14/08/2026
20 years ago today, I arrived at Melbourne Airport and handed my Russian passport, together with my immigration card, to the customs officer. On it, I had ticked: “Migrating permanently to Australia.”
He looked at me, smiled and said, “Welcome home!”
I can’t remember what that person looked like. I wish I could. Because he made a difference. And so many Australians after him did too.
To this day, I regard immigrating to Australia as both my most significant achievement and a miracle of sorts. I want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to this amazing country and its people, who took me in, allowed me to absorb their ways while sharing mine, and ultimately gave me a place I proudly call home. And of course, a very special thank you to our industry, all the people in it, and our shared journey. 💖
With the Victorian election approaching and so much fear being spread about immigration and cultural division, I can’t help but reflect on what my own experience has taught me.
Australia is not a great country despite how different we are. In many ways, it is great because of how different we are — and because, at our best, we make room for those differences while respecting what we share. 🇦🇺❤️
