY: www.afterthewhy.com
- Aussizz Group: www.aussizzgroup.com
- Renewd: www.renewd.com.au
- Aggarwal Immigration: www.aggarwalimmigration.com
- Breakthrough Education: www.bt-education.com
- Foot Solutions Knoxfield: www.foot-solutions.com.au
- Civic Outdoor: www.civicoutdoor.com.au
- Shivam Printing: www.shivamprinting.com.au
- IH Jewellers: www.ihjewels.in
- Desi Kothi Ice Cream: www.desikothiicecream.com.au
- Invic Group – Docklands: www.invicgroup.com.au
- Perth Nama Australia: www.perthnamaaustralia.com
- Icon Media: www.iconmedia.info
- Events Box: www.eventsbox.com.au
- Dr RNB Entertainment
- Sahiba Couture
- Indian Traders Association
Event Participants
Pia Miranda
TV Personality | Actor | Sole Survivor
- Much loved for her breakout role in LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI, Pia is part of Australian Film and Television history. She was the winner of series 4 of AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR Champions V Contenders where she struggled through 50 days in the Fijian jungle to ultimately be unanimously crowned the Sole Survivor making television history with an impressive 9-0 victory.
- Most recently she has appeared on WOULD I LIE TO YOU, THE COOK UP, THE HUNDRED with Andy Lee and was revealed as the loveable THONG on THE MASKED SINGER. This year Pia appeared on DANCING WITH THE STARS and co-stared this year in the action thriller HEAT on Channel 10. Pia’s memoir Finding my Bella Vita launched September 2023.
Divesh Sareen
Product & Technology Advisor | xCTO | Author – The Indian Mate
- Divesh Sareen is an Indian-born Australian entrepreneur and author who moved to Australia when he was 21 to study for his Master’s in Information Technology.
- He moved to Australia with $1000 in his pocket, and has since worked his way up to lead tech teams and deliver innovative solutions to businesses across the globe.
- Divesh loves solving problems and is the author of the 2-book series entitled – ‘The Indian Mate’. The two volumes share the journey from Namaste to HowRYa acting as a source of inspiration for people who belong to more than one country.
Arjun Sakha Das
Panelist
- Arjun started his journey as a student in Melbourne from Delhi and then found his path towards spirituality and became a monk.
Stella Axarlis AM
Panelist
- Stella is a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community in the areas of training and employment opportunities, to business and to children with special needs.
- From mathematics teacher to internationally-acclaimed opera singer, managing director, board member and community advocate, Stella Axarlis AM’s career has been one of diversity, determination and inspiration.
- In November 2011, she was awarded the inaugural, pre-eminent Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of vocational training.
Suresh Rajan
Panelist
- Suresh has a strong commitment to human rights issues and has established a significant reputation for strident advocacy that achieves results.
- In so many ways he has gone in to bat for some of our migrant communities in his home state of Western Australia as well as more widely.
- He has advocated on health access matters as well as disability issues in our communities.
Kevin Xiao
Panelist
- Kevin’s identity is a proud Australian with Chinese heritage. He values the diversity embraced by Australia and sees it as a land of luck and fortune, incorporating Chinese words like “XING” (luck) and “FU” (fortunate) to describe it
- As a migrant, Kevin wholeheartedly embraced Australian life, engaging in activities like Aussie Rules football and community work. Recognizing education’s role in integration, he is committed to providing opportunities for talented youth
- Kevin’s upbringing instilled in him strong family and community values, especially evident in his dedication to charitable endeavors
Elizabeth Sutherland
Musician
- Elizabeth Sutherland is a performer, composer and educator based in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne. She composes for Celtic Harp and Piano.
- Elizabeth is a keen composer of music for solo Piano, solo Celtic Harp, vocals and choirs. She is currently the accompanist for Singularity Choir, as well as being a member of the committee, a regular chorister, and sometime rehearsal director.
- Elizabeth’s music delivers “natural beauty through charming melodies”, inspired by nature, Celtic myth and a wide variety of musical genres. Her debut EP “Forest Dreams” was released on March 31, 2021. It features 8 original pieces for Celtic Harp and Piano.
MC – Holly Stearnes
News Reporter – Sky News Australia
- Holly is an experienced journalist, producer and presenter in Australia. She has covered breaking news events that have shaped the world, and shares an extensive knowledge about the global political landscape.
- Holly has a special interest in human rights issues and continues to advocate for equality in underprivileged communities. As the global ambassador for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, she is also committed to raising awareness about the deadly disease.
MC – Suchint Kharbanda
Finance Specialist
- Suchint is a multifaceted individual who embodies both business and entertainment. A successful commercial finance specialist and former banker who is not confined to boardrooms and spreadsheets alone. She is also a professional master of ceremonies renowned for hosting luminaries of the Bollywood world, including the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Shilpa Shetty, John Abraham, and Kapil Sharma.
- Beyond the glitz and glamour, Suchint’s love for reading, travel, and meeting new people underscores her vibrant personality. Having migrated to Australia 17 years ago, she now proudly calls it her home.
WANT TO BE A PART OF THE EVENT IN 2024 ?
Inspired by – The Indian Mate
A journey from Namaste to HowRYa
Written by Divesh Sareen.
The two volumes of the Indian Mate relive a story of people who left behind everything that they have ever known to create a better future for themselves and their loved ones; people who are from two different countries, but don’t fully belong to either; people who realise that their lives in two different countries have forged a new identity for them.
The volumes are a journey from Namaste to How-r-ya.
