Lake Macquarie History

Migrant Stories of Lake Macquarie

The theme of Lake Mac Libraries is Share the story. Community History staff were keen to share the story of migrants in Lake Macquarie. There is often negative reporting around immigration, our goal was to put a human face to the migrant story & show how our LGA has benefited from the diversity and strong sense of community migrants have contributed to our community.

The project was picked up by Councils Community Development department and formed the centrepiece of Councils contribution to Harmony Day Celebrations at The Place Charlestown on March 25th. This project would not have been possible without the willing participation of our interviewees. Our sincere thanks to;

            • Anya Wooden - Latvia
            • Bernadette Gray - Samoa
            • Olga Healey - Russia
            • Ake Kolo - Samoa
            • Masha Koren - Slovenia
            • Promila Gupta - India
            • Juanita Purcell- Loli - Samoa
            • Mei Walker - China
            • Sonia Gonzalez - Chile

The interviewees talk about their decision to leave their home country, the benefits, challenges, and their impressions of the Lake Macquarie region.

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.

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