Homeland Stories

Libraries play a role in preserving our national story as a multicultural society. Yarra Plenty Regional Library has recently collected a range of untold stories unique to the experience of migration and the Australian story.

In early 2024 we invited members of the community to nominate themselves to participate.  We were looking for people who had migrated to Australia and had an object that they still treasured from their Homeland. 

Ten participants shared their stories of migration, their life in Australia now and how they feel about being Australian. 

In March this year, we added two more interviews: Mona and Madiko.

EXHIBITION!
We are excited to also be partnering with Banyule Council for the Homeland Stories Exhibition at Loft 275, Ivanhoe library and Cultural Hub as part of Harmony Week.

Visit the exhibition with accompanying films 17 March - 6 April, 2025.

We invite you to watch  our compilation video and the individual stories we collected.

Compilation video with all our participants.

David : “Immigration is in the Irish DNA”

Derek: “There was major disruption to society and there was lots of violence and I believe that was going to happen in South Africa at some stage so I would leave before that happened".

Henry: “Coming to Australia was really an absolute godsend, really”.

Ignacio: "Australia has been a great change for good”.

Jill: “I thought I was an Australian citizen. I didn't know I wasn't".

Lotta: “Whichever way I fly, I go home”.

Robert: “If someone would have probably told me before I’d emigrated how difficult it would be, I may not have come. It has been tough. As it is for everybody.”

Sarah: “Australia just presented great opportunities”.

Yuki: “In the beginning it was very tough… I have been lucky that I got my permanent residency relatively easy compared to what it is looking now”.

Trang: 'For most people who embarked on a journey like mine, destination was unknown.'

Mona: "We were too tired of waiting for a second chance and a different life and it was time to go."

Madiko: "I am proud to say I call two continents home: Australia and Africa." 

YPRL would like to acknowledge and thank all our partners with this project.  A special thank you to all our participants,  Masterworks Media Productions and Diamond Valley Photographic Society.

Homeland: Treasured Objects from Afar was supported by the Victorian Government who recognize that local and community history is an important part of Victoria’s memory.

YPRL received funding through the Local History Grants Program which encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians.