The Other Australian

Over the last two months, I worked on "The Other Australian" project where I interviewed four people about their views on life, news, and communities. This was for a project that was created in collaboration with Radio Skidrow a local community radio station and funded by grant from the Inner West Council. This is a brief reflection on the process and the perspectives shared.

The initial concept for our series was to delve into the experiences of immigrant Australians, challenging the preconceived notions that often shape our perspectives. Like for example that life in the west is better and is the lesser evil, or immigrants should assimilate with their new home. Each of these and many other notions are usually influenced more by personal experience than universal truths, we wanted to bring a fresh angle to the discussion by asking what immigrants themselves felt about it.

In choosing candidates for the series, my co-host Winnie and I deliberately selected individuals from diverse nationalities. Our approach was to let the subjects steer their own narratives, rather than dictating what their stories should be.

To ensure a balanced portrayal of all participants, we devised a series of questions focused on capturing each immigrant's experiences and viewpoints on news and representation.

Our choice of a Sudanese-Australian, a Palestinian-Australian, a Chinese-Australian, and an Ethiopian-Australian was driven by the unique cultural and historical insights they bring from their home countries to life in Australia. In addition to that their experiences are varied and don't necessarily fit a single mould of societal norm and customs. Importantly, each of these people are encompassed by nationalities which have seen significant events unfold in their home countries in recent years, influencing their sense of belonging in Australia.

As the interviewers, we found the stories shared by our guests deeply affecting and opened our eyes to some of the shared struggles we face on a day to day living. As an Ethiopian now residing in the ancestral land of the Gadigal People (Sydney, St Peters), I gleaned valuable insights from their narratives. From each of these conversations I was able to learn different things that added to my life learning and perspectives.

Sara Y Elnour

I was particularly moved by Sara, a Sudanese-Australian, and her journey of self-discovery and cultural connection. Her heartfelt account of reconnecting with her Sudanese roots, despite facing resistance, serves as a powerful illustration of the struggles immigrants often face in reconciling their heritage with their new culture.

Susan Wahhab

Susan, a Palestinian-Australian, epitomised resilience and determination. Despite the recent unrest impacting her community, she remains hopeful and resilient. Her story stands as a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and flourish, even in challenging circumstances.

Patrick Liao

Patrick's perspectives on China's distinct culture and his experiences living in two contrasting societies were enlightening. His reflections offered a compelling insight into the complexities and benefits of experiencing life through multiple cultural lenses.

Meklit Kibret

Finally, Meklit, an Ethiopian-Australian, shared wisdom that deeply resonated with me. Her words encouraged us to scrutinise our own biases when interacting with people from different cultures, inviting us to approach these encounters with an open mind, embrace new opportunities, and seek the positive in every situation. Her insights underscored the importance of empathy and understanding in our diverse world.r it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

I am thankful for the insightful moments and diverse viewpoints generously shared by the participants, enriching our collective understanding. We hosted a stimulating panel dialogue on the AfrikaConnexions radio show at Radio Skidrow after the four interviews were concluded. The session which featured Sara, Susan and Meklit featured among other things a thought-provoking exchange, reflecting on various life experiences and perspectives on residing in Australia. For those keen to explore further, the video interviews and panel discussion are readily accessible for an in-depth look at their captivating stories and reflections.