Pamela Karolia
| First name | Pamela |
|---|---|
| Last name | Karolia |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1987 |
| Submitted by | Pamela Karolia |
Story
My mum, Coral Lobow and two brothers were already settled in Australia. My eldest brother Gregory and his family sponsored us on the then ‘Family Reunion Scheme’, and so Asraf, Pamela, Tanya and Imran Karolia arrived in Sydney on 19 May, 1987, from Madras, India.
We stayed with the family for a couple of weeks and within a few days Asraf got a travel agents job with Jetset Travel, Fairfield, and I joined The Great Synagogue, Sydney, as a secretary (and have been with them for the last 20 years!). Asraf currently works with EDL International in the City as a Travel Consultant.
We rented in Merrylands for about a year and then bought and settled into our home in Colyton where we still are today.
Tanya was 11 years old when we arrived and initially studied at Cerdon College, Merrylands, finishing her schooling at Emmaus Catholic College, Erskine Park. She married Robert Smit in 2005 and now lives in Greystanes.
Imran was 5 years old when we migrated, and studied first at St Margaret Marys, Merrylands, finishing from Colyton High Public School, and then onto The University of Western Sydney. Imran still lives at home.
Before migrating from India I worked as a secretary for Shaw Wallace and Company for about seven years, and then ITC Limited for another seven years, whilst Asraf worked as a travel agent for TCI Limited and then for Pierce Leslie,. Asraf is from Madagascar and came to India to study, when we met and married in 1975.
Whilst we were quite content with our life in India, we decided to migrate to Australia to give the kids a better life Ð and we have had no regrets. Our first impression of Australia was it being a very beautiful country, and we now know it is by large the best country to live in today! It offers a great quality of life, good health services, a pretty good law and order record, and a vast multicultural mix. The children have made good lives for themselves and we have a great range of friends from all walks of life and all cultures, and totally enjoy our lifestyle here.
In a few weeks, it will be 20 years! Times does fly when you\’re having fun!
9 May, 2007