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 Adjusting to changeThe arrival of migrants and refugees to Western Australia is a challenge both to those who have made this land their home, in this land of our indigenous people and those who wish to begin a new life here.For those who receive the newcomers to this ancient land - some do so with great reservation, others with great expectations. Some consider it will affect the status quo, deprive their privileges, and present a challenge to Mono-Culture. Others see it as an opportunity to extend a hand of friendship, assist in their settlement and enjoy and share the new ideas, rich experiences and enduring values that the new arrivals bring with them. Within these pages we salute those who in their many ways have overcome disadvantages and succeeded in taking advantage of their differences to make an abiding contribution to our society. Great works of Art, Literature, Music and Drama are often born of the hardships encountered by members of our society. The creative energies, and the artistic expressions of our Nyoongar people in the words of Alan Dodge (see Article): " reveal their relationships to their communities and traditional lands. Each draws inspiration for their unique cultural heritage to reaffirm their sense of place and their presence as Nyoongar people . Each ensures that the past is not only recognised but challenged". In this task of sharing their great heritage Christina Carmody, an indigenous Australian working at the Art Gallary of Western Australia, plays an important part both in assisting in presenting their considerable visual heritage and in bringing a new understanding of the message contained in their work of art for the wider community to share and celebrate. Dr Angela Nguyen's Message The Journey should make valuable reading for those who encounter failure in their undertakings. In particular it is a message for all our children in High School and Universities. It is about being challenged by their differences. In Angela's words: "I was going to make sure that that it (difference) was a force to release all my energies to capitalize on my different abilities and sensibilities to make this land a more caring and understanding one". Nothing is nobler. Dr. Nonja Peters' Profile is about her personal life which in the words of Debbie Hindley, a PhD student at Murdoch University, "is heart rendering and truly is in every meaning of the word awesome". Nonja's philosophy of building a Multicultural community is "based on her belief that when people meet in harmony they learn about different cultures and then celebrate one another's differences". Maria Bunn, who is the manager of Multicultural Aged Care Service WA (MACSWA), is the embodiment of dedication, commitment and understanding of the needs of the Aged in our communities. MACSWA, under Maria's inspirational direction, is a lighthouse where ideas are generated and more importantly put into practice in the delivery of care to older people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds (CALD), to achieve best practice. She is not only a motivating factor for those who are privileged to work with her statewide but a beacon of light for those who wish to work in the community in every sphere of well-being. Leaders who help the aged in their twilight years to lead a life of dignity, continuing self esteem and happiness are deserving of every expression of approbation. We are grateful to all who have sent messages of appreciation, support and comments which appear under Letters to the Editor. We encourage our readers to take a little time out from their busy schedule and assist in discourse with their comments and suggestions. Nothing brings a warmer glow of hope and confidence then to celebrate the achievements and successes of our contributors, who have overcome great disadvantages with a belief in their own indomitable spirit to succeed and the support of their respective families, to become role models for our society. We are fortunate that our Premier, Dr. Geoff Gallop, wholeheartedly supports Multiculturalism and in an effort to ensure that Equity and Social Justice prevails has brought out a Consultation paper to develop a WA Charter for Multiculturalism. We commend this to you. Together we shall overcome. Albert Da Cruz Editor. |
OMI's Executive Director and ECCWA President congratulate Dr Angela Nguyen on her success. Click here to view Messages.
Dr Angela NguyenA role model for youth in our evolving Multicultural Society
"Success was not all plain sailing" “I’ve just signed my name for the first time as Dr. Angela Nguyen,” wrote Angela in a message, which she was invited to write to the students at Iona College (see Journey).Angela arrived in Perth from Vietnam in 1980, at the age of 3, together with her brother, Mum and Dad, in a dilapidated boat. They started a new life in a new country with a great sense of optimism, hope and expectations. A country with no friends, family or connections. The Catholic Parish of Palmyra extended a hand of friendship to the family for which they are eternally grateful.  Those early years must have been difficult times for the family. However, they were blessed with the salve of understanding and kindness shown to them by a few individuals. These expressions of concern and care in those early days were enough to soothe the deep wounds, which affect all refugees, and migrants who enter a new country. To know that they are not alone was important.WA Charter for Multiculturalism At the opening of WA Harmony Week, the Premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, who is also Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interest, released the WA Charter for Multiculturalism for public comment. The charter sets out the underlying principles of the Anti-Racism Strategy due to be published at the end of the year. The charter encompasses the diversity of peoples, groups and communities who live in Western Australia and acknowledges indigenous people as the first Australians. It is designed to promote recognition of difference within the community and reaffirms equal rights and responsibilities of all Western Australians. We all have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, free from prejudice, discrimination or exclusion. Multiculturalism is about all of us, so get your copy of the WA Charter of Multiculturalism now and feel free to make suggestions and comments on how the principles and aspirations outlined in the Charter may be realised at your school, business, workplace and local community. Copies of the Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism are available on the Office of Multicultural Interests website at www.omi.wa.gov.au or by calling 9426 8690. The Office of Multicultural Interests will be holding workshops on the Charter in May and June so keep an ear out for them! These workshops are aimed for different groups including community organisations and will explore ways the Charter can be used to eliminate discrimination. Most importantly the workshops offer a forum for you to have your say!  |
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Views expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the OWAMC.
All articles published in the Newsletter may be freely reproduced with acknowledgement.
Community organisations are encouraged to circulate widely the contents of the Newsletter.
This is your publication, use it to inform your membership and encourage discourse.
Your contributions will be gladly welcomed.
Editor.
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