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The Community Relations Commission visited Lismore
The Community Relations Commission visited Lismore on 13 and 14 November 2008. The visit was part of an ongoing program of consultations with representatives of the local community to learn of their achievements, and to use the lessons learnt to improve the delivery of services in a multicultural context.Lismore is a major regional centre in the States north east, with a population of some 43,000, of which 3.7% were born in a country where English is not their first language. Lismore is home for an increasing population representing a range of diverse ethnic communities spread across thirty language groups and recently has accepted refugees from parts of war-torn Africa.
Lismore is the centre of a thriving agricultural economy, light industry and is the home of Southern Cross University.
Public lecture at Southern Cross University
At Southern Cross University the Chairperson of the Commission delivered an occasional address to students, staff and guests at the university. This event was hosted by Dr Rob Garbutt of the Universitys Centre for Peace and Social Justice.
Dr Kerkyasharian (right) with Dr Rob Garbutt.
Dr Kerkyasharians presentation provided an overview of community relations in NSW, with a focus on social inclusion and the future of multiculturalism. The direction of the Chairpersons message was that in a democratic society, successful multicultural policies, as experienced in New South Wales, are based on the concepts of inclusiveness, rather than separation and marginalisation. And that while the status of a citizen is not determined by ethnicity, race, language or religion, an individual citizen should have the right of self-identification by way of any of these identifiers.
The presentation was attended by students of the local Richmond River High School.
Fr Tony Glynn Japan-Australia Centre
Commissioners meet the staff and students of the Japanese student centre
The Commission visited the Fr Tony Glynn Japan-Australia Centre that is located within the grounds of Southern Cross University. Father Tony Glynn was educated in Lismore and as a priest worked in Japan to heal the wounds of war. He helped overcome the devastation of the Japanese by collecting food and clothing. The Centre houses a gallery of Japanese art and cultural artefacts and memorabilia of Father Tony Glynns work. For the 200 Japanese students who attend the university each year and who contribute to the multicultural fabric of Lismore, the Centre offers a link to their homeland. Dr Kerkyasharian took the opportunity to mention the Japanese Sendai study tour and the Commissions official visit to Japan in January 2007.
Civic reception hosted by Lismore City Council
The Lismore City Council hosted a civic reception where the local communities were proud to share their cultural heritage.
Members of the Filipino community were one of many who welcomed the Commission to Lismore.
Speakers from the migrant community shared the same theme: they want to be free to contribute to the strength of the community; to share their culture and to learn how to be accepted as an Australian.
In accepting, on behalf of the Commission, the hospitality of the people of Lismore, the Chairperson of the Commission spoke on the role of the Commission in supporting and promoting the cultural identity of the people of Lismore and how cultural diversity is regarded as an asset to New South Wales.
Read the speech delivered by Mayor Jenny Dowell.
Commission meeting
The Commissions formal meeting provided the forum to discuss issues focussing on ethnic and multicultural issues. Lismore City Council kindly provided its council chambers as the venue for the meeting.
The Commission passed a formal resolution thanking Mayor Jenny Dowell and the councillors for their warm welcome and their support of the Commission.
New Italy
The museum has a picture story of the history of the settlement at New Italy.
The creation of New Italy was a success story, built on the foundations of betrayal and greed by an 18th century developer but using a framework of hope, hard work and loyalty of the new settlers. The full story of New Italy is found at www.new-italy.com
Commissioners spoke with the members of the management committee of New Italy and learnt of the issues and challenges they will take on as it makes choices that promote, yet protect, this heritage site.
Lismores Living Library
Lismores Living Library was opened especially for the Commissions visit, outside its usual period of business. The Chairperson and Commissioners, all of whom have experienced the migration experience, offered to be read, and were enthusiastically received by readers.
Refugee community
Significant communities of Sudanese and Sierra Leoneans have made Lismore their home. The nature of their ethnicity differentiates them from the rest of the community. They want to celebrate that difference, to share their culture, but at the same time be part of Lismore and contribute to it. The community of Lismore has embraced them.
Outcomes
The communities of Lismore were delighted that the Commission had taken an interest in their city. They enjoyed the opportunity to meet the States senior policy personnel in the field of ethnic affairs and multiculturalism. The Commission commended what Lismore has achieved as a result of the Australian born community and migrant community functioning with a common purpose. Of particular note was the declaration in June last year of Lismore as a refugee welcome zone.
Lismore offers a model of community harmony, based on respect of culture and preparedness to support an individual to reach their potential for the benefit of the community.