“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 a strong educational foundation, bilingual development, and social skills, driven by my deep aspirations for her success and our family’s happiness.
Some of my proudest achievements include:
- Serving as a role model for both my daughter and the community, including my colleagues in banking
- Excelling in my banking career, earning promotions to positions such as Lending Manager, Branch Manager, and currently Lending Executive, along with winning National Awards at two banks
- Engaging in community service, holding pivotal positions, and contributing to the progress and cohesion of the Chinese community
I actively participate in Victorian Health and VMC government public housing meetings, providing feedback and undertaking epidemic prevention duties, representing the Chinese community positively. In April 2020, I assisted the FCA President in participating in the Prime Minister’s Roundtable Conference as the sole Chinese community representative nationwide, amplifying our community’s voice.
As the only Asian female board member of Box Hill Hawks Football Club, I promote sports and cultural exchange. I initiated the Lunar New Year Celebration at Hawks Club in 2023, marking a historical achievement in celebrating cultural diversity within the local community.
In 2022, I was nominated as the sole Victorian community leader to inaugurate the Monash vaccination bus alongside the VIC Health Minister, showcasing the social value and influence of multicultural communities in supporting government policies. In 2024, I was appointed as one of six DTP community Ambassadors at Vic Culture Verse for the “Developing a Plan for Victoria” project and one of 20 National Multicultural Advisory Panel members in April, actively collaborating with VMC for community engagement.
I preserve and promote traditions about my birthplace including the language, traditional foods, local customs, family gatherings, and the way of life I grew up with. Migration impacts identity and belonging, involving adaptation to new norms, languages, and practices, which can lead to feelings of displacement. However, it also offers enriching experiences, blending elements from both cultures.
To stay connected with my home country and culture, I regularly communicate with family and friends, keep up with news, and follow cultural traditions. I actively immerse myself in the cultural music, films, and literature of my homeland, China.
I feel migrants can be better supported through community support, language classes, employment assistance, legal assistance, and cultural orientation.