Building our nation: How migrants and their children have shaped Australia

Join Sonia Di Mezza, CEO of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) in Canberra, as she discusses how Australia was and is strengthened by migrants, and how important cultural diversity and inclusion is to modern day Australia.

This event is presented in association with the Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories exhibition and MARSS Australia Inc.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential if you want to attend in person.

Complimentary light refreshments will be served pre-event from 5.15pm in the Foyer, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

The Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories exhibition will also be open for viewing after the event.

Watch online

The event will be available to view live online via the Library's Facebook page and YouTube channel. You do not need to book a ticket to watch the event online.

A black and white image of an asult and three children standing by the side of the road with an old fashioned car parked near them. The Sydney Opera House is in the background.

Sonia Di Mezza as a baby with Guido, Joseph and Anna Di Mezza under the Harbour Bridge, c.1972 or 1973, courtesy Sonia Di Mezza

Sonia Di Mezza as a baby with Guido, Joseph and Anna Di Mezza under the Harbour Bridge, c.1972 or 1973, courtesy Sonia Di Mezza

About Sonia Di Mezza

logo of MARSS Australia Inc. (Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services)

Sonia Di Mezza is the CEO of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) in Canberra, and is a solicitor and human rights lawyer.

She was born in Australia to migrants from the Campania (Naples) region of Italy, who met and married in Sydney. Sonia’s father, Guido Di Mezza, was one of the builders of the National Library of Australia.

Three framed photographs on a blue wall with a subtle wave pattern.
Hopes and Fears: Australian Migration Stories

Explore the journeys that have shaped our nation’s history in this exhibition.

Exhibition
Three people, one man and two women, looking at an item in the Exhibition Gallery at the Library. Behind them is a blue wall with framed family photos
Visitor guide

Find everything you need to know before your visit to the Library, including information on accessibility, amenities and visiting with children.

Information article
Event details
30 Jan 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Free
Online, Theatre

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