Let`s celebrate Cultural Diversity Week
Transcription
Let`s celebrate Cultural Diversity Week
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. HOBSONS BAY LANGUAGE LINE 9932 1212 Telephone interpreting service Arabic Burmese Cantonese Croatian Greek Italian Karen Macedonian Maltese Mandarin Vietnamese HOBSONS BAY CITY COUNCIL 115 Civic Parade, Altona Phone (03) 9932 1000 NRS phone 133 677 and quote 03 9932 1000 Email customerservice@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au www.twitter.com/HobsonsBayCC www.facebook.com/HobsonsBayCityCouncil www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au