GUEST SPEAKER - SVET LINEHAM

PP John Hunt introduced and interviewed Svetlana Lineham

Svetlana's relatives chose to immigrate to Australia because it was the furthest possible country from the Communist Soviet Union. Svet's father settled in Melbouorne after being at the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre near Wodonga.

Svet's parents met each other whilst living in the western suburbs of Melbourne which in the 1950's was a common area for the post-war immigrants to settle and establish their Australian homes. Land was purchased and then bit by bit with surplus materials, a house was built.

Svet remembered school and mentioned the fact that in the western suburbs the minority group in her class was the Aussie kids. Svet recalled that life revolved around the Russian Orthodox Church and families of other Soviet expats.

Svet met her husband Russel Lineham whilst in College at Ballarat.

Svet has visited Russia and travelled to meet relatives that live in Volgograd. Whilst they live a humble lifestyle they are happy and were pleased to welcome Svet. It was a positive experience and this created many fond memories. Svet's relatives have visited Australia since but went through the difficult process of getting a visitors visa. Once here they really enjoyed their stay and felt that they were in paradise.

Svet has been involved with Girl Guides for 30 years and enjoys the interaction with the girls including some relatives recently of fellow Rotarians. The camping aspect and seeing the smiles from the children is very rewarding.

Presently Svet is cooking meals each day at a child care centre for 90 children.

Mal Price asked and Svet acknowledged that it is unfair the difference in Australian lifestyle to that of Russia and how it was a real surprise for Svet's relatives to see the way we live here in Australia.

Judy Ross asked about communication between the families and Svet said it has improved since the times when her parents came to Australia and you had to book a phone call. Now they like to use Skype to chat and catch up.

Gordon Curran spoke about the communist lifestyle and noted the difference between the USA, China and Russia. Svet responded by saying that the power is still with the wealthy and influential. 

The Chair, John Hunt thanked Svet for her talk and presented her with certificate representing a mosquito net that will be sent to a PNG village in her name.