Our Culture

First generation Latin Americans are a group of people that have experienced a wide range of abrupt and sudden changes in their lives. Their decision to seek better horizons for their families in Australia reflects their courage and risk taking. Having to learn a different language, adjust to a different culture and a harsh climate proves their adaptability.

In many circumstances the decision to leave their homeland was forced upon them by either economic or political reasons, hence their yearning for the homelands and extended family remains alive and ever growing. This particular trait is usually reflected in their active search for activities, foods and persons that symbolically bring them closer to their country of origin.

Latin Americans are essentially hard working; many have used their skills in the trades, and manual labor to find work in various Australian industries. Very little first generation Latinos have furthered their studies at a tertiary level. Yet there are those who have continued their professional activities as they did in their own country

Program Audience Profile

Sex: Both men and women.

Age: Over 25 years of age.

Size: Within W.A there are approximately 5,000 members of the Latin-American community of which 2,717 are from South America, 1,436 are from Central America, 655 are from the Caribbean.