More than 300,000 people in Australia are Lebanese or have origins from Lebanon.
In February, the Lebanese Cultural Union erected the statue “El Emigrante” in Brisbane as a token of gratefulness to Australia for giving the early Lebanese settlers the chance of a new life.
The Lebanese who left Lebanon and settled in Australia did so over three main periods. The first wave of migration started 140 years ago in the 1860’s. Though having some difficulties adjusting to their new life in Australia, these first immigrants managed to start up as businessmen, opening warehouses and draperies, hair saloons and food stalls. This involvement in the Australian business life allowed them to earn enough money to send some to their families left in Lebanon.
The second wave of immigration (1947 – 1976) attracted a lot of Lebanese who already had connections with the Lebanese communities in Australia. They worked hard to manage small businesses of their own, manufacturing clothing and furniture, opening garages or driving taxis. The civil war years in Lebanon brought the third wave (1976 -1981) of Lebanese immigrants to Australia.
Today, the Lebanese work force in Australia is spread across the whole range of occupational groups. Many have become successful scientists, prosperous businesspeople, creative artists, poets and even politicians. The Lebanese immigrants and their descendants have greatly contributed to the cultural, political, professional and business life of Australia. Together with the Lebanese in USA and Canada, the Lebanese in Australia marked a contribution of 16% out of the 7 billion USD total remittance sum flowing into Lebanon in 2009.
Remittances are resources that easily can make a difference for the poor in Lebanon. Support local development in Lebanon through LIVE LEBANON today and make a difference!
Sources:
IMF
WLCU
http://alhsv.org.au/resources_lebaneseinaus.html
http://www.racismnoway.com.au/classroom/factsheets/55.html