2018 marks 70 years since Australia’s modern migration system was conceived and the nation’s transformation into a vibrant multicultural society began.

In 1948 two seminal things happened. The notion of Australian citizenship was created – before then we were merely British subjects; and, the Immigration Act was changed to effectively allow people from non-Anglo-Celtic backgrounds to settle permanently in Australia

AMES Australia is marking the date with a campaign that will see a series of stories, images, events and multi-media initiatives showcasing the contribution migrants have made to our society.

Migration has unquestionably helped build our nation and it has undoubtedly shaped the way we live our everyday lives.

Ask yourself a few questions:

What would you be eating if not for migration? Who would your friends be if not for migration? Would you even be living here if not for migration?

So, we will be collecting and sharing the stories and experiences that migrants and refugees to Australia carry with them and we’ll be doing this to celebrate and illustrate the cultural richness, innovation, enterprise and resilience that newcomers to our shores have brought.

One of the first stories we are sharing is that of Afghan Najaf Mazari – The Rug Maker of Mazar-e-Sharif – whose experiences as a refugee from the Taliban are at the same time heart-breaking and inspiring. You can read Najaf’s story in this edition of iMPACT.

Stay tuned for more inspiring and compelling stories of migrants who have arrived and thrived in Australia.

If you have, or know of, an inspirational migrant story, please contact us at: nowelll@ames.net.au