Free Migration Stories floor talk tells of daring Taliban escape

Published on 15 July 2019

Mildura Arts Centre will feature a free floor talk from one of the contributors to the hugely successful Making Home: Mildura Migration Stories exhibition this weekend as it draws to a close.

Mildura Hazara community leader Zia Ibrahimi is featured in the photo essay by artist Jocelyn Rawlins in the exhibition and during this weekend's floor talk with Jocelyn on Saturday 20 July starting at 11am he will share his experiences of escaping from the Taliban and Afghanistan to settle in Mildura.

Making Home: Mildura Migration Stories has been a stunning success since it opened in May this year, attracting well over 1000 people.

It shares both the individual and collective experiences of those who’ve migrated to Sunraysia through a combination of live performances, site-specific installations and pieces from the Mildura Arts Centre Collection among a host of different mediums.

Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said Saturday's free floor talk would provide a chance for Zia to share more of his experiences, answer any questions and for Jocelyn to discuss her artwork.

Jocelyn describes her work, Accepting Destiny, as a photo essay of a boy's escape from the Taliban - a reflection of his inspirational and courageous journey from Afghanistan to Mildura, which Jocelyn said shaped Zia's development from a young man into both a Hazara and community leader. 

Cr Modica said Making Home: Mildura Migration Stories had triggered a wonderful community response since it opened in May this year, resulting in new stories continuing to be told throughout the exhibition period.

“Whether it’s stories from some of our region’s earliest migrants that stirred many memories or experiences among long-time residents, or the stories from our newest migrants, Making Home has received a huge response from our community,” he said.

“Zia’s experience is now part of our community’s story and I’d encourage people to come along and listen to his amazing journey.”

Media enquiries  Ben Piscioneri p) (03) 5018 8689  e) [email protected]