OH4296-8: Interview with Kaylene Poon in 1994 by Yuan Fang Shen

Summary

Kaylene Poon discusses her family background; father was John Kee Fong born in Broome, mother Winifred Fong nee Quan Mane from Sydney; father ran a grocery store, Hop Hing & Co. Merchants, in Northbridge, from 1954 next to Chung Wah Association building; learned Cantonese and English as child; moved and attended Inglewood Primary School; father had Australian friends and very few Chinese families. Kaylene found out that she was different from other children only in school, older children started singling her out and called her names, discrimination at school, growing up in Northbridge, migrants, Chinese, Italians and Greeks, all spoke in native tongues, Kaylene did not find it strange to speak Chinese, father decided not to speak Chinese at home. Growing up, did not celebrate in particular Chinese festivals, occasions (Chinese New Year) but they had Chinese visitors, they would have a Chinese meal not she was not aware of the occasions ; influences of Chinese traditions and culture , father head of house, abide by what he said; did not approve of her Australian boyfriend, husband's family, moved from Melbourne, Sydney, to Mount Isa, Queensland and Perth had a catering business, Poon Brothers; traditional marriage, her mother-in-law was from China, she has superstitious beliefs and traditions, Kaylene was not allowed to go her parents' home until the third day, first day visited in-laws and serve them tea and they gave red packets (with money) ; bad luck for her to attend her older brother-in-law's wedding. Adhere to respect the elders, changing family roles - her children consider themselves to be Australians; she stopped work employment; and involvement with Chung Wah Association. This interview forms part of Chung Wah's project on Chinese Self Perceptions.