Made in Migration

LawGration

Welcome to the Made in Migration podcast, brought to you by LawGration – the specialist law firm that helps individuals and organisations navigate the complex world of Australian immigration and citizenship law. Here, we’ll talk about all things to do with migrating to Australia. We’re going to learn, grow and be inspired together. Make sure you subscribe and let us be partners on your journey.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    #30 | From Crumbling Beginnings to Impactful Leadership: Sakshi Thakur OAM’s Journey

    Date of recording: 19/01/2026 Summary: In this episode, Sakshi Thakur OAM shares her inspiring journey from early challenges to founding Sewing TheSeeds, a social enterprise empowering women in India through ethical textile work. Discover how her leadership, cultural roots, and innovative impact models are transforming lives and communities. Keywords: social enterprise, impact, women empowerment, ethical fashion, Australia-India migration, sustainable income,community development Chapters: 01:08 - Sakshi’s early life and migration from Kuwait to Australia 02:19 - The story behind Sewing The Seeds and its mission 03:09 - Sakshi’s pivotal moment of persistence in her 20s 09:28 - Constraints and strengths in social enterprise 10:20 - Who Sewing The Seeds serves and how it operates 11:46 - Signals of dignity and agency in impact 14:45 - Training to trading pathway and impact timeline 16:56 - Product sourcing and sustainability practices 21:43 - Risk-taking as CEO during COVID and structural changes 23:30 - Public recognition and its impact on leadership 25:31 - Living between Australia and India 26:07 - Policy changes to unlock impact for social enterprises 28:01 - Advice for aspiring migrants and social entrepreneurs 34:18 - Misconceptions about social enterprise 35:09 - Advice for migrants considering impact ventures Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sakshi for so generously volunteering her time, and for imparting her knowledge and insights! As always, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    37 min

  2. TRAILER

    Season's End: Reflecting, Recharging, and Looking Ahead to 2026

    Date of recording: 6 December 2025 End of year message: As we close out another incredible year on Made in Migration, we want to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve shared together. This season has been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve explored powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation—stories that remind us how migration shapes not only individual lives but entire communities. From candid conversations to deep dives into culture and identity, every episode has been a testament to the strength and richness that migration brings to our world. To our listeners: thank you. Your engagement, your curiosity, and your support have made this podcast what it is. Every download, every share, every message of encouragement fuels our mission to keep these conversations alive. As the holiday season approaches, we hope you find time to rest, recharge, and connect with the people who mattermost. And for those navigating the challenges of migration during this time, know that our thoughts are with you. May the coming year bring new opportunities, hope, and belonging. We’ll be taking a short break to prepare for an exciting new chapter in 2026—packed with fresh stories, new voices, and even more ways to celebrate the richness of migration. From all of us at Made in Migration, thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year. Stay tuned—and we’ll see you in 2026! Keywords: Australia, immigration, migration, conversations, reflections, 2025, 2026 Acknowledgments: As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    3 min

  3. 22/12/2025

    #29 | From Broadmeadows to the Boardroom - The Crazy Life of John Ilhan

    Summary: This episode of the Made in Migration podcast explores the inspiring journey of John Ilhan, a migrant who transformed the mobile retail industry in Australia. From his humble beginningsas a five-year-old migrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur with Crazy John's, his story is one of resilience, innovation, and philanthropy. John Ilhan’s legacy continues to inspire many, showcasing the power of hard work andcommunity spirit. Keywords: John Ilhan, Mustafa Ilhan, Crazy John's, Australian immigration, entrepreneurship, mobile retail, philanthropy,migrant success stories, resilience, business legacy, community impact Chapters: 00:46 - The Journey Begins: John Ilhan's Early Life 02:34 - From Salesman to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Crazy John's 04:43 - Revolutionising Mobile Retail: Crazy John's Impact 05:02 – Unexpected Death and Legacy Acknowledgments: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following third parties whose content has greatly enriched this episode: Archival Audio: - ‘Crazy John's Nokia N95 - TV Ad - Australia2008’, published on the Tape Age YouTube channel on 11 September 2020, accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVldnzjQa7g. - ‘John Ilhan of Crazy Johns speaks with ReubenBuchanan’, published on the Action4Success YouTube channel on 29 July 2008, accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4kilaxxrII&t=134s. - ‘Proud locals defend reputation of infamousAussie neighbourhood | A Current Affair’ published on the A Current Affair YouTube channel on 4 February 2023, accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbCxn9-UQfc&t=44s. Music: - ‘Sad Documentary Sorrowful Music’ by HitsLab,published on the Pixabay platform, accessed via: https://pixabay.com/music/tragedy-sad-documentary-sorrowful-music-342263/. - ‘Traditional Turkish Music.’ published on the JammK Gonzo YouTube channel on 4 August 2013, accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1lR4Mlu9OI&list=RDs1lR4Mlu9OI&start_radio=1. Photograph: - Australian Broadcasting Corporation article, “Tributes flow for 'Crazy John', published 24 October 2007, accessed via: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-10-24/tributes-flow-for-crazy-john/707576. As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation thatthey represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    6 min

  4. 08/12/2025

    #28 | The Last Shoemaker – Wadih Yacoub

    Summary: The episode of the Made in Migration explores the life and journey of Wadih Yacoub, a shoemaker who migrated from Tripoli (Lebanon) to Melbourne in 1974. It delves into his earlyexperiences with craftsmanship, the challenges he faced, and the legacy of shoemaking that he continues to uphold. The discussion highlights the importance of tradition, family, and the art of creating lasting products in a modern world. Keywords: Wadih Yacoub, Milad Yacoub, shoemaking, craftsmanship, legacy, Tripoli, Lebanon, Melbourne, family, tradition, art, leather, Brad Parkinson, Parigina Shoes Chapters: 00:00 - The Journey of Wadih Yacoub: From Tripoli to Melbourne 02:45 - Craftsmanship and Legacy: The Art of Shoemaking 05:16 - Tradition Meets Modernity: The Future of Shoemaking Acknowledgments: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to: Wadih Yacoub – Shoemaker Milad Yacoub – Wadih’s son Brad Parkinson of Paragina Shoes Jinan Ghazale – Editor Rima Mehanna – Interpreter Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio – English voice over for Wadih Distant Lands by Hanit Dixon (YouTube Audio) Prelude No. 19 by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/preludes/, Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ Beirut, Lebanon - Video by Hervé Piglowski, https://www.pexels.com/video/city-buildings-and-skyscrapers-4616324/ Melbourne CBD - Chris Macheras (@oldvintagemelbourne) on Instagram The Yacoub family for supplying their family photos And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this production should not be construed as legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this production, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this production are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings. © 2025 LawGration Pty Ltd (ABN: 91 671 047 984). All rights reserved

    9 min

  5. 24/11/2025

    #27 | Balancing Migration in Australia: Regional Needs, SIV, Partner Visas & the Future of Skilled Intake — with Peter Van Vliet (MIA CEO)

    Date of recording: 29/10/2025 Summary: In this episode, we discuss the intricate dynamics of Australia's migration system with Peter Van Vliet, CEO ofthe Migration Institute of Australia and former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs. With a wealth of experience in migration policy, Peter offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for migrants in Australia. Keywords: Peter van Vliet, Migration Institute of Australia, MIA, migration, partner program, skilled visas, economy, immigration reform Chapters: 02:04 — Peter’s migrant-family roots & the evolution of Australian society 05:51 — Why Australia’s migration program works: managed intakes, secure borders, public confidence 10:39 — Regions need migrants now: practical settings to attract/stay 17:14 — Significant Investor Visa: integrity vs competitiveness; NZ’s new draw 24:10 — State nominations cut & late allocations 28:24 — Permanent planning levels and partner visa backlog 32:54 — Partner visa reform and Net Overseas Migration (NOM) 34:48 — Temporary visa program and NOM: student settings, visa-hopping 36:42 — Skills assessment reform: potential billion-dollar benefit 38:40 — AI’s role in the practice of immigration law 40:39 — The one change: remove partners from the program caps Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Peter for so generouslyvolunteering his time, and for imparting his knowledge and insights! As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    43 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    #26 | From Surviving to Thriving: Nathaniel Diong on Migration, Mental Health, and Redefining Success for Gen Z

    Date of recording: 25/09/2025 Summary: In this inspiring episode, we sat down with Nathaniel Diong—Malaysia-born founder and CEO of Future Minds Network, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, and advocate for youth empowerment. Nathaniel shares the untold story behind his family’s migration to Australia, the cultural expectations that shaped his early years, and the personal battles he faced with mental health. He reveals how a single hackathon changed hislife’s trajectory, leading him to launch programs that have upskilled over 13,000 young people across Australia. Nathaniel discusses the challenges migrant and disabled youth face in education and employment, the importance of inclusive design, and why belonging is the key to unlockingpotential. He also explores the misconceptions about Gen Z in the workforce, the power of reverse mentoring, and his vision for the next decade of migration in Australia. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in migration, youth empowerment, and the future of work. Keywords: Nathaniel Diong, Future Minds Network, Gen Z Labs, migration stories Australia, migrant youth empowerment, mental health, inclusion, Gen Z workforce, social impact, youth entrepreneurship Chapters: 01:56 – Nathaniel’s Migration Story 03:58 – Navigating Cultural Expectations 05:47 – Entrepreneurship vs. Conformity 07:19 – Mental Health and Finding Hope 10:23 – The Birth of Future Minds Network 12:36 – Designing for Disability Inclusion 14:34 – Supporting Migrant Youth in Schools 20:11 – Scaling Impact: The Next Decade 22:20 – Regional Australia: Barriers and Breakthroughs 26:47 – Partnerships and Community Support 28:14 – Gen Z in the Workforce: Myths and Realities 31:51 – Scarcity Mindset and Career Choices 33:57 – Reverse Mentoring: Bridging Generations 35:29 – Recognition and Perception 37:41 – Advice for Migrant Youth 41:26 – The Next Decade of Migration in Australia Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nathaniel for so generously volunteering his time, and for imparting his knowledge and insights! As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    45 min

  7. 22/09/2025

    #25 | From Boat Refugee to Entrepreneur: Huy Truong's Journey

    Summary: In this episode, Huy Truong shares his inspiring journey from being a refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for migrant and refugee economic participation in Australia. He discusses the challenges faced during his journey to Australia, the importance of education and sports in his integration, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including the co-founding of Thrive Refugee Enterprise, which empowers refugees to start their own businesses. Huy also emphasises the need for policy changes to support migrant and refugee economic participation and offers advice to future generations of migrants and refugees. Keywords: Migration, refugees, entrepreneurship, Australia, economic participation, Thrive Refugee Enterprise, Huy Truong, resilience, social impact, migrant experience Chapters: 02:54 - The Refugee Experience: A Difficult Journey to Australia 05:48 - Settling in Australia: Early Challenges and Adaptation 09:06 - Education and Early Career Path 11:53 - Entrepreneurial Spirit: Influences and Early Ventures 14:59 - The Rise of Wishlist.com.au and Lessons Learned 17:52 - Thrive Refugee Enterprise: Empowering Refugees 20:47 - Policy Advocacy for Migrant and Refugee Economic Participation 23:53 - Advice for Future Generations of Migrants and Refugees Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Huy for so generously volunteering his time, and for imparting his knowledge and insights! As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of recording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construed as legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    44 min

  8. 08/09/2025

    #24 | The Impact of Post-Study Work Rights on Australia

    Summary: This episode features a discussion with Harshit Shah and Silvia Griselda from the E61 Institute, focusing on their latest report about the impact of temporary graduate visa reforms and post-study work rights on Australia's economy and society. The conversation delves into the importance of post-study work rights, the effects of COVID-19 on migration policies, the methodology used in their research, and theimplications of their findings for future migration policy. Keywords: Australian immigration, post-study work rights, temporary graduate visa, migration policy, labour market outcomes, COVID-19 impact, international students, economic contribution, migration research, E61 Institute Chapters: 01:39 - Understanding post-study work rights 05:50 - Impact of COVID-19 on migration policies 09:53 - Methodology of the report: natural experiment 13:50 - Analysing the effects of policy changes 19:47 - Findings on labour market outcomes 27:54 - Challenges in labour market integration 31:34 - The role of permanent residency in migration 37:38 - Implications for future migration policy 43:48 - Conclusion and future research directions Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Harshit and Silvia for so generously volunteering their time, and for imparting their knowledge and insights! As always, many thanks to our editor, Ryan Prestipino of Fallen Pine Studio, for his amazing work behind the scenes. And of course, thank you to our listeners, without which this podcast would simply not exist. If you have any feedback or suggestions, we would love to hear from you - call us on (03) 9063 2240 or visit www.lawgration.com.au. Disclaimer: This content is intended to be for general informational purposes only, and all content is current at the time of ecording and subject to change without prior notice. While LawGration is an Incorporated Legal Practice, we are not aware of your personal circumstances, needs or goals, and information contained in this post should not be construedas legal, immigration or other advice. Before acting on any information in this post, you should always query whether it is relevant to your circumstances and consult an Australian immigration lawyer or registered migration agent. The views and/or opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of LawGration, or any other organisation that they represent or are otherwise affiliated with. In the event that content is marked as ‘promotional’, unless expressly stated, LawGration does not in any way endorse any third party or their offerings.

    51 min
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About

Welcome to the Made in Migration podcast, brought to you by LawGration – the specialist law firm that helps individuals and organisations navigate the complex world of Australian immigration and citizenship law. Here, we’ll talk about all things to do with migrating to Australia. We’re going to learn, grow and be inspired together. Make sure you subscribe and let us be partners on your journey.

Information

  • Creator
    LawGration
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © LawGration
  • Show Website
    Made in Migration