Immigrant Stories

Portrait of taxi driver in front of the first taxi he drove, ca. 1972.

Every immigrant has their own story

Experience the stories of people who came to Victoria from across the world.

Settling into a new country is not easy. Immigrants have to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and lifestyle, while maintaining aspects of their previous culture and way of life.

Many newcomers to Victoria spent their new lives in limbo, spending months in temporary migrant accommodation, committed to two year labour contracts. For others, settlement has been far easier because they spoke English, or because of government provided assistance.

Generations of immigrants have had to adapt to a new climate, new landscape, new language, new currency, and new lifestyle, especially those who settled in rural areas.

Each immigrant has their own unique story to tell. While for many the transition is difficult, the vast majority eventually find their feet. These immigrant stories explore why people came to Victoria, where they settled and how they started a new life.