Stories - Backstories 2020

Anju reflects on the effects of Sri Lanka’s civil war, and her mixed Sinhalese, Burgher and Tamil heritage.

A migrant family in a new city, a mad dash from a group of bullies, and a conversation with a stranger on a plane. Shamit shows us three moments across time that come together to form a bigger picture.

Born in Sri Lanka, Shenali grew up in the suburbs of Gosnells and Southern River, and remembers a time when her life in Australia stretched only as far as the Carousel Shopping Centre and Gosnells Library.

"Despite society’s expectations, which disabled me far more than my body did, I have outlived my expiry date many times over." Sandi shares her story of her battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

Ron shares the story of a West Australian and a Victorian – an unlikely friendship and its impact across a lifetime.

“When I realised I was attracted to blokes, I found it impossibly out of sync with every aspect of my identity as a man.” Holden takes us from Geraldton to Europe and back again, with much to say in between.

According to Saadia, in Pakistan a student has three options for their future: to become either a doctor, an engineer, or a disappointment. Her story is one of hope, passion, and picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and getting on with it.

‘I’m fifteen years of age and I turn to my mother and say, “I wish I was white.”’ Colin shares his experience of growing up in 1980s London as a young black man.