Latin Americans embrace lifestyle in Darwin
DESPITE Darwin’s declining population Latin Americans, and more specifically Colombians, continue to flock to the Top End.
When 2015 award recipient of 100 outstanding Colombians living abroad and 2014 NT Australian of the Year nominee Giovanna Webb arrived in Darwin 22 years only three Colombians lived in Darwin at the time. Now it’s estimated that roughly 17,000 Colombians live in Australia with about 15,000 being students and many living in Darwin.
“Mr Prawn, UpNext Real Estate, and my own Crocodylus Park are run by Colombian families,” Ms Webb said.
“Colombians embrace the Darwin lifestyle. They build businesses and provide employment opportunities to many.”
Colombians used to head to the US to learn English but recent developments including the first Australian embassy in Colombia opening in 2017 have made Australia an attractive option.
In the past 12 months 100 Colombian students have come to Darwin.
Katheryn Meneses and Diego Zambrano recently moved to Darwin with their two children. Ms Meneses was offered sponsorship at an early childhood education centre in Darwin. “There isn’t a better place to raise a young family in an open space full of adventure,” Ms Meneses said.
UpNext Real Estate managing director Pilar Preciado has been here for 12 years and said Darwin’s multiculturalism was great. Yesterday marked Colombian Independence Day and the community celebrated with a big party.