You Belong band singer - Zandi
People from a refugee and migrant background are sometimes seen as a threat to the Australian way of life. So we like to share real stories of people who are bringing vibrancy, enthusiasm and positive contributions to our multicultural nation. We believe Australia is better with diversity and when people feel like they belong, they will thrive, and we all benefit together.
Zandi recently became an Australian citizen and is also a beaming and melodious part of the You Belong band. We recently asked Zandi some questions about her migration story and life in Australia. Read her interview below:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the journey of getting to Australia?
My name is Zandile, but most people just call me Zandi. I was born in Hwange, Zimbabwe in 1991. My family immigrated to New Zealand in 2005 due to the harsh economic state and instability that was happening in Zimbabwe.
In New Zealand I attended high school, completed my university degree and became a NZ citizen.
I moved to Australia to join my family in 2013 and have lived here ever since. I have lived in Darwin, Perth, Melbourne, Chinchilla and now Toowoomba - which is home.
What's one of your favourite things about Australia?
It is in Australia I discovered my love for photography because of the beautiful scenery, in particular the amazing sunsets!
How do you spend your time?
Currently I'm working on a full-time contract as a project co-ordinator for Orica - a large company that provides resources for mining, quarrying and construction markets.
I also enjoy being part of the You Belong band - creating music together with guitars, cello, keys and vocals and performing songs at a range of events. We recently performed at an Australia Day event in Toowoomba and we did a rendition of the ' I am, You are, We are Australian' song. This was a special day for me because I officially became an Australian citizen.
What do you wish Australian-born people knew about you?
What I wish Aussies knew about me is that Australia is where I found my true hope.
I became a Christian here and found hope in Jesus Christ. I know it’s not exactly popular nowadays, but it's significant to me that people understand that having religious freedom is important. Having the freedom to believe and share what I believe is truly a privilege.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
The opportunities I have had, and will have, in Australia are tremendous and life changing and I have many opportunities to look forward to.
I am blessed to be an Australian and to call Australia my home.
