Appendix 2
CALD demographic
profile paper
May 2014
CALD demographic background paper 2014
i
Table of contents
1.
Overall population ............................................................. iii
2.
Country of Birth ................................................................. iv
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
3.
Overseas born by suburb
Languages spoken at home
Ancestry
Migration streams
Religion
iv
vi
vi
vii
ix
Indigenous heritage ........................................................... x
3.1. Kulin Nation and the Woi wurrung
3.2. Ethno-historical evidence
x
x
4.
Early European and Chinese settlement.......................... xi
5.
Post war period .................................................................. xi
6.
Established communities .................................................. xii
6.1. Italian and Greek community
6.2. Malaysian community
6.3. Sri Lankan community
xiii
6.4. Hong Kong community
xiv
6.5. Vietnamese community
xiv
7.
xii
xii
Newer communities ........................................................... xv
7.1. Chinese community
7.2. Indian community
xv
xx
8.
Emerging communities ..................................................... xxiii
9.
Need for assistance and provision of care in the CALD community
xxv
10. Areas for further research ................................................. xxvi
CALD demographic background paper 2014
ii
1. Overall population
Like much of metropolitan Melbourne, Boroondara has developed an increasingly
multicultural population. There are approximately 44,951 residents from 150 countries who
speak 116 languages at home1.
This diversity of cultural backgrounds, languages and religions has enriched our community.
In the last community indicator survey undertaken by the Victorian Government, the
Boroondara community affirmed a strong positive appreciation for cultural diversity (85% of
people agreed that multiculturalism makes life in the area better, compared to 76% in
Victoria)2.
Changes observed in the population reflect overall trends occurring across Melbourne.
These include an increase in:
 residents born overseas
 residents arriving from Asia
 residents from places where English is not the first language
The populations of migrants from Italy and Greece are slowing in growth, and shrinking in
size. Members of these communities are ageing and may now need additional support.
Newer, though relatively small, communities are emerging in Boroondara. Predominantly
from Middle Eastern and South American countries, these communities have emerged over
the last five years.
Boroondara has also experienced a higher than average growth in, and population of,
residents from China3.
Data from the 2011 Census, the Department of Immigrations settlers database, Museum
Victoria's Origins Library and Boroondara’s internal information sources paint a clear picture
of how Boroondara’s resident composition has changed over time.
A snapshot of Boroondara’s cultural and linguistic diversity, 2011 Census
 Residents were born in 150 countries.
 116 languages are spoken in Boroondara.
 Median ages of selected communities
o 38 years : Overall population
o 70 years : Italian and Greek
o 46 years : Malaysian
o 37 years : Chinese
o 29 years : Indian
 Boroondara has the fourth highest rate of overseas born residents of the seven
Eastern Metropolitan Councils.
1
Based on the 2011 Census.
Department of Planning and Community Development (2010) Indicators of Community Strength at the LGA Level, 2008.
3
Based on the 2006 and 2011 Censuses.
2
CALD demographic background paper 2014
iii
2. Country of Birth
In 2011, 44,951 residents (28.2% of the total population) were born overseas, an increase of
5,514 (14.0%) since 2006. Most residents born overseas are from non-English speaking
countries (33,127 or 20.8% of the total population). China overtook the United Kingdom as
the leading overseas country of birth between the 2006 and 2011 Censuses.
Table1 Country of birth, 2006 and 2011 Censuses
City of
2011
2006
Boroondara
Country of
Greater
Number
%
Number
birth
Melbourne
China
6,690
4.2
2.3
4,142
United
6,127
3.8
4.1
6,078
Kingdom
India
3,524
2.2
2.7
2,621
Malaysia
2,932
1.8
1.0
2,598
New Zealand
2,762
1.7
1.7
2,330
Greece
1,821
1.1
1.2
2,020
Italy
1,762
1.1
1.7
1,938
Hong Kong
1,566
1.0
0.4
1,750
Vietnam
1,428
0.9
1.7
1,084
Sri Lanka
1,120
0.7
1.1
867
Change
%
2006 to 2011
2.7
+2,548
3.9
+49
1.7
1.7
1.5
1.3
1.3
1.1
0.7
0.6
+903
+334
+432
-199
-176
-184
+344
+253
2.1. Overseas born by suburb
According to the 2011 Census, the percentage of overseas born population across
Boroondara ranges from 13.9% to 57.4%4. By suburb, Balwyn has the highest concentration
of people born overseas (35.1%), followed by Balwyn North (34.2%) and Hawthorn (30.8%).
The areas with the lowest proportion of people born overseas are Glen Iris (22.0%), Surrey
Hills (23.8%) and Ashburton (24.7%).
4
Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) are the smallest geographic area used in Census data analyses. In Boroondara the population
of SA1s range from 170 to 1,067 residents.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
iv
Figure 1 Rate of overseas born population across Boroondara, 2011 Census
CALD demographic background paper 2014
v
2.2. Languages spoken at home
The 2011 Census shows that of the 37,450 residents who speak a language other than
English at home, Mandarin is the most common (7,996 residents), followed by Greek (5,125
residents). Mandarin had the largest increase in speakers between the 2006 and 2011
Censuses (+2,744 residents). Boroondara has the fifth highest rate of Chinese speakers of
the 31 local government areas in metropolitan Melbourne (after Melbourne, Monash,
Manningham, and Whitehorse).
Table 2 Language spoken at home, 2006 and 2011 Censuses
City of
2011
2006
Boroondara
Language
Greater
(excludes
Number
%
Number
Melbourne
English)
Mandarin
7,996
5.0
2.5
5,252
Greek
5,125
3.2
2.8
4,957
Cantonese
4,784
3.0
1.8
4,763
Italian
3,182
2.0
2.8
3,322
Vietnamese
1,512
0.9
2.1
1,113
Hindi
1,120
0.7
0.8
906
Gujarati
1,029
0.6
0.2
604
French
757
0.5
0.4
574
Korean
678
0.4
0.3
455
Spanish
671
0.4
0.7
431
Change
%
2006 to 2011
3.4
3.2
3.1
2.2
0.7
0.6
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
+2,744
+168
+21
-140
+399
+214
+425
+183
+223
+240
2.3. Ancestry
Ancestry is not necessarily related to a person's place of birth but is an indication of the
cultural group they identify with most closely. It gives insight into the cultural background of
both the Australian-born and overseas-born populations when ancestry differs from country of
birth. The 2011 Census asked respondents to provide a maximum of two ancestries with
which they most closely identify. As an example, they were asked to consider the origins of
their parents and grandparents.
At the 2011 Census, English was the most common ancestry type indicated by residents
(26.9%), followed by Australian (28.2%) and Irish (12.5%). The two ancestry types that had
the greatest growth between the 2006 and 2011 Censuses were English (+3,970 residents)
and Chinese (+3,848 residents).
CALD demographic background paper 2014
vi
Table 3 Ancestry, 2006 and 2011 Censuses
City of
2011
Boroondara
Ancestry
English
Australian
Irish
Chinese
Scottish
Italian
Greek
German
Indian
Dutch
Number
%
47,547
44,934
19,899
17,893
15,638
9,666
7,399
5,289
4,609
2,054
29.9
28.2
12.5
11.2
9.8
6.1
4.6
3.3
2.9
1.3
Greater
Melbourne
26.9
26.4
8.8
6.1
7.2
7.0
3.9
3.0
3.2
1.6
2006
Change
Number
%
2006 to 2011
43,577
51,841
18,197
14,045
13,656
8,966
7,027
5,052
3,521
1,914
28.2
33.6
11.8
9.1
8.8
5.8
4.6
3.3
2.3
1.2
+3,970
-6,907
+1,702
+3,848
+1,982
+700
+372
+237
+1,088
+140
2.4. Migration streams
Most people migrating to Australia arrive through family, humanitarian and skilled migration
streams. From 1991 to 2013, 26,869 settler arrivals5 to Boroondara were recorded by the
Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Two-thirds (66%) of these were from the
skilled migration stream with a further 27% arriving through the family migration stream.
Table 4 Total Settlers to Boroondara by Migration stream (1 January 1991 to 30 June 2013)6
Family
Humanitarian
Other
Skilled
Unknown
Total
7,130
982
42
17,727
988
26,869
27%
4%
0%
66%
4%
100%
Over this period the highest number of settlers came from China (6,999), followed by India
(3,976) and Malaysia (1,726). Between 1991 and 2012, migration through the humanitarian
stream fell from 180 settlers in 1991 to an annual average of 17 since 2000. Most people
who arrived in Boroondara through the humanitarian stream in the early 1990s were
Chinese. Those settling here since 2007 are mainly from Afghanistan (19), Iran (17), and
China (12). Skilled migration rose substantially from 2000 onwards, reaching a high of 1,743
in 2008 (Figure 2).
5
A person arriving in Australia who holds one of the following: a permanent visa; a temporary (provisional) visa where
there is a clear intention to settle (eg Intending Marriage visa); a New Zealand citizen who indicates an intention to
settle; a person otherwise eligible to settle (eg an overseas-born child of Australian citizens).
6
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
vii
Table 5 Settlers to Boroondara by country of origin and migration stream (1 January 1991 to
30 June 2013)7
Family Humanitarian Other
Skilled
Unknown
Total
Country
1,715
405
5
4,736
138
6,999
China
557
3
0
3,232
184
3,976
India
354
2
3
1,287
75
1,721
Malaysia
516
0
6
652
50
1,224
United Kingdom
226
9
0
790
130
1,155
Hong Kong
162
6
3
826
12
1,009
Indonesia
162
4
0
679
31
876
Taiwan
129
37
0
489
30
685
Sri Lanka
91
1
0
538
18
648
Singapore
Republic of
125
3
0
455
6
589
Korea
Other
3,093
512
25
4043
314
7,987
Figure 2 Settlers by year of arrival by migration stream8
7
8
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
Ibid.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
viii
2.5. Religion
According to the 2011 and 2006 Censuses, followers of the three most common religions in
Boroondara (Catholic, Anglican and Uniting Church) have fallen since 2006, while those of
the Hindu and Buddhist faiths increased over this same period by 951 and 768, respectively.
Table 6 Religion, 2006 and 2011 Censuses
City of Boroondara
2011
Religion
Western (Roman)
Catholic
Anglican
Uniting Church
Greek Orthodox
Buddhism
Presbyterian and
Reformed
Hinduism
Baptist
Christian, not fully
described
Judaism
2006
Change
Number %
Greater
Melbourne
Number %
2006 to 2011
39,582
24.9
27.1
39,595
25.6
-13
20,794
7,808
7,057
5,304
13.1
4.9
4.4
3.3
10.8
3.4
4.0
4.0
23,226
9,562
6,775
4,536
15.0
6.2
4.4
2.9
-2,432
-1,754
+282
+768
3,514
2.2
2.1
3,771
2.4
-257
3,365
2,737
2.1
1.7
2.0
1.5
2,414
2,667
1.6
1.7
+951
+70
2,564
1.6
1.9
2,094
1.4
+470
1,855
1.2
1.1
2,021
1.3
-166
CALD demographic background paper 2014
ix
3. Indigenous heritage
Council's Recognising Indigenous Culture and Heritage Policy acknowledges the Traditional
Owners, the people of the Kulin nation, as the original custodians of this land and outlines
how Council will recognise the City's Indigenous culture and heritage. Please refer to this
document for Indigenous policy and the profile of the Indigenous community in Boroondara.
Three traditional owner groups have an interest in the land that is the City of Boroondara. The
Wurundjeri tribe are the traditional owners and Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for the
northern part of the City. The remaining area has not been appointed a RAP at this time.
While Boroondara has a relatively small Indigenous population today, the City’s Indigenous
connections remain. Knowledge of the land and way of life has been preserved by Kulin
nation descendants; Indigenous people (from different areas) have become residents and
non-Indigenous residents have become involved with Indigenous communities.
Today, two Indigenous community organisations represent the interests of Indigenous
people in Boroondara and the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR). They are the Wandoon
Estate Aboriginal Corporation (based in Healesville) and the Mullum Mullum Indigenous
Gathering Place (based in Ringwood). Other regional and state bodies also retain an interest
in Indigenous affairs in the region, including the Victorian Aboriginal Employment
Organisation (VAEO), Aboriginal Community Health Organisation and Victorian Aboriginal
Sports Association (VASA).
3.1. Kulin Nation and the Woi wurrung
The East Kulin Language Group (Kulin Nation) was a confederacy comprised of four
separate but dialectically-similar wurrung or language groups from south-central Victoria.
These language groups included the Daung wurrung (Taungurong), whose tribal country
included the Broken, Delatite, Goulburn, Coliban and Campaspe watersheds and the
Nguraiillamwurrung, who inhabited the lower Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers.
These two wurrungs have been loosely labelled 'Goulburn tribe' since the 1840s. The Boon
wurrung occupied the Mornington Peninsula and coastal tract around Western Port Bay, and
the Woiwurrung lived in the country drained by the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers.
As well as sharing dialectically-similar languages, members of Kulin Nation shared economic
and social relationships, religious beliefs, creation legends and Dreamtime ancestors. They
belonged to one of two moieties, named after the Dreamtime ancestors, Bunjil (Eaglehawk)
and Waa (Australian raven).
The Woi wurrung was comprised of five individual clans, with many of these further divided
into patrilines.
3.2. Ethno-historical evidence
Twelve Aboriginal sites are known within the City of Boroondara. Of the 12 sites, two are
Aboriginal historic places and ten are archaeological sites. All ten archaeological sites are
scarred trees, all but one of which is located within parks or reserves adjacent to the Yarra
River. In order to protect these sites the locations are not published.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
x
The Aboriginal population of Boroondara was in decline from the earliest period of European
settlement, and particularly from the 1840s onwards. Illness and disease, conflict and
displacement hit the Aboriginal people of the Boroondara area, and by the 1860s most were
relocated to Coranderrk in Healesville, a 2000 hectare station which opened in 1863, and to
Lake Tyers settlement in Gippsland, where their descendants still reside.
4. Early European and Chinese settlement
Europeans began settling in the Boroondara area from 1840. The first were mainly squatters
(cattle and dairy farmers), and timber cutters. Data from the 1861 Census show that, like
much of Victoria, Hawthorn was overwhelmingly Anglo-Celtic, with most residents having
arrived from England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland9. This remained relatively unchanged until
after World War II.
The exception to Victoria’s 19th century largely Anglo-Celtic settlers were the Chinese. China
accounted for the largest non-Anglo overseas born population, with most located in the gold
mining region. Records indicate Chinese market gardens were established around Hawthorn
from the early 1870s onwards. Names, including Ah Tic, Mr Ar Fain, Ah Cow and Lee Foot,
appeared in early local area records, although it was common for Chinese names to be
anglicised for inclusion in the rate books and directories10. Other overseas-born populations
at that time included German, American, and French.
Religion was a factor in defining local communities in the early days of European settlement.
Church records at this time indicate that the Boroondara area was overwhelmingly
protestant. Churches and congregations in the area in the 1800s included Church of
England, Church of Scotland, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Methodist, Independent or
Congregationalist, Baptist, Lutherans and Roman Catholic among others.11 While many
settlers were Irish, they were mainly Irish Protestants from Ulster, rather than Roman
Catholic.12
5. Post war period
Although large scale immigration commenced in the late 1940s, it initially made a lesser
impact on Boroondara than other areas of Melbourne, with the population remaining
predominately British.13 However, by 1976, the effects of the post-war immigration boom
could be seen in the area. For example, records from this year show that 91,000 people
lived in the City of Camberwell, with 17,000 or around one in five born overseas. Of these
17,000, 6,000 were born in the British Isles (35.3%), 3,000 in Italy and Greece (17.6%),
1,700 in Asia (10.0%), 1,300 in Poland and Hungary and countries in the communist zone of
Eastern Europe (7.6%) and 1,000 in Germany and Austria (5.9%).14
After the Immigration Restriction Act (also known as the White Australia Policy) ended in
1973, Australia became a more favourable destination for immigrants from Asia.
9
McWilliam, Gwen 1978, Hawthorn Peppercorns, Melbourne.
Ibid.
11
Ibid.
12
Wehner, Volkhard 2012, Old Hartwell, The life and times of a village that lost its name, Melbourne.
13
Ibid ;and Blainey, Geoffrey 1980; A History of Camberwell, Melbourne.
14
Blainey, Geoffrey 1980; A History of Camberwell, Melbourne
10
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xi
6. Established communities
Established communities are defined as population groups where at least 70% of residents
arrived prior to 2007. Based on country of birth data collected during the 2011 Census, the
largest established communities in Boroondara are:
 English (4,939 people, down 88 people from 2001)
 Malaysian (2,844 people, up 605 people from 2001)
 New Zealand (2,654 people, up 346 people from 2001)
 Greek (1,733 people, down 352 people from 2001)
 Italian (1,658 people, down 396 people from 2001)
 Hong Kong (1,526 people, down 99 people from 2001)
 Vietnamese (1,387 people, up 625 people from 2001)
 Sri Lankan (1,089 people, up 399 people from 2001)
 American (1,029 people, up 121 people from 2001).
6.1. Italian and Greek community
Immigration to Australia from Italy and Greece increased dramatically after World War II.
According to the 2011 Census, a very high proportion (89%) of Boroondara's Italian and
Greek communities arrived prior to 1975. The median age of both Boroondara's Italian born
and Greek born residents is now 70 years (compared to 38 years for the broader
Boroondara community).
Most of Boroondara's Italian born and Greek born residents are part of a couple living either
with no children or with non-dependent children. Being an older population, a relatively high
proportion of Boroondara's Italian and Greek born residents (16.8% and 12.8% respectively)
live alone (compared to 9.3% of all Boroondara residents)15.
Combined with language barriers (17% of Italian residents and 31% of Greek residents
speak English 'not well' or 'not at all'16), this may contribute to social isolation among
members of these communities. However, unlike some of the newer CALD communities,
there is a range of culturally-specific social support options (e.g. senior citizen's clubs and
church groups) available within Boroondara.
People born in Italy make up between 0.7% and 1.8% of the population of all Boroondara
suburbs, except Kew East where they are 2.6% of the population. People born in Greece
make up between 0.5% and 1.5% of the population of all Boroondara suburbs, except
Balwyn North where they are 2.3% of the population17.
6.2. Malaysian community
According to the 2011 Census, 84% of Boroondara's Malaysian born community first arrived
in Australia after 1974, with arrival numbers peaking between 1986 and 1990. Most of
Boroondara's Malaysian born residents (82%) identify as being of Chinese ancestry.
15
Based on the 2011 Census.
Ibid.
17
Ibid.
16
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xii
The vast majority speak English exclusively or 'very well', with only 84 Malaysian born
residents reporting that they speak English 'not well' or 'not at all'. The languages other than
English most often spoken by Malaysian born Boroondara residents are Cantonese (812
people) and Mandarin (612 people)18.
The median age of Boroondara's Malaysian born residents is 46 years, higher than the
median for Boroondara (38 years)19.
People born in Malaysia make up between 1.0% and 2.1% of the population of most
Boroondara suburbs. This rate is higher in Balwyn and Balwyn North, where it is 3.1% and
3.2% respectively20. Immigration data collected since 1991 shows that an estimated 75% of
Boroondara's Malaysian born residents arrived in Australia under the skilled migration
stream, and 20% arrived under the family stream, with all but five of the remainder arriving
under an 'unknown' migration stream21.
6.3. Sri Lankan community
The end of the White Australia Policy also saw increasing numbers of Sinhalese and Tamil
settlers in Victoria. Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in 1983 resulted in a significant intake of
immigrants under the Special Humanitarian Program. According to the 2011 Census, most
of Boroondara's Sri Lankan born community first arrived in Australia either between 1984
and 1992 (26%) or after 2004 (33%).
Most Sri Lankan born Boroondara residents (65.1%) identify their ancestry as Sri Lankan,
17.4% identify as Sinhalese, 8.6% identify as Tamil and 1.2% identify as Burgher22.
Boroondara's Sri Lankan born community is made up of a smaller proportion of people aged
less than 20 years and a larger proportion of people aged 25 to 34 years23.
Immigration data collected since 1991 shows that an estimated 71% of Boroondara's Sri
Lankan born residents arrived in Australia under the skilled migration stream, 19% under the
family stream and thirty people within the humanitarian stream24.
The vast majority (85.1%) of Sri Lankan born Boroondara residents speak English
exclusively or 'very well', with only 10 people reporting that they speak English 'not well' at
the 2011 Census. The languages other than English most often spoken by Sri Lankan born
Boroondara residents are Sinhalese (497 people) and Tamil (150 people).
People born in Sri Lanka make up between 0.4% and 0.9% of the population of all
Boroondara suburbs25.
18
Based on the 2011 Census.
Ibid.
20
Ibid.
21
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
22
Based on the 2011 Census.
23
Ibid.
24
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
25
Based on the 2011 Census.
19
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xiii
6.4. Hong Kong community
The Hong Kong born Boroondara community differs demographically from the broader
Chinese born community (see Chinese community section on page 13) in that 89.4% arrived
before 2007 (compared to 57.8%) and 80.8% speak Cantonese (as compared to 16.7% of
the broader Chinese born population)26. A total of 130 of Boroondara's Hong Kong born
residents speak English 'not well' or 'not at all'.
Boroondara's Hong Kong born residents have a mean age of 42 years and 90.0% report
having Chinese ancestry27.
Immigration data collected since 1991 shows that an estimated 68% of Boroondara's Hong
Kong born residents arrived in Australia under the skilled migration stream, 20% within the
family stream and nine people under the humanitarian stream28.
People born in Hong Kong make up between 0.5% and 1.1% of the population of all
Boroondara suburbs apart from Balwyn and Balwyn North, where they are 2.0% and 1.9% of
the population respectively29.
6.5. Vietnamese community
Many Vietnamese residents came to Australia at the end of the Vietnam War. One in three
of Boroondara's Vietnam born residents first arrived in Australia between 1978 and 1981.
The 2011 Census shows that arrival numbers among Vietnamese born Boroondara
residents dropped to below 30 people per year between 1987 and 2006 but have increased
again since then.
Just over 72% of Boroondara's Vietnamese born residents speak Vietnamese and 18.0%
speak Cantonese but 84% speak English exclusively, 'very well', or 'well' 30.
Of Boroondara's Vietnamese born residents, 71.3% report having Vietnamese ancestry and
27.5% report Chinese ancestry31.
Immigration data collected since 1991 shows that an estimated 46% of Boroondara's
Vietnamese born residents arrived in Australia under the skilled migration stream, 47%
within the family stream and fourteen people under the humanitarian stream32.
People born in Vietnam make up between 0.3% and 1.3% of the population of all
Boroondara suburbs33.
26
Based on the 2011 Census.
Ibid.
28
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
29
Based on the 2011 Census.
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
Department of Immigration and Border Protection Settlement Reporting Facility.
33
Based on the 2011 Census.
27
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xiv
7. Newer communities
7.1. Chinese community
The Chinese community in Boroondara is the largest overseas born population group in the
municipality, as well as the fastest growing. At the 2011 Census, the population of people
with Chinese ancestry was 17,893, with 6,690 of these being born in China. Between the
2006 and 2011 Censuses, there was an increase of nearly 4,000 residents with Chinese
ancestry, and an additional 2,548 residents that were born in China. Of the Victorian LGAs,
Boroondara has the fourth highest population of Chinese born residents (after Monash,
Whitehorse and Melbourne), and has double the rate of Melbourne overall (4.2% compared
to 2.3%).
The median age of Chinese born residents is 37 compared to 38 for the wider Boroondara
community34. However, if we look at the population spread across individual years (Figure
3), the Chinese born population is more condensed into two significant age groups; 16 to 29
years and 39 to 54 years.
34
Based on the 2011 Census.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xv
Figure 3 Age of Chinese born population compared to overall population, Single year, 2011
Census
Although Chinese migrants settled in the Boroondara area in the 19th century, immigration
from China was relatively low until the late 1980s. There are two notable waves of Chinese
immigration into Boroondara (Figure 4). The first in the late 1980s and early 1990s when
Chinese immigration peaked at 386 in 1989, in contrast to the average 12 Chinese migrants
annually over the previous decade. This sudden rise in numbers may be attributed to the
federal government granting permanent residency to those temporarily studying in Australia
following the Tiananmen Square massacre. Settlers from this period are now mostly aged
between 39 and 54 years.
The second wave of Chinese settlement began in 2006 and continues today. Most of these
immigrants are younger, generally aged 16-29 years, and comprise of professionals and
students. This may explain the differing language proficiency between the two waves of
migration (as discussed below).
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xvi
Figure 4 Year of arrival of Chinese residents by age group, Chinese born, 2011 Census
Most Chinese born Boroondara residents speak a Chinese language (Figure 5, 97% or
6,460 residents), mainly Mandarin. There is a notable generational difference in English
proficiency among Chinese born residents. Compared to the younger Chinese born
residents, a higher proportion of older residents indicated they do not speak English well or
not at all (36.4% compared to 9.8%, see Figure 6). In contrast, nine out of ten (89.5%)
younger Chinese born residents (aged 16 - 29 years), indicated they spoke English very well
or well.
Since the Cultural Revolution in China ended in 1979, English language as a subject in
schools has expanded rapidly and is now the main international language taught in China.
Younger Chinese residents were more likely than older Chinese residents to have studied
English before arriving in Australia.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xvii
Figure 5 Language spoken at home by
Chinese born population (n= 6,689), 2011
Census
Figure 6 English proficiency by selected age
group of Chinese born residents, 2011 Census
Across the whole Boroondara population, 13,718 residents (8.6%) speak one of five Chinese
languages at home (Cantonese, Mandarin, Min Nan, Hakka or Wu). This includes residents
with Chinese ancestry and also speakers of Chinese that originate from countries such as
Malaysia and Hong Kong. Mandarin is the most commonly spoken Chinese language among
residents (58.3%, followed by Cantonese (34.9%) (Figure 7).
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xviii
Figure 7 Language spoken by Chinese speaking community (n=13,718), 2011 Census
Compared to the overall population in Boroondara, the 2011 Census shows that Chinese
residents are more likely to live in couple-family households with children (58.7% compared
to 52.6% ) and one parent families (11.3% compared to 7.7%) and are less likely to be living
in lone person households (5.6% compared to 9.3%). The traditional view of Chinese
households often involves extended family members such as grandparents. There is no
evidence, however, that this is the case in Boroondara. The Chinese community is based
mainly in the municipality’s northern suburbs of Balwyn, North Balwyn and Kew (Figure 8).
Figure 8 Population of Chinese community (ancestry) in Boroondara suburbs,
2011 Census
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xix
Almost half the Chinese community in Boroondara does not identify with any religion
(49.3%), almost double that of the overall community (28.0%). Of those identifying with a
religion, the most common is Buddhism (2,733 or 15.9%), followed by Catholic (1,515 or
8.8%)35. Nine places of worship cater for Chinese congregations across Boroondara36.
7.2. Indian community
The Indian born population in Boroondara is the third largest overseas born group in
Boroondara after Chinese and UK residents. According to the 2011 Census, 3,524 residents
were born in India and 4,209 residents indicated they had Indian ancestry (this includes
those born in India). Indian born residents are also the second fastest growing overseas
born group in Boroondara (after Chinese born residents). Between the 2006 and 2011
Censuses there was an increase of 1,088 residents with Indian ancestry, including 903 that
were born in India.
With a median age of 29, this is a very young population group compared to the City’s
overall median age of 38. The Indian community's age range is shown in Figure 9. Most
Indian residents are aged in their 20s and are predominantly male, with 60% of Indian-born
residents’ male, compared to around half the overall population. Indian born residents have
a high level of English proficiency; 96.9% speak English only, or speak English very well or
well37.
Figure 9 Age of Indian born population compared to overall population, single year , 2011
35
Based on the 2011 Census.
Melbourne Chinese Glorious Christian Church, Koonung Heights Uniting Church (Chinese service), St Silas Anglican
Church (Chinese service), St Stephan's Anglican Church Greythorn (Chinese service), Hartwell Church of Christ (Chinese
service), Bao Lin Chan Monastery, Melbourne Chinese Christian Church Glen Iris, Melbourne Chinese Christian Church
Kew, and the Chinese Baptist Church.
37
Based on the 2011 Census.
36
CALD demographic background paper 2014
xx
Census
The Indian population’s relative youth, Swinburne University’s Hawthorn campus and India’s
high consumption of Victorian38 tertiary education may lead to the conclusion that this cohort
is predominantly students attending university. However, compared to the overall population
of Boroondara, Indian born residents are only slightly more likely to be enrolled at University
or TAFE (12.8% of compared to 10.2%). Generally speaking, newer migrant groups
including the Indian population tend to be much younger in age compared to the established
migrant groups (such as Italian and Greek communities). It appears likely that the growth in
the Indian-born population is predominantly young male professionals entering through the
skilled migration stream.
Figure 10 Year of arrival of Indian born residents, 2011 Census
38
Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Student Visa Program Report 2011-12 to 31 December 2011.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
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The Indian community identifies with a range of religions. The most prominent are Hinduism
(with 3,363 total followers in Boroondara or 65.1% of Indian born residents), followed by
Catholic (10.8%), and Sikhism (6.0%). Notably, the rate of 'no religion' in the 2011 Census
among this group is 3.9%, significantly lower than the overall population where over a
quarter of residents do not identify with a religion (28.0%). There is one place of worship for
Hindus in the area, the Shirdi Sai Sansthan Temple, which was located in Camberwell until
recently relocating to Ashburton Support Services.
Almost a quarter of the Indian population is based in Hawthorn (23.3% or 960 residents),
with Hawthorn East having the next highest percentage of Indian born residents (13.3% or
542 residents).
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Figure 11 Population of Indian community (ancestry) in Boroondara suburbs, 2011
Census
8. Emerging communities
According to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, small and emerging
communities are those with less than 15,000 Australia-wide, of whom 30% or more have
arrived in the past five years.
The following two tables show population where 30% have arrived since 2007. Table 7
shows arrival by region, with South America having the highest percentage newly arrived.
Table 8 shows country of birth.
Table 7 Regions of birth represented in Boroondara by % of residents arrived since Jan 1
2007, 2011 Census
Region
Total residents
South America
Southern Asia
Middle East
Central Asia
Central America
Japan and the Koreas
Chinese Asia (includes Mongolia)
514
4,830
1,045
71
89
1,047
8,616
Total arrived
since 2007
227
2,045
379
24
30
338
2731
% arrived since
2007
44%
42%
36%
34%
34%
32%
32%
Table 8 Country of birth represented in Boroondara by % of residents arrived since Jan 1
2007, 2011 Census
CALD demographic background paper 2014
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Country
Qatar
Liberia
Bahrain
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
United Arab Emirates
Bangladesh
Iraq
Nepal
Colombia
Mexico
Brazil
Afghanistan
Albania
Sweden
Laos
India
Georgia
Oman
Vanuatu
Iran
Ethiopia
Thailand
Pakistan
Peru
Norway
Spain
China (excludes SARs and Taiwan)
Mauritius
Korea, Republic of (South)
Finland
France
Mongolia
Samoa
Wales
Total Residents
CALD demographic background paper 2014
6
6
14
83
33
50
51
105
20
55
148
45
102
41
14
72
35
3438
11
20
9
394
31
431
143
48
23
87
6342
191
650
36
275
21
28
126
Total arrived
since 2007
6
6
14
80
28
41
41
79
15
38
86
26
58
22
7
35
17
1639
5
9
4
167
13
175
58
19
9
34
2471
70
237
13
92
7
9
38
% arrived since
2007
100%
100%
100%
96%
85%
82%
80%
75%
75%
69%
58%
58%
57%
54%
50%
49%
49%
48%
45%
45%
44%
42%
42%
41%
41%
40%
39%
39%
39%
37%
36%
36%
33%
33%
32%
30%
xxiv
9. Need for assistance and provision of care in the CALD community
The 2006 and 2011 Censuses included a question on need for assistance. The results allow
for analysis on rates of need for assistance within the population, including for specific
groups within the community. To some extent the age profile of the CALD community will
dictate the need for assistance within that community. For example, need for assistance
within the Greek population is considerably higher than the Indian population, having a
median age of 70 and 29 respectively. The CALD groups that are over-represented in
needing care compared to their overall population are residents born in Greece, Italy and
England with the biggest gap being among the Greek community.
Median
age
Figure 12 Percentage of people needing assistance compared to percentage of population,
2011 Census
70 years
70 years
51 years
37 years
29 years
46 years
The Census also includes an item on provision of care among residents. A break-down by
country of birth shows that one in five residents born in Greece (20.8%) provided care to
another person to assist them with daily activities because of a disability, a long-term illness
or problems related to old age. The other country of birth populations that provided unpaid
care above the Boroondara average were Italy (16.9%), Australia (13.5%) and Vietnam
(12.7%).
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xxv
Figure 13 Provision of care by country of birth, top 1039 (% of country of birth population),
2011 Census
10.
Areas for further research
Although we have access to detailed information about our CALD community from a number
of sources, we also know that there are populations within our community that we could
know more about. These include;
 International students at Swinburne University: A large international student
population attends Swinburne University in Hawthorn. However, few details about
their situation are known. There is scope to identify if students have their partners
and/or children with them; if they are working; and how far they are travelling to study.
 International secondary students and their guardians: A high number of
secondary schools in Boroondara attract international students. Temporary residents
here on guardian visas cannot access services and may have limited English and no
social support networks.
 Newly arrived small-business owners: Although there is no Boroondara-specific
data, three out of ten small business operators in Australia are born overseas40. There
may be scope to explore support for start-up and existing small businesses within the
CALD community, particularly in understanding Council's local laws, planning system
and environmental health.
 Emerging communities: What services are newly arrived residents accessing and
what services, if any, are needed? Due to the relative recent establishment of these
communities, assessing service need and accessibility may be useful. English
language proficiency levels and support networks may not be as developed,
compared to more established communities. People arriving through the humanitarian
migration stream may also have experienced trauma in their originating country and
require particular support.
39
40
This top ten list only includes populations over 1,000.
Commonwealth of Australia 2012, Australian Small Business Key Statistics and Analysis, Canberra.
CALD demographic background paper 2014
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