Australian Culture in Multicultural Australia

Australian culture in multicultural Australia has many faces. Sue Ellson from the Newcomers Network explains what it means to her to be Australian and why it is something to celebrate and share with our multicultural friends.

How does Australia rank on cultural agility?

Australians live in an island country and we are well known for our ability to travel for work, both domestically and internationally (more than 50 per cent of the Australian population has a passport). 

We are envied the world over for our mostly harmonious, multicultural cities.  They are still works in progress (although a great response recently by various community leaders to prevent disharmony) and we still need to develop greater access and equity for our indigenous Australians. 

Digital literacy training before NBN is complete

Harmony Day Navel Gazing – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

This year Harmony Day focuses on Sport, recognising the important role and positive influence that sport has in our multicultural nation. Sue Ellson looks at how far Australia has come in eliminating racial discrimination, and how far we have to go.

White Australia Day – or Multicultural Movement Day?

We have only been celebrating Australian Day on the actual date – 26 January – since 1994 when the public holiday was declared. The message of inclusiveness has stayed the same but Sue Ellson asks if it's time for an update.

Australia Day 2012 has enabled various initiatives to gain media coverage highlighting the issues faced by indigenous Australians and migrants. 

What does “Christmas” mean in Australia

No matter what your cultural background Christmas is a community event in Australia. Inviting Newcomers to participate in celebrations can be rewarding for all involved.

As a third generation Australian, I have grown up with the yearly ritual of Christmas in Australia.

Creating sustainable support networks for newcomers

Networking for Newcomers

Australian Citizenship: Passion or Process?

I was very honoured to be a conferree’s guest at Australia’s largest Australian Citizenship Ceremony held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, 19 June 2010.

The People of Australia

Some practical responses to the The People of Australia Australian Multicultural Advisory Council Statement on cultural diversity and recommendations to government which was launched in Melbourne on Friday 30 April.

I attended the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council launch of its Cultural Diversity Statement presented by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans MP, at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne today.

You can access the document online, it’s titled: The People of Australia Australian Multicultural Advisory Council Statement on cultural diversity and recommendations to government.

International Students: Cash Cows or Lonely Hearts?

Australia is fortunate to have an excellent education system that can prepare Aussie students for an international career anywhere in the world without having to go to boarding school during secondary school or a non-English speaking university or tertiary college. 

I have been working with newcomers from all backgrounds since 1999.

What does the Harmony Day mean to me?

For me, it is peace on earth. That is the beauty and charm of diversity. Long may it continue.

Harmony Day is 21 March each year. It celeberates the cohesive and inclusive nature of Australia and promotes cultural diversity. Starting in 1999, it is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

After growing up in conservative, 'big country town' Adelaide, I loved visiting my family on Kangaroo Island and mixing with the international guests staying at Ellson's Seaview Motel. They told interesting stories, looked different, sounded different and seemed so much more fascinating than the 'twin set and pearls' brigade that was more familiar to me.