Page 414 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 14 February 2017
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Countries in Asia now account for more than 39 per cent of people born overseas, up from just four per cent in 1961. In 2011, nearly one in five of ACT residents aged five spoke a language other than English at home. Two of the most common languages other than English are Mandarin and Cantonese.
In my electorate of Yerrabi, I am lucky to have the opportunity to meet with various multicultural community groups and attend important cultural events that highlight the rich tapestry of cultures that exist across Gungahlin and Belconnen. The signature event that recognises and celebrates Canberra’s multicultural diversity is the National Multicultural Festival, held each February, and now in its 21st year.
Last year, over three days, more than 280,000 people came into the heart of the city to celebrate the kaleidoscope of diversity on which our community is built. There were 463 stalls, more than 4,000 community volunteers and 2,500 performers across eight stages, with the whole event injecting many millions into the ACT economy.
This is a great economic impact. But more than this, the festival is a strong affirmation of unity in diversity. We are long past the stage of viewing cultural diversity as something to be merely accepted or tolerated. The festival celebrates both the diversity of people’s unique backgrounds and cultures and it affirms that although we come from different places—places that will always be important to us—we are an accepting and inclusive community.
As the National Multicultural Festival is about celebrating diversity, it is important also to acknowledge the need for policies that make diversity a lived reality in our city. For diversity to be reflected in all areas of life, it needs to be supported by enabling policies that encourage participation, access and connectedness. It is vital that we are a city of opportunity for all, be it through employment programs, housing initiatives or community celebrations in ways that actually enhance our culturally diverse way of life.
This is where the ACT multicultural framework and action plan 2015-2020 comes in. The framework was developed through an extensive community consultation process. It draws on the ideas and initiatives of hundreds of people across the city—everyday Canberrans, as well as community leaders.
The aim of the framework is to increase social participation and community connection across our city over the next five years by making services more accessible and responsive, by enhancing participation and social cohesion in our community and by capitalising on the benefits of our cultural diversity. The ACT community is among the most culturally diverse and harmonious in Australia. The framework is one way of ensuring that this harmony is not left to chance.
Another initiative to strengthen this harmony is the establishment of a new ACT multicultural advisory council. It is a legacy of hard work on the part of both government and the community. Last week, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced that expressions of interest would soon be sought for the new ACT multicultural advisory council.
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