Melinda Ham on The Lucky Ones: Stories of Australian refugee journeys
Waverley Library
Details
Waverley library welcomes you to attend this special event for Refugee Week, listen to an inspiring talk with award-winning journalist and former foreign correspondent, Melinda Ham. With over 30 years of experience, including reporting for The Economist and The Sydney Morning Herald, Melinda will share insights from her latest book, The Lucky Ones.
This meticulously researched work captures powerful refugee stories spanning 70 years, detailing journeys from places like Iraq, Vietnam, and Afghanistan to Australia. Hear firsthand about the resilience, survival, and hope that defines these "lucky ones," offering a unique perspective on the refugee experience in Australia. Don't miss this moving event!
‘We are not numbers or statistics. We fled from our homelands because we were standing up for what we believed was right. We had no choice, no choice at all but to flee for our lives. We are the lucky ones who left, and found a new country that welcomed us.’
– Lulu, refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
About the guest Jozefa Sobski:
Jozefa Sobski is the daughter of Polish refugees Wojciech and Maria Sobski who fled Europe after the end of World War II and arrived in Australia. Maria was pregnant with Jozefa when she stepped off the boat in Sydney Harbour in November 1948. Before they died, Jozefa recorded her parents’ stories of their refugee journey, and as they rebuilt their lives and settled in Australia.
About the guest Minh Nguyen
Minh Nguyen is a Vietnamese refugee who fled by boat from his homeland in 1981, with his seven year old daughter Kasse. Minh had fought in the South Vietnamese Airforce alongside the Americans.
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