Sharyn’s talks of her journey from Australia to the UK, her reflections on cultural identity, and her experiences with British and Australian social landscapes. She discusses her upbringing in a predominantly British-influenced Australia, highlighting how Australian society was divided between British-oriented elites and a distinctively Australian, working-class culture. She reflects on historical inequities, including the White Australia Policy, which limited immigration based on race, and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous Australians, revealing her evolving understanding of these issues after moving to the UK in the 1970s.
In the UK, Sharyn pursued academic interests in English literature and historical geography, which deepened her connection to British culture and history.
Her work included roles in libraries, social services, and the voluntary sector, where she contributed to organisations supporting refugees, unemployed youth and single-parent families, often aligning with her values of social equity and justice. Sharyn also shares insights into her family history of migration, feelings of “ancestral guilt” for the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians and her later volunteer work in UK museums, where she supported decolonizing efforts.
Throughout the interview, Sharyn expresses complex feelings of dual identity and environmental concern, along with an enduring admiration for British cultural heritage. She views the multicultural shift in Australia and the UK positively but remains wary of modern societal changes, particularly environmental degradation.
Sharyn’s contributions are deeply influenced by her academic pursuits and her passion for preserving history and supporting community initiatives.
Listen to highlights from Sharyn’s interview below:
Highlight 1: Childhood in Australia || Sense of being British (or not) in Australia || Family escaping deadly poverty in the UK to live in Australia (nine generations of her family went to Australia!) || Brief overview of Australian history and indigenous Australians || Australia’s struggle with xenophobia and racism [00:00:00 – 00:13:44]
Highlight 2: Philip Larkin poetry reading [00:13:44 – 00:15:58]
Highlight 3: Volunteering in Ilfracombe || Coming to North Devon [00:15:58 – 00:20:06]