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 Dear Albert! Thoughts on the importance of diversity… While I believe everybody’s life journey is special, I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones in this lucky country. Like about one third of Western Australians, my parents were born overseas, and they came to Australia from Europe in search of a better life in the 1950’s. For them, it was a process of immense change. Like many before and after them, they had to not only leave behind their homes and family but also learn a new language, come to terms with a different culture, and find work. They not only adapted but also prospered here in Australia, as their two children have also done. In my 20’s I spent three glorious years working and travelling in Europe, where I had the opportunity to re-discover my family’s cultural roots. This sense of family and cultural history has given me an extra sense of depth, and also a deep pride in what my parents overcame to start a new life in this wonderful country. My return to Australia was inevitable – it is, after all, the place of my birth, and here I met and married my husband. We have two marvellous sons, Curtis who is now 20, and Carl who is 14. I can honestly say that my family has always been the most important part of my life. My decision to become a Member of Parliament came partly from my parents, who survived a time of enormous social upheaval in Europe during World War II. Their experiences have helped form my own strong belief in people, and a political system based on freedom and democracy. That belief led me to join the Liberal Party when I was in my early 30’s, and later to stand for election as a Member of Parliament. After six years as a Member of Parliament, I still believe strongly in the importance of my job, and in the principles of social freedom and rights that are so easy to take for granted. Katie Hodson-Thomas, MLA Member for Carine Dear Albert, The article in the October Issue on the life of Gningala was indeed very inspiring. It always amazes me how women are able to combine the many roles in their lives and yet reach their goals. For women like myself who would like to see a just and equitable society, it is role models like Gningala who shine like beacons. On another note it is great to see the achievements of women highlighted in your magazine and I hope to see more in the future. Leena Bakshi Senior Vice President (Women) Ethnic Communities Council of Western Australia Dear Albert, I have read through your newsletter with much interest and applaud your undertaking. Such a newsletter is very much needed in an area which often fails to gain broad substantial voice - I'm sure that this will not be the case in regard to your efforts, the internet being available to all who can access it, and that number continues to grow dramatically. I have advised colleagues of your newsletter's existence and will also certainly advise students in the Australian history, Modern Greek and Museum Studies courses I teach in here at Macquarie University, Sydney. I'm looking forward to the next edition of the newsletter! Leonard Janiszewski 'In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians' National Project Division of Humanities Department of Modern History Macquarie University Hello Albert, Thanks for the newsletter. Well here are a few words to congratulate Gningala Yarran. Dear Gningala Yarran, Heartiest congratulations on your achievements. I know it must have been hard for you to achieve what you did but what you feel now is what most would not understand! So well done and keep on going on I am sure there are a lot of eyes set on you! Congratulations once again. Manjeet Kumar Management Committee member Indian Society of WA |
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Dear Editor, For those of you who do not know me, I have been a State Member of Parliament since the elections in 2000. My constituency is the seat of Ballajura, which covers the suburbs of Morley, Noranda and Ballajura, Malaga and part of Dianella and Beechboro. Previous to becoming an MP, I was Mayor of the City of Bayswater for 17 years, and a councillor three years prior to that. In my area there are a lot of migrants from Italian, Greek, Jewish and British backgrounds. I come from an ethnic background, my parents emigrating to Perth from Abruzzi in Italy, in 1949. Thus, I am aware of the problems facing migrants, particularly the language and cultural difficulties. With this in mind I applaud the Online Multicultural Newsletter for promoting understanding between people of differing ethnic backgrounds within our community. As was stated in the October newsletter – we are all Australians no matter where we come from. The article on World Radio 6EBA-FM 95.3 was of particular interest to me. I read that the Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, officially opened the upgraded studios, and presented Life Memberships. It is good to see such long-standing volunteers being recognised in this way. It is wonderful to read that this radio station, staffed mainly by volunteers, is broadcasting each day. Some programming allows people missing their home countries to hear articles in their own language. Others allow us to experience music from various cultures throughout the world, familiar and not so familiar. Promotion of multiculturalism can only be good. It is important that we as politicians understand the needs of migrants in a multicultural society. Australia is multiculturalism. We are all human beings first, and from different backgrounds second. We need to understand one another, learn to accept differences, and care for others as human beings. We are all Australians, but that does not mean we have to forget our traditions and culture. John D'Orazio MLA Member for Ballajura Dear Albert, What a fantastic job you are doing in representing the interests of the many ethnic communities in Western Australia! I have really enjoyed reading the Multicultural Communities Online Newsletter and applaud the way it has been designed and presented. I particularly liked the substance of your editorial column and believe that your vision and energy have contributed much to the progress of recognising and celebrating our diverse and rich array of cultural legacies, traditions and heritage. Congratulations to you, the Office of the Multicultural Interests and the Ethnic Communities Council of WA for paving the way forward and toward a society that is an inclusive, cohesive and harmonious, where there is respect for diversity, equity and social justice. The many interesting letters to the editor attest to the deep appreciation the community has for the work you are doing. In the last issue, I read with great interest the article on "World Radio" 6EBA-FM 95.3 as it is one of the few stations I listened to. I believe this work deserves greater community recognition and support and I want to sincerely thank Paul Pearman, the staff and volunteers, and the Council members of "World Radio" for 12 years of dedicated efforts and being a superb model of community collaboration. Well done Albert, and I look forward to reading the next issues in 2003. Dr. Samuel Leong M.A.C.E. Director of Music Education and Musicianship Studies Director, Callaway Centre School of Music Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences The University of Western Australia Dear Editor, I read with great pride and interest your very well written and informative article on Gningala Yarran-Clanton (Gningala) - Online October 2002. Being a female lawyer from a Multicultural background and also the sole parent of two delightful girls, I can understand many of the obstacles that Gningala may have had to face in attaining Bachelor of Laws on 19 September 2002 and obtaining subsequent employment as a Judge's Associate. I offer Gningala my sincere congratulations and I am sure that she will continue to be a positive role model not only to her beautiful daughters but to the broader community as well. Please convey my and my family's congratulations to Gningala. Jean Oliveiro Principal Solicitor Multicultural Services Centre of WA Inc. Hello Albert, At the very outset, let me congratulate you on the excellent work that you are doing. I always enjoy reading the newsletter and this time was pleasantly surprised to see one of my favourite people featured in an article. I refer to Paul Pearman, Manager of 6EBA - Multicultural Radio. I am the co-ordinator of Sangam Radio, sponsored by the Indian Society of WA (Inc). I have known Paul for about two years now. I must say that what I like most about him are his twinkling eyes and infectious laughter! He is always helpful and always approachable. Once again well done for all your efforts. Prapti Mehta Research Officer Strategic and Corporate Planning City of Joondalup |
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