Immigration is a vital feature of Australia’s history and national identity. Through these photos I explore cultural identity, and document the broad spectrum of humanity that builds every aspect of our global society. Keeping alive the stories of immigrants will help educate and unite us.
Branco and Zorica arrived in Australia from Croatia as teenagers in 1971 under a government employment incentive. This contract was meant to last 2 years, yet they would end up spending the rest of their lives in Australia. They came with open minds and embraced the culture while not forgetting their own – teaching traditional Croatian folk dancing, and making sure their children were fluent in Croatian and English. This indicated the hybridity of their identity, a meshing of their Croatian roots with their adopted homeland in Australia.
The text within the photos explores issues of cultural identity while telling the story of Branco and Zorica’s life, both in Croatia and Australia. These personal stories, along with the images that surround them, show the complex reality of what makes us who we are.
Family is everything to me, and so many happy memories have been spent in our home, talking, laughing, eating and drinking. We both had little when we came Australia - just a suitcase each, but we have worked hard all our lives and are very proud of our home. I love having modern conveniences like a dishwasher, as we both came from very poor families. We came to Australia for what we thought was doing to be 2 years, and we have been here for 49. This is our home.
I know in my heart I am Croatian, but I am also Australian. It is possible to belong in two places. I feel a connection to Croatia in my garden that reminds me of my past. The colours aren't as vibrant here in Australia - everything seems muted, but there's a softness to it. We like to eat Croatian food and the whole family, including our grandchildren, speak Croatian, which is also a connection to my past. Our life here is good, and I am glad we settled in the suburbs of Sydney. I am Branco from Zagreb, and Branco from Kirrawee.
We were married just before we left to come to Australia. It was a small wedding. Branco's brother gave us a live turkey and a bottle of schnaps and my mother gave us an iron. We then danced through the old town - a tradition that is still practiced today. My brother took our wedding photos and my mother developed them in the kitchen sink. We like to have things in our home that remind us of our heritage and our life here in Australia. We were happy in Croatia and we are happy here.