Mariam was born and schooled in the Riverina region of New South Wales where Wagga Wagga sits, but, with two Pakistani parents, she says it was initially difficult to know whether she was a Pakistani or an Australian.
“I wore clothes that were of different style. My skin colour was different from other children. People used to ask me what you are doing and why are you doing it in a certain way.”
But she says as her studies and life progressed she learned about the Australian ways and her friends learned from her about Pakistani culture.
“We always had lunches and dinner at home for my friends which were always appreciated," she says. “It was at the end of school that I was able to collectively build my identity that it doesn’t matter whether I was born here or came five years after that.
“It was celebrated more than it was different. When you explain to them your point of view, people understand, you join each other... My parents told me that do whatever you are comfortable with but never forget what your identity is."
Australian with Pakistani roots
Mariam Rehman (right) is a second generation Pakistani Australian businesswoman living in Wagga Wagga. Source: Supplied
Multiculturalism continues to grow in the Riverina region too, according to its Mayor Greg Conkey.
“Over the last five years, more than 60 per cent of our new residents in the city were born overseas... In Wagga Wagga at the moment, we have 112 nationalities represented in the city and we speak 107 languages.
"We have a large proportion of people who are from Pakistan and India who are now residents of this city. They play a very important role in our city."
Mariam Rehman (second right) with friends in Wagga Wagga. Source: Supplied
Living in the region
According to Mariam, it is a myth that being in the regions can influence one’s cultural beliefs or that rural communities are not welcoming of new members.
“In the regions, families are closer to each other. Family is a very important aspect of our culture, and that is lost when you move to a metropolitan city.
“People from Pakistani background celebrate their culture to the full extent and hold events on Eid and other major events. We go to our friends’ houses to eat halwa puri (traditional breakfast) on weekends. All the main events are celebrated here.”
Comparing life in the likes of Sydney or Melbourne to life in Wagga Wagga, Mariam says that things are much more like family in the regional city.
Second generation Pakistani Australian businesswoman Mariam Rehman, Wagga Wagga. Source: Supplied
“Everyone knows everyone around here. I know who’s who and they know us, unlike in a metropolitan city where you don’t even know your neighbours.
“Every day, I am learning about my culture. I have learnt things from my parents and I hope that I can take what they have taught me and give that to my children as well... Our differences contribute to a better society. We celebrate our differences.
“We have such a big contribution and being Pakistani made me unique and different from what other cultures were here.”
Fusion Multicultural Street Festival is the Wagga Wagga's biggest outdoor live music festival held every October. Source: Wagga Wagga government website
Wagga Wagga invites more migrants
Mayor Conkey says the city expects more migrants in the next decade with facilities and infrastructure at the ready.
“Our city is designed to grow to a hundred thousand plus, it is about 70,000 right now. We are supported by the state and federal governments to grow our city.
“A large number of people who leave school at the age of 18 do move to large metropolitan areas or study. But we do find a large number in their late 20s, 30s and 40s decide to move back from the cities - They realise what a great city it is, a great lifestyle they can enjoy here along with educational and health services.
“We have three university campuses and a new half a billion-dollar hospital in the process of completion. We also have a very secure water supply.”
Source: Supplied
