Tam Hanh, a former refugee, has meticulously preserved over 30 years of SBS Vietnamese radio programs on more than 2,000 cassette tapes. These tapes serve as a cultural archive, safeguarding the history and contributions of the Vietnamese community in Australia for future generations.
Arriving in Australia as a refugee after the Vietnam War, Hanh found solace in the connection and comfort provided by SBS Vietnamese radio. She recalled setting up multiple tape recorders around her house to capture her favorite programs, creating a habit that would last for decades.
For Hanh, preserving these programs was not just a personal endeavor but a way to help others in the community who couldn’t tune in live. The tapes became a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the Vietnamese heritage and the community’s impact on Australian society.
SBS has been a lifeline for Vietnamese migrants in Australia since its inception in 1977, following the end of the Vietnam War. The radio programs have played a crucial role in helping immigrants navigate life in a new country, providing essential information on various aspects of Australian society.
Nicky Chung, CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, emphasized the importance of SBS as a trusted source of information for the Vietnamese community. The programs have helped individuals integrate faster and build successful lives in Australia, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the broader Australian fabric.
Khanh Tho, a Vietnamese language teacher and former refugee, highlighted the pivotal role of SBS Vietnamese radio in her journey to Australia. Despite facing harrowing challenges during her escape from Vietnam, Tho found comfort in the familiar voices on SBS, which kept her connected to her homeland and the Vietnamese-Australian community.
As a teacher, Tho has utilized SBS programs to enrich her students’ learning experience, incorporating segments on history, current events, and cultural landmarks into her lessons. The diverse content provided by SBS has not only helped students improve their language skills but also instilled pride in their heritage and identity.
The continued relevance of SBS Vietnamese radio in preserving language, culture, and community voices was echoed by Tho and other members of the Vietnamese community in Australia. The programs serve as a bridge between generations, fostering understanding and emotional bonds within families.
With Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism, SBS plays a vital role in connecting diverse communities and providing essential guidance on healthcare, education, employment, and legal matters for migrants and refugees. The station’s dedication to serving various language groups underscores its significance in promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity across the country.
As SBS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the enduring legacy of its Vietnamese programs continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, reaffirming the station’s role as a beacon of information, connection, and cultural preservation for the Vietnamese diaspora in Australia.
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