My Australia - 'When in Rome do as the Romans do,' embrace the change and be yourself

Michiko Farrell (right), a Sydney-based Japanese immigrant, poses in front of the Sydney Opera House. Credit: Michiko Farrell

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Michiko Farrell is originally from Japan and came to Australia in 1976. After spending nearly 50 years in Sydney, Ms Farrell was requested by her family to come back to Japan for good. This is what she had to say before leaving her second beloved homeland.

Michiko Farrell (second from the left, second row from the front), originally from Japan, with members of a Tai Chi group in Chatswood, NSW. Credit: Michiko Farrell

Before coming to Sydney, Ms Farrell spent five years in Auckland, New Zealand, with her New Zealand husband.

"When we moved to Sydney from Auckland, I was surprised to see many big buildings there and, in that year, the Granville rail disaster occurred. I thought 'Sydney is such a dangerous place.'"

Ms Farrell started working for Qantas as a part-timer then eventually became full-time. The number of Japanese visitors grew quickly in 1980s and 90s.

"At first, I thought I would work for Qantas just for a short period of time. But I ended up working for them for 35 years," Ms Farrell said.

Ms Farrell started getting involved in community activities after retirement. In the audio, Ms Farrell talks about her days in Sydney and some tips to newcomers.