Who are you? Give us an overview of your ethnicity/heritage?
My name is Ramona, I’m a Australian with Spanish heritage. My parents are migrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1980 from Bilbao – an industrial city in the northern part Spain.
How did you come to Australia or were you born in Australia? Please share your experiences.
I was born and raised in Australia, but was exposed to the rich Spanish culture so I see myself as a mix between Latin and Australian.
Name one thing you really passionate about and why?
Family. I love my family dearly and appreciate every moment I get to spend with them when I’m home.
Describe a few things you find fascinating about Australia’s multicultural society?
Australia is an immigrant nation thereby making it a melting pot of different cultures and customs. I find this place to be one one of the most interesting places and very much open to cultural exploration.
What kind of experiences have you had in relating with people whose backgrounds differ from your own?
Being the child of immigrants has given me better insight into what’s like to be different from the mainstream culture. I’ve met a lot of people from all walks of life at work, parties, social events and in church.
What did you learn from this experience?
I learnt that the more I open myself to the world, the more rewarding it is for me. Diversity enriches the mind and soul.
What does a commitment to diversity/multiculturalism mean to you?
It means being able to co-exist with all men regardless of differences in culture, race or sexual orientation.
What do you see as the advantages and challenging aspects of an increasingly diverse community. What can we do to overcome such challenges?
Diversity brings forth a new way of dealing with life’s issues and expands the mind through exposure to different cultures. The challenge is that without an open mind, this can be a catalyst to continuous tension as human beings are somewhat tribalistic – something deeply rooted in our being.
What fun and interesting activities/events can we do/hold to aid in bridging the cultural gap thereby creating an inclusive society for all to enjoy?
Music and cultural festivities and diversity programs that raises awareness about ways to tackle the unconscious biases that create polarity between the different cultural groups.
