I n t r o d u c t i o n

Migrants to Australia from South Asia originate from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This South Asian diaspora has also spread over several generations to countries including Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East and southern and eastern Africa.

Australia has experienced increasing migration from these countries since the 1960s, although older histories have established connections between South Asia and Australia through the shared history of British colonialism.

The interviews for 'Packing to Leave' were filmed in people's homes. Participants describe their stories of migration to Australia and settlement in Sydney and share their photos and memorabilia. These have been added to the collection of oral histories on the NSW Migration Heritage Centre website.