Maria De La Peña came to Australia from Chile in May 1971 and has shown amazing resilience against tragedy building a life here as a widowed and sole breadwinner here in the Illawarra with her family. She shares her experiences in Berkeley and around Wollongong. Initially working at BHP then studying to become a registered nurse and then a degree in social science where she went on to care for and advocate for people with disabilities in the Illawarra. Maria also studied Herbal Medicine and has practiced for more than 30 years in the Illawarra. Maria shares some of her experiences of her life in Chile. She has recently published a short story, ‘Love and Legacy’ in a book titled ‘Think, Laugh, Cry‘ and is now working on her memoir.
Listen to Maria’s interview
Maria’s interview can be downloaded here.
Keywords
Fairy Meadow – Migrant Hostel – Nissen Huts – Chile – Berkeley – Port Kembla – BHP – nursing – disability – Wollongong Hospital – Lake Illawarra – Port Kembla Hospital.
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