Let’s
celebrate
Cultural
Diversity
Week
12 to 20 March 2016
MORE
THAN
130
90
LANGUAGES
COUNTRIES
OF ORIGIN
90
FAITHS
ONE
HOBSONS BAY COMMUNITY
Message from the Mayor
Hobsons Bay is proud to be home to a large multicultural
community with over a third of residents born overseas.
At Hobsons Bay City Council we celebrate this cultural
richness. We make sure all our policies and actions give
everyone the same opportunities to participate fully in the
civic life of the city, regardless of their native language or
religious cultural background.
Cultural Diversity Week is celebrated in Victoria every year in March.
Hobsons Bay City Council invited a range of partners to host events to
promote harmony, inclusion and belonging for all. This brochure brings
you one week of fun and engaging cultural activities across Hobsons Bay
to encourage residents to come together, share aspects of their culture,
faith and language, and celebrate the benefits multiculturalism brings to
our municipality.
The program runs from 12 to 20 March 2016 and has something to offer
for everyone from cultural games, a multicultural market, food tasting,
performances, arts and craft, activities for children and a film screening.
The activities are free and many are kid-friendly. Come along, meet your
neighbours, talk about your culture, hear people’s stories and have fun.
I encourage you to read the inspiring stories we have included in this
booklet. They were developed as part of the Behind This Smile project to
promote the value of cultural diversity and to challenge cultural stereotypes.
I am proud that this project and other initiatives implemented by Hobsons
Bay City Council under the Racism. It Stops with Me campaign, saw
Council listed as a finalist in the national 2015 Human Rights Awards.
Cr Peter Hemphill
Mayor of Hobsons Bay
ARABIC
‫ﻣﻌﻠوﻣﺎت ﻋن اﻟﺑرﻧﺎﻣﺞ‬
‫ وﻗد دﻋﺎ ﻣﺟﻠس ﻣدﯾﻧﺔ ھوﺑﺳوﻧز ﺑﺎي‬.‫ﻣﺎرس‬/‫ﯾُﺣﺗﻔل ﺑﺄﺳﺑوع اﻟﺗﻧوع اﻟﺛﻘﺎﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﻓﯾﻛﺗورﯾﺎ ﻛل ﻋﺎم ﻓﻲ ﺷﮭر أذار‬
‫ ﯾﺟﻠب ﻟﻛم ھذا اﻟﻛﺗﯾب‬.‫ﻣﺟﻣوﻋﺔ ﻣن اﻟﺷرﻛﺎء ﻹﺳﺗﺿﺎﻓﺔ اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﯾﺎت ﻟﺗﻌزﯾز اﻹﻧﺳﺟﺎم واﻹﻧدﻣﺎج واﻹﻧﺗﻣﺎء ﻟﻠﺟﻣﯾﻊ‬
ً ‫أﺳﺑوﻋﺎ ً واﺣداً ﻣن اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﯾﺎت اﻟﻣﻣﺗﻌﺔ واﻟﺟذاﺑﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﯾﻊ أﻧﺣﺎء ھوﺑﺳوﻧز ﺑﺎي ﻟﺗﺷﺟﯾﻊ اﻟﺳﻛﺎن ﻟﻺﻟﺗﻘﺎء ﻣﻌﺎ‬
.‫واﻟﻣﺷﺎرﻛﺔ ﺑﺄوﺟﮫ ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺗﮭم واﻹﺣﺗﻔﺎل ﺑﺎﻟﻔواﺋد اﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺟﻠﺑﮭﺎ اﻟﺗﻌددﯾﺔ اﻟﺛﻘﺎﻓﯾﺔ اﻟﻰ ﺑﻠدﯾﺗﻧﺎ‬
‫ و ﻟدﯾﮫ ﻣﺎ ﯾﻘدﻣﮫ ﻟﻠﺟﻣﯾﻊ ﻣن اﻷﻟﻌﺎب اﻟﺛﻘﺎﻓﯾﺔ اﻟﺗرﻓﯾﮭﯾﺔ‬2016 ‫ﻣﺎرس‬/‫ أذار‬20 ‫إﻟﻰ‬12 ‫ﯾﺳﺗﻣر اﻟﺑرﻧﺎﻣﺞ ﻣن‬
‫ إذا ﻛﻧﺗم ﺑﺣﺎﺟﺔ إﻟﻰ ﻣﻌﻠوﻣﺎت ﺣول‬.‫ واﻟﻔﻧون واﻟﺣِرف واﻟﺳوق واﻷﻧﺷطﺔ ﻟﻸطﻔﺎل‬،‫ واﻟﻌروض‬،‫وﺗذوق اﻟطﻌﺎم‬
‫ – ﺣﯾث ﯾﻣﻛﻧﻛم‬9932 1212 ‫ ﯾُرﺟﻰ اﻻﺗﺻﺎل ﺑﺧط اﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﻟﮭوﺑﺳوﻧز ﺑﺎي ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟرﻗم‬،‫اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﯾﺎت ﻓﻲ ﻟﻐﺗﻛم‬
.‫اﻟرﺑط ﺑﻣﺗرﺟم واﻟﺗﺣدث إﻟﻰ ﻣوظف ﺧدﻣﺔ اﻟﻌﻣﻼء ﻓﻲ ﻟﻐﺗﻛم‬
3
countries
of origin
ITALIAN
Informazioni sul programma
La Settimana per la diversità culturale si celebra nel Victoria ogni anno a marzo. Il
Comune di Hobsons Bay ha invitato una serie di partner ad ospitare eventi per
promuovere l’armonia, l’inclusione e l’appartenenza per tutti. Questo opuscolo vi
presenta una settimana di divertimento ed eventi interessanti in tutto Hobsons Bay
per incoraggiare i residenti a unirsi, condividere aspetti della loro cultura e celebrare
i benefici che il multiculturalismo apporta al nostro Comune.
Il programma va dal 12 al 20 marzo 2016 ed ha qualcosa da offrire a tutti dai
divertenti giochi culturali, alla degustazione di cibi, le esibizioni, le arti e l’artigianato, il mercato e le attività per i bambini. Se avete bisogno di informazioni sugli eventi
nella vostra lingua, chiamate la Hobsons Bay Language Line al numero 9932 1212 –
potete mettervi in contatto con un interprete e parlare con il nostro Addetto al
servizio clienti (Customer Service Officer) nella vostra lingua.
VIETNAMESE
130
Thông tin về chương trình
Tuần lễ Văn hoá Đa nguyên đưọc tổ chức tại tiểu bang Victoria vào tháng Ba hằng
năm. Hội đồng Thành phố Hobsons Bay có mời nhiều đối tác đứng ra tổ chức sự
kiện này để cổ suý cho sự hài hòa, bao gồm và thuộc về của tất cả mọi người. Tập
sách nhỏ này sẽ trình bày cùng quý vị một tuần lễ đầy các sự kiện vui nhộn và hấp
dẫn trên toàn khắp thành phố Hobson Bay để khuyến khích mọi người đến với
nhau, chia sẻ các lãnh vực về văn hoá của quốc gia họ và chào mừng những lợi ích
mà chính sách đa văn hóa đã mang đến cho thành phố chúng ta.
Chương trình kéo dài từ ngày 12 đến 20 tháng Ba năm 2016 và có nhiều thứ dành
cho mọi người từ các trò chơi văn hoá vui nhộn, nếm thức ăn, các buổi trình diễn,
nghệ thuật và thủ công và các sinh hoạt cho trẻ em. Nếu quý vị cần thêm thông tin
về các sự kiện bằng ngôn ngữ của mình, xin gọi cho Đường dây Đa ngữ của Thành
phố Hobsons qua số 9932 1212 - quý vị có thể nối đường dây với một thông dịch
viên để nói chuyện với Nhân viên Phục vụ Khách hàng của chúng tôi bằng ngôn ngữ
của quý vị.
SIMPLIFIED CHINESE
4
KAREN
5
Πληροφορίες προγράμματος
Hobsons Bay community
GREEK
ONE
90
LANGUAGES
FAITHS
90
KAREN
Η εβδομάδα Πολιτισμικής Πολυμορφία γιορτάζεται στη Βικτώρια κάθε χρόνο τον
Μάρτιο. Ο Δήμος Hobsons Bay κάλεσε μια σειρά συνεργατών για να
παρουσιάσουν τις εκδηλώσεις και να προωθήσουν την αρμονία, τη συμμετοχή και
του αισθήματος του ανήκειν για όλους. Αυτό το φυλλάδιο σας δίνει μια εβδομάδα
διασκέδασης και ανάμιξης σε πολιτισμικές δραστηριότητες σε όλη τη δημαρχία του
Hobsons Bay για να ενθαρρύνει τους δημότες να συναντηθούν και να μοιραστούν
πτυχές του πολιτισμού τους, της πίστης τους και της γλώσσας τους, και να
γιορτάσουν τα ευεργετήματα που φέρει ο πολυπολιτισμός στη δημαρχία μας.
Το πρόγραμμα διαρκεί από τις 12 μέχρι τις 20 Μαρτίου και έχει να προσφέρει κάτι
σε όλους από διασκεδαστικά παιχνίδια πολιτισμού, γεύσεις φαγητών, χορό, τέχνες
και χειροτεχνία, αγορά, αφήγηση ιστοριών, δραστηριότητες για παιδιά, βήμα για
την κοινότητα και παρουσίαση ταινιών. Αν χρειάζεστε πληροφορίες για τις
δραστηριότητες στη γλώσσα σας, σας παρακαλούμε καλέστε την Hobsons Bay
Language Line στο 9932 1212 - μπορείτε να συνδεθείτε με διερμηνέα και να
μιλήσετε στον Αρμόδιο Υπηρεσίας Πελατών στη γλώσσα σας.
MACEDONIAN
Информации за програма
Неделата на културна разноличност (Cultural Diversity Week) се прославува во
Викторија секоја година во март. Општината Хобсонс Беј повика низа партнери
да бидат домаќини на настани кои ја промовираат хармонијата, вклученоста и
припаѓањето за сите. Оваа брошура ви ја претставува таа една недела на
забава и привлечни настани ширум Хобсонс Беј, за жителите да се поттикнат
да се соберат заедно, да ги споделат аспектите на нивните култури и да ги
прослават придобивките кои мултикултурализмот ги дава во нашата општина.
Програмата трае од 12 до 20 март 2016 година и има да понуди понешто за
секој – од забавни културни игри, пробување храна, претстави, уметност и
ракотворби, пазар и активности за деца. Ако ви требаат информации на
македонски јазик, ве молиме јавете се на Повеќејазичната линија на Хобсонс
Беј на телефон 9932 1212 – ќе добиете врска со преведувач и ќе можете да
разговарате на македонски со наш претставник од Службата за корисници.
Calendar of events
DATE
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
Zumba dance class
Laverton Community Hub
10am to 1pm
Art sauce for kids
Woods Street Arts Space,
Laverton
10.30am
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Italian/English
Bi-lingual story times
Williamstown Library
Saturday 9am to 10am
12 March
D
Altona
CELLEMeadows
EVENT CANCommunity
Centre
Sunday 10am to 12pm
13 March
Culture click
Tuesday 10am to 1pm
15 March
Cultural games fun day
Laverton Community Hub
10.30am
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Greek/English
Bi-lingual story times
Altona North
Community Library
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Cultural performance
night
Walker Close Community
Centre, Altona North
Newport Lakes native
plant walk and talk
Newport Lakes, Newport
10.30am
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Mandarin/English
Bi-lingual story times
Altona Meadows Library
and Learning Centre
11am to 2pm
Women of cultures
Newport Scouts Hall
Harmony breakfast
meet and greet
Seabrook Community
Centre
Wednesday 10am to 12pm
16 March
Thursday 8.30am to 11.30am
17 March
10am to 12pm
Splash and chat art group Laverton Community Hub
10am to 12.30pm
Multicultural playgroup
celebration ‘Bring a
Plate, Mate’
St Martin de Porres
Primary School, Laverton
6
DATE
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Polish/English
Bi-lingual story times
Altona Library
7pm to 8pm
The Eyeball End:
“A punk rock travel book”
Williamstown Library
7pm to 8.30pm
Colourfest film screening
Williamstown
Mechanics Institute
Friday 9.30am to 10.30am
18 March
Tai Chi for everyone
Laverton Community Hub
9.30am
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Arabic/English
Bi-lingual story times
Newport Library
at The Substation
10am to 12pm
New beginnings
Spotswood Community
House
10.30am to 12pm
Line dancing
Laverton Community Hub
12pm to 1.30pm
My food, my story
Laverton Community Hub
Saturday 10am to 4pm
19 March
Weaving our
community together
Louis Joel Arts and
Community Centre, Altona
3pm to 10pm
Pop up multicultural
market
Laverton Community Hub
10.30am
Let’s celebrate ME,
YOU and US with
Italian/English
Bi-lingual story times
Williamstown Library
Afternoon tea with
desserts from around
the world
Louis Joel Arts and
Community Centre, Altona
Thursday 10.30am
17 March
Sunday 2.30pm to 4pm
20 March
7
LAVERTON NORTH
BROO
Event locations
W
Comm
y
wa
es
nc
Alt
Commun
St Martin de Porres
Primary School
LAVERTON
Woods Street
Arts Space
Princes
Freewa
y
Pri
h
Hig
Civic Pde
Laverton
Community Hub
Victoria St
ALTONA
SEABROOK
Merton St
Altona Meadows
Library
Altona Library
Louis Joel Arts and
Community Centre
Altona Meadows
Community Centre
ALTONA MEADOWS
Seabrook Community Centre
t Martin de Porres, Primary School
S
13-25 Bellin Street, Laverton
Woods Street Arts Space
44 Woods Street, Laverton
Laverton Community Hub
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Altona Meadows Library
2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows
Altona Meadows Community Centre
28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona Meadows
eabrook Community Centre
S
14 Truganina Avenue, Seabrook
Altona Library
123 Queen Street, Altona
Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre
5 Sargood Street, Altona
Walker Close Community Centre
180 Millers Road, Altona North
8
OKLYN
Westgate Freeway M1
ALTONA NORTH
SOUTH KINGSVILLE
Blackshaw
s Rd
McArthurs
Spotswood
Community House
Rd
Newport Lakes
Mason St
NEWPORT
Newport Scout Hall
ket
Maddox Rd
Millers Rd
tona North
nity Library
Melbourne Rd
Walker Close
munity Centre
Mar
St
The Substation
Kororoit Cree
k Rd
Williamstown
Mechanics Institute
Williamstown
Library
Cole
SEAHOLME
St
WILLIAMSTOWN
ltona North Community Library
A
Corner Millers and McArthurs Roads,
Altona North
Newport Lakes
Enter via Margaret Street off Mason Street,
Newport
Spotswood Community House
598 Melbourne Road, Spotswood
9
ewport Scout Hall
N
Market Street, Newport
The Substation
1 Market Street, Newport
Williamstown Library
104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown
Williamstown Mechanics Institute
5 Electra Street, Williamstown
ALTONA
Let’s celebrate ME, YOU
Weaving our
and US with Polish/English community together
Bi-lingual story times
Saturday 19 March, 10am to 4pm
Thursday 3, 10, 17 and 24 March, 10.30am
Altona Library
123 Queen Street, Altona
Celebrate a month of cultural diversity
with Polish/English bi-lingual story times.
Enjoy stories, songs and a craft activity.
Cost: FREE
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to the
library website http://libraries.hobsonsbay.
vic.gov.au/
Street parking available at Library
Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre
5 Sargood Street, Altona
A program of weaving demonstrations,
information sessions and hands on
workshops – detailed program on
www.ljac.com.au
Cost: FREE
To book and for more information
call 9398 2511
Some car parking is available next door
to Louis Joel Centre
10
ALTONA MEADOWS
Afternoon tea with
desserts from around
the world
Sunday 20 March, 2.30pm to 4pm
Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre
5 Sargood Street, Altona
Join us for an afternoon tea of desserts
from around the world. Bring a plate of
sweets from your cultural background to
share and we will provide the entertainment,
tea and coffee.
Cost: FREE
To book and for more information
call 9398 2511
Some car parking is available next door
to Louis Joel Centre
11
Culture click
EVENT
CANCELLED
Sunday 13 March, 10am to 12pm
Altona Meadows Community Centre
28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona Meadows
A morning of music, dance, food and
entertainment from people of all cultures that
make up our wonderful diverse community.
Bring along a plate of your favourite traditional
treats to share and celebrate our cultural
diversity. Come along in your national
dress and let other communities learn and
experience your country’s culture. Fun for
the whole family. Everyone is welcome.
Cost: FREE
No bookings required
Onsite parking is available at the Altona
Meadows Community Centre
ALTONA MEADOWS ALTONA NORTH
Let’s celebrate ME, YOU
and US with Mandarin/
English Bi-lingual story
times
Let’s celebrate ME, YOU
and US with Greek/English
Bi-lingual story times
Wednesday 2, 9, 16 and 23 March,
10.30am
Altona North Community Library
Corner Millers and McArthurs Roads,
Altona North
Altona Meadows Library
and Learning Centre
2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows
Celebrate a month of cultural diversity
with Mandarin/English bi-lingual story times.
Enjoy stories, songs and a craft activity.
Cost: FREE
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to website
http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
Tuesday 1, 8, 15 and 22 March, 10.30am
Celebrate a month of Cultural Diversity with
Greek/English bi-lingual story times. Enjoy
stories, songs and a craft activity.
Cost: FREE
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to website
http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
Limited off-street parking available at Library
Off-street parking available in Central Square
Shopping Centre
12
LAVERTON
Cultural performance night Zumba dance class
Tuesday 15 March, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday 12 March, 9am to 10am
Walker Close Community Centre
180 Millers Road, Altona North
Laverton Community Hub,
95 – 105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
A number of local cultural groups will come
together to show their talents, share their
culture and perform their traditional dances.
Come, enjoy, meet your neighbours and
celebrate our diverse communities.
Party yourself into shape and meet your
neighbours. Working out has never been
so much fun. Zumba is an exhilarating fitness
class loaded with red-hot dance steps,
pulsating Latin rhythms and easy to follow
routines. Open to everyone, all fitness levels
and abilities are welcome. Just bring your
smile and a fun attitude.
Cost: FREE
To book email admin@walkerbrooklyn.
com.au or phone 9318 0521
Cost: FREE for Cultural Diversity Week
To book call 8368 0100 or email:
lavertoncommunityhub@hobsonsbay.vic.
gov.au
13
LAVERTON
Cultural games fun day
Splash and chat art group
Tuesday 15 March, 10am to 1pm
Thursday 17 March, 10am to 12pm
Laverton Community Hub
95 – 105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Laverton Community Hub, Art Room
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Hobsons Bay Settlement Network invites
you to a day packed with fun games from
around the world and an opportunity to make
new friends. Come, have fun and meet new
people over lunch.
Join the GLBT Disability Support Group for
a get together, art and craft activities and to
celebrate diversity.
Cost: FREE
Contact: 8368 0100
Cost: FREE
No bookings required
Contact: 8368 0133
14
Art Sauce for kids
Saturday 12 March, 10am to 1pm
Woods Street Arts Space
44 Woods Street, Laverton
Join Little Art Big Art at Woods Street Arts
Space for one of our popular Art Sauce for
kids sessions. Children and families will be
encouraged to get creative during this fun art
and craft workshop. Particularly suitable for
families with children aged 0 to 12 years.
Cost: FREE
Bookings via www.ticketebo.com.au/
woods-street-arts-space
Street parking is available
15
Multicultural playgroup
celebration – ‘Bring a
Plate, Mate’
Thursday 17 March, 10am to 12.30am
St Martin de Porres Primary School
13-25 Bellin Street, Laverton
Come and celebrate Cultural Diversity
Week with the Hobsons Bay Multicultural
Playgroups. Bring a dish to share and join in
the fun: singing, dancing and fun activities for
children. All welcome.
Cost: FREE
No bookings required
Car parking entrance via Pearce Street
Laverton, School Gate 1
LAVERTON
Tai Chi for everyone
Line dancing
Friday 18 March 9.30am to 10.30am
Friday 18 March, 10.30am to 12pm
Laverton Community Hub, Function Room
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Laverton Community Hub, Function Room
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Tai Chi is the perfect blend of mind and body
exercise. Known for its slow and gentle
movements, Tai Chi is great in promoting
health, improving concentration, mental
alertness and overall well being. All levels
and abilities welcome.
Would you like to get fit and have fun at the
same time? Come and learn line dancing
at Laverton Community Hub. Line dancing
steps are easy to learn and is suitable for all
ages and all levels. No experience required.
Cost: FREE for Cultural Diversity Week
Contact 8368 0100 or email
lavertoncommunityhub@hobsonsbay.
vic.gov.au
Cost: FREE for Cultural Diversity Week
Contact 8368 0100 or email
lavertoncommunityhub@hobsonsbay.vic.
gov.au
16
My food, my story
Friday 18 March, 12pm to 1.30pm
Laverton Community Hub
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
The Laverton Community Education Centre
invites you to a cultural food appreciation
lunch. Students will cook and bring along a
dish that is special to them. The story behind
each dish will be told to attendees through
written place cards and conversations
with the cook. The aim is to bring together
participants and share unique stories from
all walks of life through food.
Cost: FREE
Parking is available within the Hub Precinct
or in Crown Street and Railway Avenue
Contact: 9369 2726
17
Pop up multicultural
market
Saturday 19 March, 3pm to 10pm
Laverton Community Hub,
95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Come and celebrate Cultural Diversity Week
by visiting the famous pop up multicultural
market at Laverton Community Hub. The
variety of delicious food will surely tantalise
your tastebuds. Arts and crafts stalls are
also available. Music and entertainment
for all family.
Cost: FREE
Contact Rio 0401 819 487 or email
riomarten1@gmail.com
NEWPORT
Newport Lakes native
plant walk and talk
Wednesday 16 March, 10am to 12pm
Newport Lakes, Lake Street, Newport
Let’s celebrate ME, YOU
and US with Arabic/
English Bi-lingual story
times
Friday 4, 11 and 18 March, 9.30am
Join the Hobsons Bay City Council’s
Conservation Ranger for a walk and talk
around Newport Lakes and learn all about
Australian native plants and find out what is
best to grow in your backyard. Followed by
a visit to Newport Lakes Native Nursery.
Newport Library at the Substation
1 Market Street, Newport
Children very welcome, walk is accessible
for prams, but will involve going over uneven
sloping ground.
Cost: FREE
Meeting point is the main noticeboard in the
car park. Enter from Lakes Drive, which runs
off Mason Street.
Celebrate a month of cultural diversity with
Arabic/English bi-lingual story times.
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to website
http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
Street parking available
Cost: FREE
To book, email ranger@hobsosnbay.vic.
gov.au or phone 9932 1000
18
SEABROOK
Women of cultures
Wednesday 16 March, 11am to 2pm
Newport Scout Hall
Market Street, Newport
Come join us for our cultural luncheon
celebrating female leaders within our
community. We will be acknowledging
women’s cultural identities, customs and
beliefs by hearing and embracing their
different experiences within our communities.
We will have Maori/Islander, Japanese,
Chinese and African cultural groups exhibiting
traditional dishes, performances and
speeches. We hope to see you there!
Cost: FREE
To book call 9391 8504 or email
outlets@outletsco-op.com.au
The Scout hall is walking distance from
Newport Train Station
Free public parking is accessible
via Market St across from the Scout Hall
and on Derwent Street, Newport
19
Harmony breakfast
meet and greet
Thursday 17 March, 8.30am to 11.30am
Seabrook Community Centre
15 Truganina Avenue, Seabrook
Join us in the centre for breakfast anytime
throughout the morning to meet new friends
and chat about your family origins. If you
have moved to Australia we would love to
hear about your journey.
Seabrook playgroup and kindergarten
children will dress in orange to celebrate
Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week
in the centre.
Cost: FREE
To book phone Marg on 9932 3010
Onsite parking available
SPOTSWOOD
New beginnings
Friday 18 March, 10am to 12pm
Spotswood Community House
598 Melbourne Road, Spotswood
Join us for a multicultural brunch prepared
by a group of asylum seekers and refugees
learning English at Spotswood Community
House. The students will also wear traditional
clothing for the occasion. Come, enjoy the
food and meet us.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Let’s celebrate ME, YOU
and US with Italian/English
Bi-lingual story times
Saturday 5, 12 and 19 March, 10.30am
Williamstown Library
104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown
Celebrate a month of cultural diversity with
Italian/English bi-lingual story times. Enjoy
stories, songs and craft activity.
Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE
To book email admin@wcec.com.au or
phone 9397 6168
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to website
http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
Street parking available in McLister Street,
Spotswood
20
The Eyeball End:
“A punk rock travel book”
Colourfest film screening
Thursday 17 March, 7pm to 8pm
Williamstown Mechanics Institute
5 Electra Street, Williamstown
Williamstown Library
104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown
Beginning with an acid-fuelled night in the
Kimberley, the first decade of the 21st
century sees Ali MC travelling the globe
in an attempt to understand the forgotten
corners of the world.
The Eyeball End is a book which steps away
from the safety net of well-worn travel guides,
taking the reader on a unique and challenging
journey into the human condition.
Join author Ali MC (Alister McKeich) in
conversation with Sudanese born poet
and author Abe Nouk.
Cost: FREE
To book call 1300 462 542 or go to website
http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/
Thursday 17 March, 7pm to 8.30pm
Hobsons Bay City Council invites everyone
to Colourfest short films screening. Colourfest
is Australia’s multicultural film festival focusing
exclusively on culturally diverse Australian
stories. Colourfest was conceived as a
response to the lack of cultural diversity on
Australian screens. Portrayal of Culturally
and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australians
is littered with stereotypes and is generally
skewed towards negative representations.
Colourfest challenges such negative
portrayals, and showcases a more authentic
and inclusive image of Australians as a
nation of diverse faces.
The total screening time is 60 minutes
and the films are rated G to PG.
Cost: FREE
To book call 9932 2001 or email
arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
21
Behind this smile
Many
faces
one
comm
unity
The Behind This Smile project was developed in 2015 as part
of the Racism. It Stops with Me campaign to promote
the value of cultural diversity in Hobsons Bay and
to challenge cultural stereotypes.
Local residents from diverse backgrounds shared their stories and portraits.
The project gave local residents a voice and started a positive conversation
about the impacts of racism on individuals and ways to break down barriers
between people - with conversation, dialogue, a smile, getting to know each
other and making all people feel valued and accepted.
Behind this smile images were created by the artist Wendy Murray and are
displayed at the following locations: Altona Library, Altona Meadows Library
and Learning Centre, Altona North Community Library, Williamstown Library
and Laverton Community Hub.
We thank the participants for their ongoing contributions.
Enjoy their inspiring stories.
Behind this smile
I want to enjoy life where
cultures come together.
Akon
When I came to Australia 16 years ago, it was different, there wasn’t any help, and
there is help now. Being new in this country we all want to learn. We want to come
here and get a new life, we want to bring our own culture as well, and we want to
enjoy a life where the two cultures come together. We have to mix it up to learn
and grow. The young ones come here now and they go straight to school, but
the elderly come like I did, with no language, no English, and it is very hard in our
community. We try to change ourselves to fit in and the biggest part of that change
is the need to learn. The young ones can learn fast because they are in school,
but the older ones find it difficult. It is hard to change.
You have to think of racism as the need to learn, to know the right way. When
we are close to each other, living in the same country, the same state, same
suburb, same street, same village, we have to get to know each other. We are
the new tribe here, you are in your tribe and we have to come together. I try to help
our people learn the right way. I tell them we have to follow the ruling country; we
have to learn to know them. If we learn, then later we will improve. There are a lot
of things we don’t know, but we can learn. I have to look at you and I have to know
which way you are showing me; if you are showing me the right way then I can
follow and learn. We have to learn the right way. If we follow the right way, we will
get the benefit; we will all get the benefit. I love to follow people that do the right
thing, that know the right way.
24
Behind this smile
the more I speak out
the more I am healing
that wound.
Darleen
People say “don’t get upset, they’re not being racist at you,” they think they have
learnt what racism is, but that’s not how it works; there are so many cultures in the
21st Century, but I am offended because they‘re attacking my culture. It’s not just
about me, it’s bigger than me.
People don’t understand, even when they are in the middle of it, the feeling, the
trauma it causes. People call you half-caste, it was always about how much
Aboriginal blood runs through your veins, but now it’s not about that, you either
identify as an Aboriginal or not; this means a lot for people, my daughter says,
‘just because I identify, it doesn’t mean I don’t love my white father.”
I have a wonderful husband, a white Australian who married me in the ‘70’s. My
husband often comments about things someone says and tries to help me, but I’ve
had it all my life. It was always bugging me, I would get upset, but I realised there
were things in me that were hurting and robbing me of my peace. I decided I don’t
have to be like that anymore. The words, the rejection, the name calling, nasty
things that happened, deeply embedded in me; the shame and all of that, those
things don’t have to rob me of my dignity.
I have an inner peace now, I spoke out, and I don’t have to be ashamed anymore.
The more I speak out, the more I am healing that wound. I don’t want anyone to
ever endure that shame and I believe it heals with others; it’s always about others
and what you can do for others. I wasn’t prepared for life, but there doesn’t have
to be that horrible thing racism. I wish we could not see any difference, and look at
life through the eyes of a child. We lose that innocence and acceptance of others.
We begin with good, and we should grow with good. It’s about breaking down
those barriers, but I couldn’t do any of it, unless I pulled them down in my own life.
One thing leads to another, everything is connected and I have learnt that it’s ok to
different, but I’d like to be treated the same. You can’t change who you are.
25
Behind this smile
I want society to see me
from the inside, see my
achievements and values.
Fatima
Raised in a Muslim family, I was brought up with the basic, fundamental principles
and values that Islam infuses. I was taught to pray, fast, be kind-hearted, generous,
not to cheat, lie or speak rudely. I wish that others could see that what
I was taught through my faith are the same basic universal values we all share.
I attended a P-12 school where I was one out of two students who wore a
headscarf. I didn’t feel embarrassed though, but rather with every stare and
whisper towards me, I felt more confident. While anti-Islamic events unfolded
around me did create much anger and frustration towards me, as a Muslim
woman, and my faith; the truth is, my headscarf also brought me confidence,
liberation, empowerment and peace.
My approach was and still is to simply share a smile with all, especially those
who seem a little uneasy around me. That’s just me. Even when I smile at
someone frowning at me, you would be surprised at their reaction!!I guess it
was my confidence and constant smiling that allowed my peers and others to
be comfortable around me. I have always had a diverse range of friends without
needing to compromise who I was. For me, nothing else mattered and I am glad I
was able to develop this at a young age. I remember something that happened in
Year 11 in one of my Chemistry classes. There was a boy named Johnny and he
came up to me and said, “you know you’re pretty cool Fatima, when I first met you
I was scared of you, but I’m not now.”
I can understand how fear is instilled in some people particularly with the constant
media bashing of Islam. People are scared because they don’t know me. They don’t
know why I hold onto my faith so tightly, and because they do not know, their fear
grows, which naturally leads to bigotry and racism. I am tired of constantly feeling the
need to justify myself and my faith. I want society to see me from the inside, see my
achievements, my values; I don’t want be judged for what’s covering my hair.
We live in Australia and should pride ourselves with the diversity and
multiculturalism that exists on our shores. I love the fact that I have friends from so
many cultures, with different beliefs and different ways; just like fruit salad. We were
all created on this earth by One Creator, as brothers and sisters of humanity, so
why put up barriers?
26
Behind this smile
I know how difficult it
is when you are new
to a country.
Having said that, I am grateful for each and every experience, regardless of it
being good or bad, as I have learnt many valuable lessons from the worst of
circumstances. Every setback and challenge has opened up doors for me and
taught me more about myself, my faith and further reaffirmed what I stood for. Any
moment can offer you a wealth of opportunities and growth no matter how weak
you think you are. You just need to seize and enjoy the moment before it passes.
Bridget
I am an overseas qualified Doctor, but after I came to Australia, I realised that
I need to improve my English so I chose to study a Diploma of Nursing. During
my study the policy changed and people with English as a second language
must take an Occupational English Test in order to register. My goal is still to work
in the health sector, but there are some barriers for people like me. I only failed the
speaking portion of the exam because of my accent. We move different muscles
in our mouths; we don’t have certain vowels or pronounce like you. We can come
close, but we will always have an accent, just like you. We all come here with
education and knowledge to share, we deserve equal opportunity. There needs
to be more understanding of different cultures and the value of all human life;
the contributions we can make.
I believe that every small effort you make today, affects tomorrow’s outcomes.
If you drop water on a rock, persistent with time, the drops can cut through
the stone.
It is very difficult when you are new to a country, courage is needed to continue,
and support, strong support and understanding. The encouragement to think
positively about your situation can affect your heart; it can give you the strength
to overcome the barriers. Persistence and courage can get you through the
toughest times. But you need to know that some words can destroy it easily;
human sensitivity, even a small action or facial expression can hurt deeply when
someone is facing challenges in their life. We are made of flesh not iron. We are
all Australians; everyone wants to feel valued, recognised and accepted. We
should always appreciate life, be thankful, enjoy and share life with all cultures.
To give love, is a very common human nature.
27
Behind this smile
my life is here,
my heart is here and
I love this country.
Mohamed
I came to Australia in 1968. I was 22 years old. I came from a place called Mech
Mech in Lebanon. I came to live in Newport. Most people from Mech Mech came
to live in Newport. I arrived with no English. I did not have a car until 1973. Most
of us used a taxi driver from Lebanon to get around because he could speak our
language. He used to take us to Victoria Market every weekend. We were happy
because we had money in our pocket. We had jobs. We came here and we had
jobs straight away. We worked here, in Newport. Many of us worked at Bradmill
Textiles and after a few years we would go to Dunlop in Port Melbourne. We all
went to the same factory so we had someone to talk to. After a few years our
English would improve enough for us to move from factories and start our own
businesses and that is what we did.
Some things shape racism but in the whole world this is the same. I look at the
good Australian and I look at the young boys, our young boys, they are only
beautiful people, family people, good people, good for school, good for the
neighbour, good for life, they don’t make trouble because they are looking to build
their life, with business, with hard work. I am in Australia now for 46 years, this is
my country. My mother came here in 1985. She died in 2000; by the time she died
she had 55 grandchildren all living in the Western Suburbs. I wish Australians would
have more kids to save the country. We need to wake up to building the country.
I have more family here than in Lebanon and after all this you tell me I’m not
Australian. I’m pure Australian, our future, our life, everything is here.
My people, we came here, we built this country. I’m working hard. Working all
our lives, to be good for this country, we don’t know our country, we fight for this
country. If someone comes here to fight, we fight for here. I’m a good Australian.
I have done nothing wrong for this country. Everyone has the same story. This is
my best country in the world. I have to say from my heart. I love this country.
Thank you for Australia.
28
Behind this smile
we need to keep our
identity but not by rejecting
other cultures.
Rebecca
When I think of Racism, I think of a traditional Maori song called, ‘I Sit and Ponder’.
I think of this song when I think of what is going to become of our youth. The song
is a lament, asking who is going to look after our young ones and our elderly. These
are the things that are very important to me. I take the elderly to learn songs from
way back. The elderly suffer a lot because they won’t relinquish their language. I
take the elderly places; the main purpose is to make it easier for them to integrate
with the many different cultural groups here in Hobsons Bay. With the young
ones, they are suffering too; there is a loss of identity. We have been here for 5
generations, many of us have been here since the gold rush days and there have
been many marriages with the Chinese from those days, but we were brought up
to believe we are Australian. I would say many of the youth today only know a small
part of our culture, they know the All Blacks and the HAKA but that’s a small part
of our culture.
Our culture has its own tradition; traditional Maori thinking sent down from the
heavens, it’s all about the good and the gracious. This is our identity and it is what
is missing when we lose our culture, it is all connected, it’s about oneness with
all people, with life, with the universe. We need to integrate without depriving our
people of our culture. Our identity needs to be kept, but not by rejecting other
cultures. It is how we practice our faith, we start with our Christian service and
then we do our own traditional service. We bring traditional instruments and the
Elders come and we all come together. We feel the greatest pride in words, songs,
language, cultural dancing, music and sports, especially the youth, so keeping this
culture and teaching it, will make us strong. I have a passion for multi-faith work;
it is my ‘Whakaaro’, my innermost thought, my gift, my understanding, and my
intention. Everything comes back to my first thought, when I sit and ponder; unless
we understand ourselves, there is no way to understand anyone else. This is how
to cope with the challenges of tomorrow.
29
Behind this smile
we all want
to belong.
Pargat and
Lovepreet
I think the main type of racism is when you are made to feel inferior because you
were not born here. When you are not born here, people don’t really know or
understand your culture.
Our community is suffering on a wide scale from this type of racism. Our whole
community is suffering because the majority of people don’t know anything about
Sikhism. They see the turban and they don’t know what it is. They think it’s wrong
and it’s not normal. There is nothing wrong with wearing a turban. It‘s something
natural to us, because our people have been wearing the turban for centuries.
We don’t want to wear the turban anymore because we get bullied. I don’t wear
it anymore. I stopped wearing the turban at school so that I could have friends. I
had no friends but when I stopped wearing the turban, I had friends. Don’t get me
wrong, I am happy to have friends, but I always wanted my culture and my religion
as well. I remember when I came home from school and asked my mother and
father if I could stop wearing the turban and cut my hair. My father said that was
the saddest day in his life.
No one wants to forget their religion or their culture. Religion is a choice, but culture
is a must. You inherit that. I want to protect the next generation from the suffering
I’ve had to endure. When you bully someone at school, you might be preventing
the bright future of the nation from even going to school. I am lucky because my
experience enabled me to see how important it is to share your culture and to let
others know who you are. That’s why I am doing this, because I want you to
know who we are. I think all the problems will be solved if we can just get to
know each other.
We are Sikh. Sikhism is a warrior religion used to protect people from attack, not
for aggression, but for protection, for helping others. We are the friend, the strong
person, always doing for others, for the community; we protect the one who can’t
protect himself. Every morning and every night we pray for everyone, for all people.
We see no difference in race, religion, or gender; we are all the same.
30
Behind this smile
I believe one way to
break down barriers
is to start a conversation.
Our Golden Temple is in the shape of a square, with one door each side of the
square, each door is meant to welcome a different religion, so that all religions are
welcome to enter. We don’t say come and be who we are; the most important
part of being who we are means accepting all, but so often we hear people
say you weren’t born here, you don’t belong. This is very hurtful to us, because
everything we believe in is about all people belonging. Our roots are strong, and
we only ask to be treated as normal, as we would treat you. It is the nature of our
inheritance, our culture, our religion, to be accepting of others.
Oussama
I don’t tolerate racism at all. I believe we can be one. I believe one way to
break down barriers that can stand between religion and culture is to start a
conversation. Everything I do is one big conversation. Your stories, your emotions,
thoughts and feelings may differ, but we are all still human, all living together
under the same banner of humanity.
I try to make everyone’s day, smile and laugh. I believe it goes a long way in
making a difference in people’s lives. Smiling is contagious. It’s a good thing to
keep smiling, smiling, smiling; make someone’s day and you just might top them
from having bad thoughts for you, you might make a positive difference in their
lives. It’s just a little thing you can do.
We should be looking out for one another. I love the quote from Mohamed
Ali “the service you do to others is the rent you pay here on earth.” I believe
one thing can link to another in a positive way. Our good actions will get good
results. The negative stigmas are something that can be overcome with dialogue;
conversation can get a point across. I want to be me; that’s all, just like you want
to be you, we are all the same. We are all connected. So let’s start with a smile
and a conversation, let’s care about each other, let’s ask ourselves what we can
do to make life better for all of us.”
31
Behind this smile
I didn’t choose to be
a refugee. Australia is
now my home.
Paw
I believe we need to be prepared and emotionally strong when it comes to
racism. It doesn’t matter how many qualifications you have, it will make life hard
if you cannot accept others. We need to understand others as well as ourselves.
My culture, my tradition, is so important to me. It is really important to maintain it.
I would be lost, I would be nobody without it; it’s what makes me who I am.
I am Paw. Paw means flower in my language, but I’m not ready to be a flower.
I was very naughty as a child and people said I should change my name.
I was born in Mae la Camp, the biggest refugee camp on the Thai border. Born
in a refugee camp, went to school in a refugee camp; I never thought I would
have life like this. Yesterday I slept in a bamboo house, but today I have washing
machine and TV in my house. I always thought I would die when I am 18 because
once you reach 18 there is nothing else for you in the camp.
Since I was little I never consider myself as a refugee, but my grandfather said
I am one. I didn’t choose to be a refugee. I was born with this and sometimes
I think it’s written from heaven. Sometimes I want to scream, so loud that I
frighten the birds away.
Growing up I always thought the refugee camp was my home, but that place was
temporary. I find it hard and complicated to answer when people asked me where
I’m from. I tell them I am Karen, but they have no idea what being Karen meant,
so I have to tell the whole story. My Mother birth country is Burma, but that
doesn’t make us Burmese citizen. I was born in Thailand, but it doesn’t make me
Thai. I’m Karen. From 18 years of life time I did not have a home, but I do now;
Australia is my home. This is the only country that allows me to call this place
home, regardless of my race and my status.
32
If it wasn’t the war, life would be different, but some say life is boring with no
hardship. There was a time in my life when I thought about revenge for everything
I’ve lost, but who am I going to kill? I’m going to kill the innocent ones, when
I think about it again, they have to follow orders. If I killed when would it stop?
My hand full of blood, will it bring back everything? No, it won’t. It’s just going to
make things worse.
Sometimes I wish I had wings so I can fly and be free. I can go anywhere I want. If
I could fly I would fly to find my dad, meet my biological relatives and know more
tradition.
When I was 10 I snuck out of the refugee camp and walked to the border
where the rebels were training. I went to see, but what I saw was the river, and
it’s beautiful, green water; the sky, the mountains, the field. As you grow you
appreciate beauty and nature. I never thought about growing, but now I’m here, I
realised, I can grow.
I remember a female immigration officer greeted us at the airport when we arrived
in Australia. She asked me what I wanted to be, and I told her I wanted to be
a policeman. I remember she told me that in this country, I could be anything I
wanted to be. When I first saw police in Australia I was expecting to be scared,
but I saw them at a festival. They were dancing and smiling and talking to
everyone. I couldn’t believe it. I knew I wanted to be like them. And look at me
now; I am fighting for justice; because I know what justice is. I have chosen to
fight for justice, fairness and equality.
33
Behind this smile
we all just want to be
accepted for who we are.
Samridha
We have a saying in our culture, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. It is a philosophy
that teaches an understanding that the whole world, the whole of humanity, is one
big family. This is the core of Hinduism, we all follow it. We are strongly connected
to this philosophy, it is our way of living to help and support everyone. It is a way
of living from 10,000 years ago.
Here in Australia we have been given all the opportunities to follow this
philosophy. With food and shelter taken care of, you can follow this easily. You
don’t have to be a cheat, you don’t have to lie or hurt anyone. It is critical in all
our prayers, every day we pray for all people, we do this since childhood; it is
part of our thought process, the way we think.
Australia has its own culture, appreciated by the whole world, but true humanity
and brotherhood only comes when we break the stereotypes. There are people
doing different things to break the stereotypes, trying to influence people to listen,
that’s why I’m doing this. If people are happy to accept others then they are more
inclined to see a brighter future and then the good culture can be enjoyed by all.
I feel part of this culture, part of Australia. There are not many countries that can
make you feel this way in such a short time. We Australians are lucky; we get
the cream of the crop, the well educated population of the world. And we need
to value it. Like many others, Indians came here with good education, but Indian
resumes are the first to go in the bin because you can’t read the name! We have
so much to offer. We just want to be accepted for who we are, the same way we
accept you as part of one big family.
One day I was parking when a woman launched a racial attack on me and even
jumped out of her car to knock on my car window and abuse me. When I asked
her why she was so angry, she said “you Indians need to get back where you
came from.” I saw that she had a baby in her car and I thought about how she
was teaching hatred to her baby. There was a tremendous hatred toward me, she
was preaching anger. It was her spontaneous reaction, hatred.
People are under a lot of pressure today, but we need to build acceptance for
outsiders and be rid of the discrimination. Anti-racism should be taught in schools
with parents taught to teach their children, because children pick it up from the
34
Behind this smile
we might look different
but we are all basically
the same.
parents. Company affects you; one rotten mango can spoil the box. It is the same
with the actions we take toward each other. Good actions will see good results.
People need to have a calm mind. Just a little bit positiveness coming from the
whole community will help us all to flourish. If we don’t speak out it will never
change. It needs a force to change it, it is not easily done, but it starts with us.
We can all learn new ways.
Liz
I think acceptance is not just about acceptance of Australian culture, it’s about
accepting all cultures. We need to be welcoming. But we need to be educating
ourselves and others too. I believe we should be working towards making all
people feel equally important and valued.
I am a teacher and I have spent nearly 30 years teaching multicultural students
both in Australia and overseas. The most fantastic part of my life has been
experiencing difference through the diverse cultural groups I have taught. I say
thank God for differences, what a boring world it would be without difference.
But when you think about it, the differences between us are so small. We might
look different, but we are all basically the same. We need to be educating
ourselves about this ‘sameness’ and, at the same time, appreciate the
‘difference’. It’s important for us to recognise that racism is not just something
that happens to you when you come to Australia, countries all over the world
are affected by racism. That is why we need all cultures to be accepting of
each other.
Education is the way to move forward. Learning English and other community
languages is a great way to understand and enjoy our difference and our
sameness. Language is very important to me. People need to find a way to
communicate simply. The way we use words can either let someone into our
world, or shut them out. This is why I am so passionate about language and
words, because they can open the door and let the world in.
35
Behind this smile
I believe multiculturalism
has shaped us all.
George
In my lifetime I have encountered many distasteful incidents of racism. If I had spent
time to respond to these situations I would be up to my ears in conflict. One way of
avoiding hurt is to smile and walk away. Sometimes you take the time to respond.
I remember one time in particular where I responded to an email group I had
innocently joined upon making a new friend. The network I had become part
of had been circulating racist jokes among themselves and making sure to
include me on their recipient list.
Jack was a recent friend; we started emailing each other and exchanging jokes.
I would get several racist jokes a day. It seemed that he and his email friends saw
themselves as ‘true blue’ Aussies who thought it funny to send racist jokes to me
because I would accept them and smile. But it came a time when I decided that
I needed to tell Jack a few things. I felt that Jack could benefit from a little reflection
on what being ‘Australian’ really meant. My thought was to address his apparent
neglect in recognising the outside influences on what he so patriotically declared
to be the ‘Aussie’ way of life.
I believe we need to recognise just how much multiculturalism has shaped,
inspired, motivated, affected, changed, guided and exists in the everyday life,
of every ‘true blue’ Australian.
When we emphatically declare ourselves to be Australian, we should know that
the typical day of an Australian involves encounters in every aspect of our lives
which reveal the contributions of other cultures, other peoples, other ‘nonAustralian’ histories; the world has, and is, forever exchanging, serving and
receiving among its people and has been doing so since time began.
Here is a short extract from my email to Jack:
“Rising from his bed Jack wears pyjamas; pyjamas, an item of sleepwear that’s
an inherent part of bedtime attire for any Aussie, pyjamas which were originally
worn by Muslims in India and adopted by the Europeans. The bed from which
he rose is an item of furniture which Jack has never considered as anything
36
other than Australian, but has Jack considered that the bed is a piece of furniture
dating back to 77,000 BC in South Africa? He would have been lying on cotton
sheets too; what Australian doesn’t lay on cotton sheets; cotton, a fabric dating
back to prehistoric times in Mexico, Pakistan and India. He may even have been
laying under an eiderdown, commonly known in ‘Aussie’ vernacular as a ‘doona’,
originating in rural Europe.
That’s right, the simple act of rising from bed, exposes exactly how ‘Aussie’ we are;
what makes us, is what we have taken in, accepted, into our lives.
Let’s just briefly continue, so that you get the point. Imagine Jack glancing at a
clock, first appearing in 13th Century Europe. Once sure of the time, Jack would
likely proceed to the bathroom and use the toilet, as did the ancient civilizations
of Rome, Egypt, Pakistan and India, well before Englishman, Thomas Crapper,
invented the flushing toilet we know today. In his bathroom, our ‘Aussie’ Jack
would hopefully use soap to wash his hands after using the toilet; soap which can
be traced back to Ancient Babylon. Next he might brush his teeth, a practice which
came to Australia in the late 18th Century. Let’s say he then shaves, a ritual first
developed by the Ancient Egyptians, using a blade made from steel, an iron alloy
discovered in Turkestan. You get the picture?
We ‘Australians’, our ‘Australian’ way of life, is the sum of parts. Parts of ancient,
exotic, medieval, tribal, global civilizations; we can stand up, proud for how we
have adopted, engaged, accepted and embraced the practices, the initiative,
the ingenuity and the invention of other cultures. When we declare ourselves
‘Australian’, we can declare ourselves truly multicultural, because THAT is exactly
what being Australian actually is.”
..And that is what this proud ‘Australian’ from XXX heritage was so happy to share
with Jack; the friend I can do without.
Wear an orange ribbon
During Cultural Diversity Week,
we celebrate the Harmony Day
on 21 March, to mark the United
Nations International Day for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
"Orange ribbon" by MesserWoland
Pick up an orange ribbon at
Library and Community Centre
events and wear it to pledge not
to commit, condone or remain
silent about any form of racial
or religious discrimination.
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