Diverse communities

Over the last ten years we have experienced a shift in the language used for the diverse cultural groups in Australia.  This change in language reflects the continuing change in the mindset of mainstream Australia.

Multiculturalism acknowledged that different cultures could co-exist rather than be assimilated into a western cultural melting pot.

Cultural Diversity arrived later. This term showed more respect for other cultures by highlighting and celebrating cultural difference.

Cultural Exchange is a recent phenomenon, identifying that there is much each culture can learn from the other.

Queensland is home to people from more than 200 cultures, 150 languages and 100 religious beliefs. Over 14,000 places were given to refugees in Australia during 2005-2006: approximately 56% from Africa; 34% from the Middle East and South West Asia and 10% from the Pacific region.
(Department of Immigration & Citizenship: 2007)

Working with refugees

Considerations:

  • Language barriers – how might this be overcome? Interpreters are one solution; you may also be able to use family members or friends.
  • Cultural competency – how much do you know of the culture, background, values and beliefs?  If you are culturally competent, it will help overcome cultural barriers when working with diverse groups.  As with Indigenous communities discussed above, do not assume that different groups within the same culture will be the same.  How can you lessen the divide?  Some ways will be to learn more about the culture; connect with local groups; attend cultural events; develop peer networks or if relevant, hire workers from those communities to assist with the project or activities.
  • Lack of experience in working with a particular culture.  There could be different ways of working, a different focus on time, trust issues, communication issues. Developing trust will be important to overcome potential barriers and assist in building a strong relationship. This will require time and patience.
  • Trauma and previous violence – refugees from war torn countries may be dealing with trauma. It is likely if you work with traumatized participants; you will be well briefed beforehand and will work closely with the appropriate professionals.
  • Be honest and transparent in your processes.  If you make a mistake admit to it.  Keep people informed.
  • Maintain integrity at all times
Issues relating to disability

For any event you need to consider issues relating to disability, such as:

  • accessibility of venues, including the proximity of accessible parking and availability of accessible toilets
  • support for people with hearing impairments – is there an audio loop at the venue or someone available to sign
  • inviting advance notice - including a statement in promotional materials that requests people to identify any special requirements in advance
Cultural inclusivity

You may also wish to aim for culturally sensitive behaviour and activities, and encourage an environment where differences are valued and explored.
A source of potential funding mentioned earlier for multicultural events is www.multicultural.qld.gov.au or 1800 053 739

Resources

Brisbane City Council’s ‘Working with Refugees Strategy’ is a useful resource clarifying how BCC will work with refugees, government and community to provide an inclusive city where cultural diversity is valued. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bccwr/community/documents/refugee_strategy_%20e&c_approved.pdf


Hands UP! - and be counted
Creative projects by recently arrived and refugee communities, supported by the Community Cultural Development Board. www.australiacouncil.gov.au/publications/community_arts_and_culture

Multicultural Affairs Queensland www.multicultural.qld.gov.au whose mission is to work to strengthen multiculturalism by providing advice on multicultural issues, coordinating multicultural policy development and planning; and promoting positive community relations has a very useful website. See - Diversity Matters a free quarterly magazine distributed to more than 6,000 organisations and individuals across Queensland www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/publications/magazine/index.php; and the Queensland Multicultural Resource Directory which provides a comprehensive listing of some 1500 key organisations with an ethnic community focus in Queensland.     www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/services_and_resources/resource_directory/index.php

Multicultural Health www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/default.asp provides information, services, support, translator advice, and policies and planning.  Although some of the information is health related, there is a wealth of resource material on this site, including a list of multicultural links to government and community organisations and information on the

Queensland Government interpreting and translating information.

The Brisbane Multicultural Arts Community (BEMAC) is a not for profit organisation, who support migrant and refugee communities by providing professional development for artists and job opportunities in festivals and events.  www.bemac.org.au

Centre for Refugee Research.  Provides a range of reports and publications at a nominal cost.  One resource is the Roads to Refuge: Refugees in Australia education kit. www.crr.unsw.edu.au/crr_shop.html

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission produces free resources to assist teachers and community trainers to dispel the myths about migrants and our First Australians.  One free resource is Face the Facts www.hreoc.gov.au/education/face_facts/index.html

Community summary information covering 145 diverse communities residing in Australia produced in 2003 by the Dept of Immigration and Citizenship.  www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/summary.htm

Working with multicultural youth.  Two papers produced by the Centre for Multicultural Youth ‘Multicultural Youth in Australia: Settlement and Transition’ and ‘Working with Multicultural Youth: Programs, Strategies and future directions’ can be accessed from the following link - www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/building_stronger/inclusive/reports.html

Towards an inclusive society.  Address by Justice Michael Kirby. www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/building_stronger/inclusive/inc_soc.html

The Federal Government website for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/60refugee.htm