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Stories of strength: Ivanna, 2019

  • Stories of strength: Ivanna, 2019

    Photo Ref: 25814

    I came to Lake Macquarie for love. We met in Kiev - the capital of Ukraine. If you asked me seven years ago what I missed about life in Ukraine, I would tell you many, many things. But today I don’t miss - I just have good memories. When I first moved to Australia, there were so many people exercising and running - all different ages. That’s what stood out to me. When I was studying for my citizenship ceremony, some of the topics, when I read I thought: ‘Mm, that’s me’, you know? All Australians should treat each other with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, country of origin, gender, sexual preference, marital status, age. That’s when I thought I definitely have something Australian in me. To me, it’s not the city you’re coming to, it’s what you bring in with yourself. The question is maybe you have to search inside of you for that happiness, you know, because a city itself can bring you joy, but not full happiness. What you carry inside is what you will see there.

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    • Acknowledgement of Country

    We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

    Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

    This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

    If you experience any issues with the website or its content please contact us history@lakemac.nsw.gov.au