A tale of two cultures

 QVMAG Friends present: Our people, their stories: oral histories of Northern Tasmania

Join us for this monthly presentation when a diverse range of people from our community share with us their life stories, adding to our appreciation of their contributions to the life we enjoy here in Northern Tasmania. 

This month’s talk: A tale of two cultures with Ella Dixon, CEO Migrant Resource Centre, Northern Tasmania Inc.

Born in the Philippines, Ella moved to Australia as a young girl with her family in 1981. From a metropolitan city of 11.5 million to Smithton with a population of around 7000 people, the first few years of settlement had its share of joys and challenges. She has lived in Tasmania for most of her adult life apart from 7 years when she worked in finance and banking in NSW, returning to Tasmania shortly after starting a family. 

Ella has a Masters degree in Regional Development Policy (UTAS) a Diploma of Entrepreneurial Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is currently CEO Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) Northern Tas, a settlement service provider, working primarily with people who arrived under Australia’s Humanitarian Program.

Before joining the MRC, Ella was with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, (known then as Women Tasmania), working in the areas of community development and women’s policy.  

Ella is a director of a national peak body for refugees, is a member of the RACT’s Northern Area Advisory Committee and the Tasmanian Health Services Consumer and Community Engagement Council. She is an Australia Day Ambassador and has been awarded a centenary medal for her contribution to migrant communities.

Ella’s talk will be about her family’s journey from Manila to Smithton; the sadness and excitement of immigrating; the challenges of being the only Asians in the village; growing up in two cultures; and the joys of settling and being part of the welcoming place that is Tasmania.

RSVP essential by COB Monday 22 March. 

When

Location

Meeting Room, Museum at Inveresk or via Zoom (a link to the Zoom presentation will be provided).

Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, 2 Invermay Road Inveresk, Invermay, 7250, View Map