Melbourne is often referred to as the multicultural capital of Australia. Many immigrants arrived through both Station and Princes Pier by ship, enriching the Victorian community.

Recalling the Journey is a collection of many of the untold and personal stories of Memory Keepers of Greek origin who settled in Victoria. These stories reflect the very adventurous spirit of those who arrived as new immigrants and refugees, particularly during the post-Second World War period.

“The mention of the piers to many of our Memory Keepers evokes an emotional response, with stories of aspiration, struggle, hope, fear, hardship, ingenuity and new beginnings,” explains Multicultural Arts Victoria CEO Jill Morgan.

“They also remind the reader of how lucky we are to have a country built strongly on migration, while acknowledging our Indigenous history. Recalling the Journey is a culmination of Lella Cariddi’s work titled What Happened at the Pier.”

The e-book is in fact a visionary project that has engaged many migrants, whose stories must be captured before they are lost. It is also collated and published at an important point in time in contemporary Australia when there is increasing political discourse on refugees and new immigrants.

Nick Polites, Con Pagonis, Stella Michael and Julie Pagonis-Kyriacou are some of the Memory Keepers who have also been included in the exhibition ‘Waves of Love and Emotion’. Guest of honour Padmini Sebastian will be presenting the book.

“Storytelling is a creative method by which people might begin to reflect on the enormous contribution of immigrants, challenging the current dominant negative social discourse in our society,” Mrs Morgan continues. “The potential of identity, culture and memory as a community resource and as a tool for social action takes on greater significance after reading these powerful and moving stories. I look forward to this collection effecting positive change and contributing to the social and cultural memory of Melbourne and our community, and the further stories yet to come. This is volume one of Recalling the Journey.”

The e-book is also available online at www.issuu.com/multiculturalarts/docs/recalling_the_journey_e-book-

Opening: Saturday 11 February from 10.30 am-12.30 pm

Exhibition dates: Saturday 11 February-Saturday 1 April

Where: Emerald Hill Library & Heritage Centre, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne

For further information email Lella.Cariddi@multiculturalarts.com.au