Fernando Caputo
| First name | Fernando |
|---|---|
| Last name | Caputo |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Date of Birth | 26041935 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1956 |
| Submitted by | Lucila Gulle |
Story
[Reason for leaving homeland]
To seek greener pasture, I grow up in the farm and my father died at my early age that mainly left my mother and I cultivating the land with the help from the rest of my sisters. My 2 brothers left and worked in Venezuela; one served in the army and died during the war and one served the police force. My mother sold piece of our land to finance my trip to Australia and I worked very hard, saved money and paid her back.
[About the Journey].
The journey was long – 26 days by boat but I had a lot of fun. Meet a lot of friends and remains friends for lifeof which eases the pain of homesickness. We docked in Sydney and took residence in CANBERRA.
[Impressions on Arrival].
Very sad yet excited of the challenges ahead. Sydney harbour is beautiful and Canberra was a bushland and we used to go hunting with my friends. I went to Queensland as a gang leader cutting sugar cane during the day and worked in the bakery during the night. Back to Canberra and worked in construction between Sydney and Canberra. Went home to get married and brought my wife to Australia by boat and we settled in Canberra, have 4 kids. I am a builder by trade and own the business. I helped build and watched Canberra grow as it is today. My wife passed away nearly nine years ago and I am in with my partner for 7 years, has now four grandchildren. Life is tough and life is what you make it and I am glad I come to Australia, the lucky country that gives each and everyone a fair go. A peaceful country and I hope to continue to enjoy.