"This priority will ensure that students learn about and recognise the diversity within and between the countries of the Asia region. They will develop knowledge and understanding of Asian societies, cultures, beliefs and environments, and the connections between the peoples of Asia, Australia and the rest of the world!" (Cross-Curriculum Priorities | ACARA, n.d.).
"The second key concept examines the past and continuing achievements of the peoples of Asia, identifies their contribution to world history and acknowledges the influences that the Asia region has on the world's aesthetic and creative pursuits"
www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/History/Cross-Curriculum-Priorities
How does the image below make you feel?
White Australia Policy
(Retrieved from museumvictoria.com.au, n.d.)
To understand the relationship between Asia and Australia, the stories of the immigrants and the rich culture they have brought to this country must be told. The first Chinese people arrived in Australia within the first fifty years of British settlement, working as servants and general laborers such as farmers, cooks and fishermen. Click on the link below and then click on Historical Content for further information.
The Goldrush created an influx of Chinese, particularly in Victoria and brought with it discontent between the British and Chinese people. In the years between 1880 and 1881 the number of immigrants were reduced further. In 1901 "The Immigration Restriction Act was introduced" with documents to support this
("Immigration - National Archives of Australia, n.d.). A case study of Mr and Mrs Poon Gooey can be found on this link:
A picture of Mr and Mrs Poon Gooey and family
(A legacy of White Australia: Records about Chinese Australians in the National Archives, n.d.)
The case study of Mr and Mrs Poon Gooey from 1910-1913 highlights the outcome of the government to reduce the number of Chinese in Australia. Even though Poon Gooey was a Christian and a successful greengrocer, his wife Ham Hop was threatened with deportation, and in 1913 the whole family returned to China: a family with children born in Australia and contributing to society in a constructive way.
"The White Australia Policy" was introduced at Federation in 1901: a controversial issue, favoring the idea of a white Australia. Groups for example, the Aboriginals and the Chinese were ignored, creating a 'British" nation ("Immigration - National Archives of Australia, n.d.). Click on the video link for further information:
Federation, White Australia Policy, Australian History Part 1
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxw8lfCoJLO)
The final stages of abolition of The White Australia Policy occurred in 1973 after many years of transition. Whitlams Labour Government removed race as a factor in Australian Immigration:
Today there is still some angst about immigration, but this is changing as Australia has strong business and educational attachments to Asia, largely due to the close proximity. The Asian culture brings a diverse range of traditions and artistic attributes that are positive for this country. Australia was built on immigration, and with working together much can be gained.
Celebrating Chinese New Year, Sydney - style
Photo Credit: City of Sydney (National Geographic, n.d.)
"The festival celebrations showcase the culture of Chinese people, not just in Sydney, but across Australia. New South Wales has the largest Chinese community in Australia with more than 290 000 people of Chinese Ancestry across the state. We are proud of the great contribution the Chinese community has made to Australia" (Kristina Keneally: former Premier of New South Wales).
There are many stories to be told, and the issue of refugees coming to Australia is at the forefront of political debate and public comment. An underlying fear and lack of knowledge contributes to these negative attitudes. Images as shown below create uncertainty.
"A high-tech military power coming to invade Australia"
(The Punch - Australia's best conversation, n.d.)
There is nothing to fear!
The video link below tells the story of Australian comedian Anh Do, and his trip to Australia from Vietnam as a refugee at the age of two and a half years. He discusses the dangers and challenges that were faced by his family. The life he now lives, and his contribution as a rich and diverse person are attributes that should make any country proud. In teaching the history component of the Australian curriculum it is important to identify the challenges faced by Asian immigrants, but also acknowledge the contribution they have made to the Australian history in the past and the present.
References
Cross - Curriculum Priorities|ACARA. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://acara.edu.au/curriculum/cross_curriculum_priorities.html
Images/Videos
Australian Geographic (n.d.). Celebrating Chinese New Year, Sydney - style [Photograph].
Retrieved from http://australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=10&gid=5829
Federation, White Australia policy, Australian History Part 1 [Video File]. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxw81fCoJLO
The Punch: Australia's best conversation (n.d.). A high-tech military power coming to invade Australia [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://thepunch.com.au/tags/boat-people/
Victoria Museum (n.d.). White Australia Policy [Picture] . Retrieved from
http://museumvictoria.com.au/learning-federation/infosheets/white-australia/
Workingdogchannel (n.d.) Pictures of You - Anh Do [Video file]. Retrieved from
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN16aRwXFwY
Hyperlinks
The Australian Curriculum v5.0 History: Cross-curriculum priorities. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/History/Cross-curriculum-Priorities
Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 8. Abolition of the 'White Australia' Policy. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http:www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/08abolition.htm
Immigration ? National Archives of Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/publications/papers-and-podcasts/immigration/white-australia.aspx
Resources: The Arrival | Australia: Intersections of identity. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://identities.asiaedcation.edu.au/resource_page.html?resourceId=3005&pathwayId-O&showSection=2
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