From drugs to films, CuriousWorks mentor shows how it can be done

Guido Gonzalez grew up in Cabramatta and didn’t think there was much aside from being part of the drug capital of Australia. He left that lifestyle and is now a mentor at CuriousWorks.

Beyond Refuge artists from left, Adam McPhilbin, Samia Malabi, Dani Sitto, Hayder Al Bdairi, Soheil Ettehadolhagh and Guido Gonzalez. Picture: Ian Svegovic

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Living in Australia has brought together people that wouldn’t have normally crossed paths. They will share their stories at CuriousWorks’ latest exhibition Beyond Refuge: Citizens.

It unites former refugees and asylum seekers and first generation Australians to reflect on the fundamental rights of every human being to freedom and peace.

Among them is Guido Gonzalez who is a mentor at CuriousWorks. The Cabramatta man is proud of his heritage. He was born in Chile, moving to Argentina before his family relocated to Australia in the mid 80s.

“I grew up in Cabramatta — the drug capital of Australia. I didn’t feel there was any hope for me except what Cabramatta lived up to back then,” he said.

“It’s very easy to believe that gangs and all that other stuff is normal and okay.

“It’s kind of like what’s happening today with the Muslim community — if we push that community away and make people scared of them, they will believe the lies we create. Nothing will improve.”

Guido Gonzalez is a mentor at CuriousWorks and managed to turn his life around.

Mr Gonzalez said he was lucky to find a mentor who pulled him out of his wayward lifestyle.

“The government didn’t just bring in more police and guns to fix Cabramatta — they had arts engagement so we could express ourselves.

“People wanted to hear our stories. The atmosphere changed and it became a place to eat.

“I’m very proud to have been part of that. I wear it on my sleeve — I’m a Westie. I’m Cabra through and through.”

Mr Gonzalez said helping each other and coming together was the way forward. He approaches his projects with a focus on issues close to his heart.

“Instead of picking up guns because we’re at war, ask our neighbours if they’re okay and need a hand,” he said.

The film maker created Villawood Mums with another refugee. Both spent part of their childhood as refugees in the facility. They interviewed their mothers, who shared their stories of that experience.

“I’m passionate about a lot of things but the most important thing in Australia is the way we treat refugees.”

Mr Gonzalez’s piece is among the collection of photo-media and video works created by Sydney-based artists and will be on display at Casula Powerhouse from Friday, July 29.

Curator Caitlin Newton-Broad said she wanted exhibition visitors to take away a positive message.

“I hope what comes out of it is a powerful voice that connects with others in the community,” she said.

“Instead of all the negative stuff, we want them to come away strengthened by the diversity and positivity that is here.”

As a mentor at CuriousWorks, Mr Gonzalez said the small project had organically grown from a photographic workshop earlier in the year. They are now known as the Curious Creators — a new generation of storytellers.

“There are always great programs for refugees and marginalised youth, to help them find their feet and give them a sense of belonging but they don’t last longer than a few weeks,” he said.

“I wanted to change that. And until the law changes or minds or perceptions change, programs like ours need to be around to help.”

Artists include Soheil Ettehadolhagh, Hayder Al Bdairi, Dani Sitto, Khaled Mariam, Guido Gonzalez, Karina Gonzalez, Samia Halabi, Adam McPhilbin and Sean Ly.

The exhibition opens on July 29 and can be viewed until September 11.

Details: curiousworks.com.au.