Leading into International Migrants Day (18 December) we hear narratives from three different perspectives. Dr Alexandra Dellios author and cultural historian, singer and entertainer Kamahl CM AM, and asylum-seeker volunteer Geraldine Butler.

Alexandra discusses the influx of post-war migrants and the changing demographics of Australia. She also speaks about Bonegilla in Victoria which accommodated some 320,000 post-war refugees and migrants between 1947 to 1971.

In Nostalgia Town, Lex & Patricia discover that not only is the legendary Kamahl a great singer, he is also a brilliant raconteur.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Kamahl tells his own migration story and talks about being ‘discovered’ by Rupert Murdoch. Now 87-years-old, Kamahl is cherished for his unique brand of compassion, love and entertainment.  Kamahl’s stellar career earned gold and platinum records and performances at the London Palladium and Carnegie Hall. He was one of the first acts to appear in concert at the Sydney Opera House.

For Steppin’ Out we head to Melbourne to hear from Geraldine Butler – a volunteer at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.  Australia’s largest human rights organisation, ASRC supports some 7,000 asylum seekers. Geraldine draws on her education background to share knowledge as well as using the ‘gift of the gab’ to help raise donations to provide support, education and the all-important foodbank.

Our Money Extra segment, brought to you by lawyer and retirement specialist Alice Mantel, features advice from Kathryn Greiner AO.  As leader of the Inquiry which brought significant changes to the NSW Retirement Village Sector, Kathryn is well-placed to highlight issues faced by seniors looking to move to an independent living facility.

Useful links –

Dr Alexandra Dellios
Book – Histories of Controversy – Bonegilla Migrant Centre
Academic Publications
ANU Biography

‘Kamahl’ Kandiah Kamalesvaran CM AM
Website
Spotify
Kamahl – The Elephant Song – YouTube
Kamahl Recites “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley

Asylum Seekers/Refugees Resource Centre Melbourne
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Melbourne
ASRC Facebook
Refugee Council of Australia
Services Directory

Retirement Villages – Transcript
Canstar: Retirement village costs and how they work
NSW Fair Trading: Moving into a retirement village
Aged Care Guide: how much does a retirement village cost?
CHOICE: Retirement villages: what to consider
CHOICE: Retirement village reforms