To have an “US” we need a “THEM”
It is a privilege to bring together a galaxy of personalities whose individual and collective contribution is an inspiration for members of our society and a positive influence for good.
In our endeavour to build a community of readership, which engages in discourse about the realities of our culturally and linguistically diverse society, we hope to disperse any perception of prejudice and stereotyping. By bringing to you the rich cultural achievements of our communities and their leaders we hope to develop a wholesome respect for cultural diversity.
Within these pages we are privileged to share with you the accomplishments of a truly Renaissance gentleman –Dr. Richard Walley OAM –a poet, an artist, a musician, an environmentalist, a linguist and a great charismatic leader for our times.
By bringing together images and facts we hope to reflect the realities and achievements of our evolving multicultural society.
Dr. Loretta Baldassar, a second generation Italian-Australian and a pioneer of the transnational approach to migration studies, reflects on the painful past of the process of settlement of her community in this country. As Dr. Baldassar asks, “what lessons can be gained from the Italian-Australian experience in our endeavour to develop a genuine multicultural Australian society for the future?”
Today’s Italian-Australian generation have excelled in so many fields of human endeavour and have made a permanent contribution to our social mores and values that it is sufficient acknowledgment of the importance of the rich contribution of our Italian-Australian communities.
The Italian communities as heirs to those great movements and ideas referred to as “Renaissance” and “Humanism” have contributed important elements which make up “Civilization”. Dr Haskell in a brilliant scholarly article reminds us of the debt we owe to those seminal ideas of a great people and nation.
Many leaders at home and abroad glibly sprinkle their rhetoric with the word “civilization” but sadly the facts do not reflect the reality. I am reminded of Polonius who said, “Do not as some pastors do, himself thread the path of dalliance and point the straight and narrow to others”.
Finally, what brings joy to a passing generation is the quality, achievements and attributes of our Youth and the leadership they provide. It has been a privilege to bring to you the work and thoughts of the members of the United Nations Youth Association (W.A.)
These young people bring the message of Peace and Progress as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations to the youth in our communities. They also are engaged in developing an awareness of the implications of the many issues that are important, if we are to bring about the establishment of a just and equitable society. Their involvement is not only at state and national level but also at international forums such as described by Lizzie Landels in “The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN)”.
Their performance and dedication has been impressive under the leadership of Daniel Miller. Natalie Garcia de Heer’s commitment to human rights is commendable, Siddhartha Chakrabarti’s energy in bringing the message to the schools in the educational programmes is worthy of approbation,
And Ross Broad’s summation of the great Conference held in
Perth, reflects the individual and collective contribution of our youth nationwide.
It is fitting therefore, that the Premier Dr. Geoff Gallop thought it proper to present the 2004 Multicultural Ambassador's Award (Youth categoty) to Sasanka Thilikasiri thereby recognising the contribution of the United Nations Youth Association (W.A.)
If you have been inspired by the presentation made by our contributors please send your comments for publication under “Letters to the Editor”.
Thank you.
Albert Da Cruz
EDITOR
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Profiles
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