Happy International Migrants Day! Meet our Care Coordinator Bianca and learn about her journey.

Each year on International Migrants Day (18 December), we celebrate and recognise the contributions of millions of people who leave their home countries in search of safety, opportunity and a better future.

According to the United Nations, over 280 million people globally are international migrants. Australia is home to a diverse migrant population, making migration a central part of the nation’s identity and strength. 

This day is not only about statistics; it’s about stories. Behind every number is a person with dreams, challenges and triumphs, big and small. To honour this, we’re sharing the journey of Bianca, one of our Care Coordinators at Leora Healthcare, whose experience as a migrant from Brazil reflects resilience and hope.

Bianca arrived in Australia in 2019, full of ambition but uncertain about the path ahead. “I was 20 years old, and I just wanted something better for my life,” she shares. “In Brazil, the lifestyle is just completely different from here. I saw Australia as an amazing place to start.”

The move wasn’t easy. Bianca, whose first language was Portuguese, arrived with the goal of learning English, a challenge that shaped her early experiences. “I could only say hi, hello, how are you. And to order food, I’d go to Maccas because it was easier to press the buttons on the screen.”

Her determination to improve, however, never wavered. From those humble beginnings, Bianca steadily learned English, adapting to her new life in Australia. Today, she reflects on her progress with pride. “To go from someone who couldn’t communicate with people, to having a conversation and being in this role at Leora right now? It’s amazing.”

Although Bianca has accomplished so much, her path came with its share of hurdles. “The hardest part is being away from my family,” she shares. “Even though you’re working to achieve your goals and to be better, it’s hard not living those moments with them.”

Despite this, Bianca has found ways to stay connected to her loved ones. In 2023, she brought her mother, siblings and grandmother to Australia to spend time with and create cherished memories as she showed them the places that have become a part of her life. “It was one of my best moments. To have them here and share these experiences—it means so much.”

Australia’s multiculturalism is one of its greatest strengths, and migrants play an integral role to the nation’s economy and society. Based on the latest overseas migration data of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, migrants account for more than 50% of the country’s population growth and significantly contribute to industries such as construction, healthcare and arts and recreation.

At Leora Healthcare, the contributions of staff like Bianca are unmatched. Her compassion and dedication as a Care Coordinator exemplify how migrants transform workplaces and communities.

“When I started at Leora, I doubted myself a lot,” Bianca admits. “I wondered if my English was good enough or if I had the right skills. But everyone here is so nice, it’s such a great environment.”

While Bianca’s story is still unfolding, her aspirations are clear. “My main goal right now is to buy a house with my partner. We’re working so hard for that. My other dream is to bring my family here permanently so I can have them with me all the time.”

Her journey is a testament to the contributions migrants bring to their adopted countries. Bianca shared how she feels proud of all she has achieved not just for herself but for the future she is building while staying connected to what truly matters.

International Migrants Day is a time to celebrate the journeys that inspire us and the diversity that strengthens our communities. It’s an opportunity to reflect on stories like Bianca’s; stories of determination and courage to start over in an unfamiliar place. It’s also a reminder of the challenges they face and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Migrants bring fresh perspectives, skills and a dedication that shapes the places they now call home. At Leora Healthcare, we proudly support these journeys. Every day, people like Bianca show the power of diversity and inclusion. Their determination to build a better future and their compassion in their roles reflect the incredible impact of embracing different voices and experiences.

Discover opportunities to join a workplace that values compassion, diversity and connection, or explore how we support communities with care. Let’s continue building a world where everyone has the chance to belong and grow.

To learn more about our mission, values and the people who make it all possible, visit our About Us page.