Migrants Life Event 2023 Voice

“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 […]

“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 […]