First Day: "I really felt a sense of family in this country"

Silvio Rivier came to Australia by ship when he was 8 years old. The boat was supposed to arrive in Sydney. Instead, it went to Melbourne where Silvio had his first Australian meal, a dish he will never forget.

Silvio Rivier, 2016 Source: RIchard Gurney

#FirstDaySBS

In 2014, and after 34 years at SBS, the well-known presenter Silvio Rivier decided to retire. Born in Croatia, Silvio remembers his "First Day" in Australia, in conversation with SBS Croatian Radio.

"The biggest exitment for us being from a theatrical family, was seeing this amazing Opera House in the making across in the harbour... and I ended up singing there, so that was even more outstanding"

"As a kid I must say I really felt a bit like an alien, I didn't feel I really belonged emotionally, culturally, and even temperamentally."

"It took me a long time to become Australianised."

Silvio Rivier interviewed by SBS journalist Branka Cubrilo. Source: RIchard Gurney