On 26th of January, many (not all, & that's a whole other perspective to this story) Aussies celebrate "Australia Day". I like to think Australia Day celebrates what makes us "Australians"- we ALL have a story. Most of us are here because an ancestor or parent/s travelled, whether by force, war, or a dream. I also acknowledge our amazing First Nations friends. You are seen and valued. Your stories are being heard.
MY story is a young Italian man had a dream. I called him Nonno (grandfather). He worked hard to migrate from the Veneto region to Melbourne. He continued to work hard for a year, to pay for his bride to travel by ship to join him, and they were married the following day. They had 10 children, the eldest being my mum. If my Nonno did not follow his dream, I probably wouldn't be here, nor call this beautiful country my home.
On the other side, in Ireland, my Great Great (Great?) Grandfather had the same dream...to migrate to Australia. Never underestimate the power of a dream! These men's dreams impacted multiple generations! I am a proud Italian Irish Australian 🇦🇺🇮🇹🇦🇺🇮🇪🇦🇺
