My Journey

My name is Jacqueline and I am from Australia. I come from a rural area in Australia, but I currently live in one of the major cities. Coming from a rural area, the sense of community is strong. My love for the community was expanded during my time visiting many countries in Asia andLatin Americaand living ina smallmountain townin Canada.Community is the essence ofbeinghuman, connecting, sharing and supporting. However in my current place, I feel the idea of community is more dissolved as individualism becomes further embedded. I see many of the most marginalised people segregated from what is remaining the mainstream community. People turn a blind eye to the needs of others and welcoming others, families, men, women and children alike.I volunteer with local migrants in the community and it saddens me that they come from places where community was at the essence of their life and here they are isolated.On top of this political voices are continuing to exemplify this and I can imagine this is on the basis of no real meaningful engagement with international students, migrants and refugees. Yet the resilience and gratitude fromthe community of new arrived peoples to Australia thatI have met has been a shining light.I would like to see a more inclusive and welcoming community. Diversity is our strength and I will commit to keep this community alive.