Niru TripathiIn the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Victoria has emerged as a beacon of inclusivity, a place where countless stories of migration, struggle, and triumph have woven together to create a vibrant mosaic. CALD Voices digital magazine celebrates these narratives, delving into the journeys of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who have found a home in this remarkable corner of the world.
The theme of the 2023 Cultural Diversity Week, “Our Past. Our Future: Celebrating and reflecting on the contributions of Victoria’s multicultural communities,” invites us to embark on an exploration of this state’s diverse and compelling history. As I reflect on my own journey, I am reminded of my arrival in Melbourne in 2013 for higher education, a journey that opened my eyes to the rich history and multiculturalism.
The sight of Flinders Street Station and the Southbank Bridge immediately evoked memories of Howrah Station in Calcutta, India, where I visited in 2010. It was a moment of déjà vu, a surreal experience that made me question whether I was in Calcutta or Melbourne. Intriguingly, I began to delve into the history of these iconic landmarks, and in doing so, I discovered a curious fact of Bombay instead of Calcutta.
Pic: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, India. photo by Joe Ravi
It was then that I delved into the history and discovered a curious fact: It was rumoured that the plans for Bombay and Melbourne Train Stations were inadvertently mixed up in the same designer’s office in London. While Flinders Street Station was constructed between 1901 and 1905, the designers, who were British and selected through a worldwide competition, mistakenly combined their plans with those meant for Bombay. While this story may require further verification, it was my first glimpse into the captivating history of this vibrant city.
Pic: Flinders Street Station. Google
This journey of exploration did not conclude there. I slowly immersed myself in Melbourne’s multicultural community, a diverse and welcoming itself. It was a revelation to discover that Melbourne had a heart that beats with the rhythms of the world.
In the heart of Melbourne, near the iconic Flinders Street Station, stands a magnificent glass wall that serves as a testament to Victoria’s storied past. This monumental glass installation, found along the Southbank, showcases the journey of various nations – the years they arrived, the languages they brought, and the motivations that led them to make Australia their new home. The data displayed on this magnificent wall might be subject to revision, but the history it represents fills the hearts of onlookers with an immense sense of pride.
In 2016, a poignant moment unfolded as my mother visited Melbourne for my graduation. We stood before this towering glass wall, and her eyes shimmered with pride and recognition. Etched into that wall was the history of Nepal, a vital piece of her heritage, acknowledged and celebrated. Her expression was a testament to Victoria’s unwavering commitment to honoring the multifaceted identities of its residents. In that moment, as she struck a pose, I captured a photograph that encapsulated the essence of our shared multicultural journey.
Pic: In 2016, my mother happily posed in front of the glass wall where Nepal’s history in Australia is written, and she is proud of that.
Victoria, often referred to as the heart of Australia’s cultural diversity, boasts a varieties of stories from all corners of the globe. It is written in many governments’ official website that before British settlers arrived in the mid-1830s, Victoria was home to 36 distinct Aboriginal community and language groups. In those early years of settlement, there was a genuine cultural exchange between Aborigines and the newcomers. Yet, it’s a history marked with the sorrowful conflicts arising from land disputes.
The turning point in Victoria’s history came with the discovery of gold in 1851, drawing people from all over the world to its glittering fields. Chinese, Italians, Europeans, and Americans flocked here, each carrying their unique perspectives on democracy and republicanism, forged by experiences such as the Irish famine, European revolutions, and the American War of Independence.
The Eureka Rebellion of 1854 stands as an iconic moment in Victoria’s history. It saw a group of gold diggers from diverse backgrounds uniting to demand an end to mining licenses. This event left an indelible mark on the state’s cultural identity and went on to become a cornerstone of the Australian nation’s foundation.
However, the mid-1850s brought about a sudden influx of Chinese immigrants, raising fears of being “swamped” by Asian hordes. This fear led to the introduction of the first anti-Chinese immigration legislation in 1855. Victoria played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s immigration policies, ultimately resulting in the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 following Federation.
Despite the challenges, not all newcomers came seeking gold. Some became market gardeners, small traders, and hawkers, contributing to the local economy. Early Muslim immigrants, including North Indian and Afghan cameleers, played essential roles in transportation and exploration.
In the 1880s, Melbourne earned the moniker of “marvelous Melbourne” due to its booming economy and cosmopolitan atmosphere. But the 1890s brought economic depression, leading to immigration restrictions, which further fueled ethnic, class, and social tensions.
Today, Victoria’s multiculturalism is an intrinsic part of its identity. Victorians hail from over 300 ancestries, speak 290 languages, and follow almost 200 faiths, creating a vibrant diversity that enriches the entire community. It fosters understanding, ushers in new ideas, attracts businesses, and generates employment.
The Victorian government not only acknowledges but also champions this multicultural heritage. The Multicultural Affairs portfolio and the Victorian Multicultural Commission play pivotal roles in promoting inclusivity and ensuring every Victorian feels not just welcome, but a cherished part of this diverse community.
The Multicultural Victoria Act of 2011 stands as a beacon, recognizing that citizenship is at the heart of multiculturalism. Victoria became the first Australian state to enshrine the protection of human rights in law through the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2006.
Victoria’s history stands as an enduring testament to its commitment to multiculturalism. From the days of the gold rush to the present moment, this magnificent state has continually evolved into a vibrant, diverse, and all-embracing society. It’s a place where, with each passing second, individuals from every corner of the world are making history, creating memories, and contributing to the ongoing narrative of multicultural unity. There is an undeniable sense of pride in calling this land home, knowing that it is a historic mosaic where the embrace of diversity is not just a part of the past, but a living and breathing reality that shapes our lives every day.
In conclusion, as we gather to celebrate Cultural Diversity Week in 2023, let us take a poignant moment to reflect on this rich cultures that has not only shaped our past but vividly defines our present. It also holds within it the promise of a harmonious future where people continue to progress, grow, and create history. In this remarkable land of Victoria, every heart has found a place to thrive, and together, we march toward a future where the bonds of multiculturalism only grow stronger, nurturing a legacy that generations to come will cherish.
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