Where I am From

As someone from an English/Irish background, I have constantly questioned where I belong and what makes someone 'Australian'. By photographing young women from multicultural backgrounds, I have highlighted this issue of identity - on a personal level and as an observer.

Sana - Afghanistan

"My parents moved to Australia 25 years ago with my seven older siblings. I was born and raised in Australia. I was brought up in a very traditional Afghan household. I'd consider myself an Afghan-Australian. I feel comfortable and proud of who I am and what I represent. My parents exposed culture in a beautiful way. Without it, I wouldn't feel complete."

Jevarna - Vietnam

"I am an only child. I was born in Australia but my mother is Vietnamese. Both of my parents come from big families, it seems unfair they got to have a proper 'family' and I didn't. I don't know where I stand with my culture. My mother was adamant about bringing me up Australian, saying "This is my home now, not Vietnam". To be honest, I am neither Australian nor Vietnamese, just another half-cast.

Emily - Poland/Serbia

"Australia is my home country but I don't always feel that I belong. My dad was born in Poland, and my mum in Serbia. I have travelled many places around the world, so I feel as if my heart belongs to many different places." 

Harjinder - India

"I've lived in Brisbane my whole life, but my parents were born in India. I feel as if I have no identity. I'm neither Indian nor Australian. I'm stuck in the middle." 

Ellie - Greece

"Everyone expects me to be Greek because I look Greek. I'm only a quarter Greek but because I look this way, there are so many stereotypes about what I should do and how I should act. But in reality... my grandparents act exactly the same as all other grandparents. I love being a mutt. I love that I tell people I'm part German and English and they look at me like I'm crazy, but I'm as much English as I am Greek."

June - South Africa

"I was born in South Africa and when I was six months old, my family moved to Australia. My parents taught my brother and I to speak Afrikaans as our first language. I love that Australia has given me so many opportunities, but I miss my extended family and the beauty of my homeland."

Evey - Ireland/France

"I was born in Ireland to a French mother and an Irish father. We moved to Australia when I was seven. I cannot say that I am solely Irish or solely Australian. My cultural identity has been lost somewhere in between."

Kat - Austria/Malaysia

"My mother is Austrian and my father is Malaysian. English is the second language for both of them and that's all we spoke at home. I identify myself as Australian and feel proud to be part of a multicultural country as I felt that I embodied what it was to be multicultural. Growing up wasn't particularly difficult, other than I was often the darkest kid in class. I would often get people who would assume that I was foreign despite the fact that I have an Australian accent and have lived here all my life."

Remy - Germany

"I am half German and half Australian. People like to make comments as soon as they find out my background. It has never bothered me and never will. I feel as though I fit in anywhere I go. Whenever insults are thrown at me I show them how strong my German side can be. The stereotype is that we are scary, hot headed, as honest as they come and enjoy sausages, sauerkraut and beer. The stereotype is spot on and I will forever be proud."