Randwick City Council's biennial A Migrant Story project has been successful in providing an avenue for residents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to share their stories with a wider audience. The main objective of the project is to strengthen cross-cultural awareness, promote harmony, respect, understanding and empathy within our community.
 
Since the inauguration of the project in 2003, 5 publications have been launched with over 125 migrants sharing their life experiences, highlighting the pain and joy of their migrant journey. In 2006 the project won the NSW Multicultural Excellence Award 2005. Over years, the project evolved from migrants writing their own story to a more interactive process engaging involvement from younger generation of the community.
 
In 2008 we invited young people to interview and write the courageous stories of 25 migrants. Their collaborated effort - A Migrant Story 2008  won the prestigious NSW Cultural Awards in 2009. This highly acclaimed publication has become a living teaching resource for the English courses of Randwick TAFE College.
 
With 35.8% of Randwick City residents born overseas, migrants enrich our community through integrating their unique culture with the Australian spirit. A Migrant Story 2012 project will continue to provide the platform of sharing the uplifting stories of our migrants with the extended aim of recognizing their contribution and achievement in the local community. 
 
A Migrant Story 2012 project seeks partnership with Randwick TAFE College. Students from Screen and Digital Media Courses will be invited to interview and film migrants' stories.

The collaborated effort of students and migrants will contribute to a short film to be launched in an event celebrating Randwick City's rich and diverse cultural landscape. 
  
Futher enquiries to Christine Howard, Supervisor Marketing and Events Randwick City Library Service
e: christine.howard@randwick.nsw.gov.au t: 9314 4835

A Migrant Story 2008

Randwick City Council has won a NSW Local Government Cultural Award for its project, A Migrant's Story, in the Library and Information Services category. The annual Awards celebrate and recognise councils' cultural achievement.

A Migrant's Story, now in its fourth year, aims to promote harmony, tolerance, understanding and empathy within the community. In 2008 a new dimension was added by involving young people in writing a migrant's unique story or experience.

The combined work of all 2008 participants is being published as a book titled A Migrant's Story: a collection of memories 2008 (5.10 MB pdf)

Videos

Ernie Friedlander's story
told by Indra Sadeli, 13.

Suleiman Ali's story
told by Matthew Friedman, 11.