MULTICULTURAL SNAPSHOTS SUMMIT INDUCTION

Before you launch into the Multicultural Snapshots Summit, navigate your Summit Induction!

Explore some key ideas about multiculturalism with your classmates, and then work through the toolkit:

Download this PDF copy of the Multicultural Snapshots Summit Induction to use in class.

VICTORIA: THE DIVERSE STATE

Did you know that Victoria is the most diverse state in Australia, closely followed by New South Wales? Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world.

At the 2016 Census, of Victoria’s total population (5.93 million):

28.4% were born overseas in over 200 countries
49.1% were born overseas or born in Australia with at least one parent born overseas
26% spoke a language other than English at home
59% followed one of more than 130 different faiths

A RICH MULTICULTURAL STORY: Victoria’s rich multicultural story has developed over a long time. The Aboriginal people of Australia have been the traditional custodians of this country for over 60,000 years.

Each state in Australia is home to number of Aboriginal Nations, with their own identities separate from each other. Koorie/Koori/Gurri is the general term used by contemporary Aboriginal people and communities of Victoria and Southern New South Wales to identify and differentiate themselves from Aboriginal groups from other parts of Australia.

Over time, various waves of immigration have brought migrants to Australia. Many of these people were refugees and came to settle in Victoria from Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, Middle East and Africa.

These new arrivals, the generations that followed and their descendants have diversified the makeup of Victorian society. They introduced new languages, skills, cultures and religions.

Where do I fit in?

To participate in our increasingly multicultural and globalised world, young people like us need to be able to communicate with and respect people from different cultures and faiths.

By drawing on our own and others’ beliefs and cultures, we can innovate new products, services and ways of life. This makes for a more creative and inclusive society.

QUESTION TIME!

You may have heard of the term multicultural before. What do you think it means?

Share your thoughts in class.

Multicultural refers to a society that contains many different cultural, faith and ethnic groups that co-exist in one place, city, state or country.

Multiculturalism in Victoria is about encouraging people to connect to each other and respect diverse communities.

The Victorian Government makes it a priority that everyone who lives in our state has equal rights and opportunities.

It is important for people to fully participate in society and share their heritage without being discriminated against.

Listen

Multicultural

But what does this mean for me?

Check out some key questions about your place in a multicultural society.

Have a discussion and get your thoughts flowing in class together!

How do you feel about living in a multicultural society?
2.

What is your ethnic heritage? What is your ancestry? Which country do you identify with most?

How do you understand your own or your family’s culture or faith?

Do you share your traditions, customs, cultural heritage and beliefs with other people?

How? If not, then why?

Do you interact with people that are from different cultures or hold different beliefs to yours?

Where and how do you do this?
4.

What skills do you need to successfully speak or work with people from various ethnic communities?

What are the benefits and challenges of doing this?
5.

Why do you think it is important to develop Victoria and Melbourne as a multicultural state and city?

How can you contribute to, shape and lead a socially cohesive and diverse school, neighbourhood, city and state?

Can you do this on a national and global level? What would it take?

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR SUMMIT INDUCTION

Next: Launch the Multicultural Snapshot Summit!

LAUNCH

MULTICULTURAL SNAPSHOTS SUMMIT INDUCTION