Stories of Strength

Anita's Macedonian heritage is deep. From church to dancing to encouraging her kids to learn language it's a part of who she is and it's something she's incredibly proud of.

Brian remembers that moment when, as a nine year old boy, the ship he was on with his family pulled in Sydney Harbour marking the start of his families new life in Australia. And he's never looked back.

Roselea has come home to Lake Macquarie after a life on the road and since returning she's quickly become a central part of her community through her work at school, with langauge and the wider community.

When asked what she misses most from home Elle said whiskey. It's not surprising when you learn she's from Scotland. She now calls Lake Macquarie home and has found her calling helping others through her work.

Hamira has a dream to be a pilot. As a young mum who fled war tore Afghanistan she has found herself in Lake Macquarie with the ability to follow her wildest dreams.

Bronwen calls herself a citisen of the world. Born in South Africa, moved to the UK now living in Lake Macquarie, Australia she says being a part of a multicultural community is really important to her and her families life.

Dance as it the heart of YingPing's life. Performing around Lake Macquarie in traditional Chinese dress, YingPing says it's helped her meet new people and enjoy her new life in Australia.

His mob is Kamilaroi from western New South Wales but Jake has found his home on Awabakal land and from Elders and teachers he's learning their stories, traditions and dances to share with the wider community.

She's made history in her family being the first person to be granted citisenship in Australia and Ivanna wears that with pride. Her certificate is on display, an Australia flag drapes her television and she's quickly becoming part of the Lake Macquarie community.

Moving to Australia was a little different from what you see in the movies. But when Julie Muir found Lake Macquarie she finally found home.

Hamid made the difficult decision to move his family from Syria to Lebanon for safety. He didn't know what would come next until a chance meeting with a UNICEF officer saw him arrive in Australia to start a new life.

Making the move from New Zealand to care for a sick son Carolyn Bryant soon found love, a job she's passionate about and a new community to call home.

We're in Lake Macquarie in New South Wales Australia. A community that looks pretty similar to any urban center around the country but if you look a little deeper you'll see that the people that make up this region is the thing that makes it special. So who are the people who call Lake Macquarie home and what are their stories? Hit subscribe to find out.