ISSUE #1
Disclaimer: All materials remain copyright Š of 2014 Sibwannan. Permission to reprint material should be obtained in writing from the editor at this office. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the opinions of Sibwannan. Under the trade practices act advertisers are here by advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility. The appearance of an advertisement in Sibwannan does not necessarily imply endorsement of the advertiser by Sibwannan. Advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the content is legitimate and lawful. Errors and omissions: While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements the proprietors of Sibwannan cannot be held responsible for errors, and/or omissions or their subsequent effects. The right is reserved to alter, abbreviate, omit or reclassify advertisements for any reason. No guarantee is given regarding the positioning of advertisements and credits will not be given for advertisements appearing out of sequence. The appearance of any person or persons in this magazine does not necessarily reflect their beliefs or behaviours in any way. Original contributions and letters to the editor are most welcome. Sibwannan reserves the right to edit, delete, change or not publish all or part of any letters and/or contributions. Receipt of manuscripts will be taken by the editor as permission to print unless the contrary is specifically indicated.
CONTENTS WHAT’S ON
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FEATURES 8 Coconut Palms and Cultural Practice
PEOPLE 13 A Tale of Struggle, Compassion and Triumph
FEATURE 16 Hellenic House: The Not-So-Secret Gem of Brisbane
TRAVEL 18 The Land of Blue Skies and Untouched Wilderness
TRAVEL 20 Top Five Eco–Tourism Destinations in Australia
TRAVEL 23 Bali’s Top 5 Tourist Destinations
FEATURE 24 African Town
COMMUNITY 26 A Bright Celebration of Chinese Culture
COMMUNITY 28 Cover image: Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company
Safe Havens in Unfamiliar Territory
Publisher Stephen Mam steve@sibw.com.au
Contributors Sarah Duncan Alexandra Gath Melanie Groves Khwezi Nkwanyana Austin Small
Editor Melanie Groves editor@sibw.com.au Design & Media Vacant Face marty@vacantface.com.au
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Next Issue (2) Deadlines Editorial – 30 October Advertising – 30 October Artwork – 3 November
Contact Us Published by Sibwannan ABN 27 082 430 147 PO Box 101 Paddington, Brisbane QLD 4064 Australia +617 3511-6076 info@sibw.com.au www.sibw.com.au
JOIN THE CONVERSATION ADVERTISE WITH US. Contact info@sibw.com.au or call +617 3511 6076 for prices and speciямБcations.
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Editor’s Message: I’m really excited to be a part of the first issue of Sibwannan magazine. Sibwannan aims to showcase the interesting and inspiring stories surrounding multiculturalism, arts, travel, and community development. Sibwannan is a Torres Strait Islander word meaning ‘Contribution’ which refers not just to giving, but a more rounded approach of everyone’s individual contribution and how that benefits a whole community. The coconut tree metaphor that is discussed in one of our features in this issue is a great way to see how everyone in a Torres Strait Islander community contributes in society, each with their role to play. Our magazine aims to tell real stories about the real people in our community, taking away some of the lessons different cultures can teach us in this cultural melting pot that is Australia. Studies have recently been done that show the growing evidence children and young people’s engagement in arts and culture has a progressive impact on their wider participation in society. Particularly in a country as multicultural as Australia, there is a lot we can learn from the cultures around us, and more we can do to be involved in our community. “Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome the economic and political barriers. But first they have to understand that their neighbour is, in the end, just like them, with the same problems, the same questions.” - Paulo Coelho. As this is a magazine for our community and about our community, we would love it to also be by our community. We invite anyone who would like to participate to do so, and would love to hear your stories. I’m very excited to see our first edition finally arrive, and am looking forward to watching it progress and grow in the future. MELANIE GROVES | EDITOR
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| WHAT’S ON Oktoberfest All capital cities OCTOBER
“You’ll feel like you’re in Germany!” Join the fun!
Gathering Brisbane, Queen Street Mall WEDNESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 12-1PM | 2014
Hear the sounds of the didgeridoo with traditional storyteller and visual artist Phil Brown. See an intimate performance by local musician and actress Alicia Mellor. Then be mesmerised by Tahlia Burchill’s mix of traditional and contemporary dance.
Colourise Brisbane 15, 16, 17 OCTOBER | 5-8:30PM | 2014
Walk with us in Turrbal country through the streets of Brisbane to creAct contemporary ceremonies. Reimagine our city through Indigenous eyes, and gather for films which inspire our imaginings. Join us in redreaming the land as we care for country and kin. Participate in city walks from South Brisbane to the city from Wednesday 15 to Thursday 16 October. See films at Kuril Dhagun, State Library of Queensland Tuesday 14 October and Queen Street Mall Friday 17 October. colourise.com.au
Floriade Commonwealth Park, Canberra, ACT 13 SEPTEMBER – 12 OCTOBER | 2014
Canberra’s famously frosty winters provide the perfect nurturing conditions for the million tulips and annuals that bloom right on cue each spring in a park overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. Once a daytime-only event, the Floriade festival now includes NightFest, with cutting-edge light installations and entertainment over five magical evenings.
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SIBW.COM.AU Good Food Month New South Wales 1 TO 31 OCTOBER | 2014
Australia’s dining scene is vibrant all year round but it reaches a peak in October, when chefs, restaurateurs and providores throughout New South Wales pull out all the stops to showcase the state’s gourmet offerings. The month is jam-packed with one-off dinners, fabulous breakfast, lunch and dessert deals, pop-up events, glamorous parties, kitchen-gardening workshops, food talks and night markets. Melbourne Cup Carnival Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria 1 - 8 NOVEMBER | 2014
Experience the thrills, elegance, excitement and unparalleled atmosphere at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a truly glamorous horse racing carnival featuring the 153 year old Emirates Melbourne Cup. It is a time to dress up, be seen, dine out, sip champagne and hope you pick a winner. Featuring the world’s top international horses and jockeys, it’s really an excuse for a national party. Adelaide Fashion Festival 2014 Adelaide, SA 17 - 26 OCTOBER | 2014
“Bringing style and glamour to Adelaide and South Australia each spring, the Adelaide Fashion Festival is recognised by industry insiders as the State’s premier fashion showcase event.” Riverland Wine and Food Festival South Australia 18 OCTOBER | 2014
A celebration of the Riverland’s rich wine and food culture, the Riverland Wine and Food Festival is held on Saturday 18 October. The Festival is set on the banks of the Murray River in Berri and shaded by huge riverside trees. You will enjoy local beer, wine and foods, all complimented by live entertainment in an incredible atmosphere.
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| FEATURES
Torres Strait Islanders come from the islands separating the Australian mainland from New Guinea. There are now approximately 10,000 Torres Strait Islanders living in the Torres Strait region and another 53,700 living outside the region, particularly in coastal towns of Queensland. Until Eddie Mabo’s monumental legal battle in the 1990s, Torres Strait Islanders had a low profile in the consciousness of Australia. The Mabo verdict, however, changed the landscape of Australia when it legally recognised him and two others as the traditional owners of their land. Uncle Steve Mam, a Torres Strait Islander elder based in Brisbane has worked extensively with social
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scientists and social workers such as Paul Ban, to gain legal recognition of their family structures and customary adoption practices.
Islander family culture and life Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and African ancestry rights activist once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” This saying is particularly significant to Torres Strait culture, as the Islanders strongly identify with the coconut palm tree as a
metaphor for Islander family culture and life. Uncle Steve explains the intricacies of Islander culture. “Each part of the life of the coconut tree is a complex representation of how Islander culture works.” The roots of a coconut tree represent the basis of existence for Torres Strait Islanders, their ancestry and history. The roots still affect their daily life and beliefs. Torres Strait Islanders depend on the ancestral roots as it represents their heritage and determines the rest of the tree and therefore the rest of their culture. Undermined or neglected roots endanger the rest of the tree, so history and traditional culture must be cared for.
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COCONUT PALMS AND CULTURAL PRACTICE 9
| FEATURES The trunk of the tree is a conduit for the spiritual energy that passes between the branches and the roots. Tradition, embodied in the trunk, is strong and straight. The trunk also shows the principle of the union of male and female, husband and wife.
Strong family relationships
The first tier of leaves surrounding a new shoot represents the aunts and uncles of the siblings, those who will function as an external teacher, separate from their biological parents. The teachers are constantly alert to tend to the needs to the children, relating to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual skills. The elders are guardians of knowledge and culture, and are represented by the second tier of leaves. The elders are treated with great respect and their extensive knowledge of their culture is fed back into the community.
Strong family relationships, with clearly defined structures, are represented in the leaves of the coconut tree. As Uncle Steve explains, “Just as every leaf has a place and purpose on its branch, every person has their place and position within the family.�
Coconuts represent the individual and the people. Coconuts are the end result of a complex process created by the coconut tree, transforming sap into a flesh and liquid creation that also bears the seed of new coconut trees.
The new shoots of the coconut tree are parallel to the birth process. The leaves shoot from the apex of the coconut tree, and fan out as the leaves mature. The relationship of the different sections of the tree must be strong - healthy roots and the flow of sap through the trunk will ensure that the leaves sprout without complications.
Fulfilling the circle of life are the dead leaves of the coconut tree falling to the ground. The leaves are then absorbed into the soil, with nutrients going back into the roots and further assisting the growth of the tree. This represents the elderly who pass on from the physical world to join their ancestors in the spiritual world. The collective knowledge and wisdom of the grandparents and great grandparents is absorbed into the shared ancestral history in the roots of the tree. The process is holistic - the older generation is put to rest but they continue to benefit the younger generations and their continued culture and history. The Torres Strait Islander metaphor for life shows us how all parts of their culture are connected, flowing together with each part having unique individual importance but also benefiting the rest of the community and contributing to their culture. Understanding this cultural basis helps us to understand a culturally different view of the world. Click here to read more. BY | MELANIE GROVES
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| PEOPLE
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A TALE OF STRUGGLE, COMPASSION AND TRIUMPH
time with Saba talking about her cultural background and her social-enterprise, Mu’ooz, located in West End, Brisbane.
BY | KHWEZI NKWANYANA AND MELANIE GROVES
Hello! I was born and raised in Eritrea, during a time of a lot of politically instability and civil unrest. I grew up in a big family; there were ten of us all together. I was the only daughter out of eight children, which I am grateful for as it has made me the women I am today. My parents and brothers always treated me as an equal; this is very uncommon for women in my home country. Usually women are expected to just be a mother and wife; women couldn’t be teachers, doctors, lawyers or anything else, they were only raised to be good wives. However, I was lucky enough to be taught to aspire
Interview – Saba Abraham Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted saying “beautiful [aged] people are works of art”. In my mind, no one embodies that better than Saba Abraham. The Eritrean born social-enterprise founder has dedicated her life to integrating female foreign migrants – often refugees from war torn countries- into everyday Australian life. Her tale of struggle, compassion and triumph is truly inspiring. Sibwannan Magazine was lucky enough to spend some
Hello Saba. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
for my own future, outside the traditional cultural norms. What brought you here to Brisbane? I was a freedom fighter back in Eritrea during the civil unrest. When the political group I was in lost to another one, it was very unsafe for me to stay in Eritrea. So I moved to Sudan as a political refugee. As you probably know, Sudan is also struggling with a lot of civil unrest and it was dangerous for me to stay there. I moved to Cairo, Egypt, next (again as a political refugee); however, because of my political history, Egypt was not safe for me and my daughter to stay long-term. I decided that coming here to Australia would be the best opportunity for my child and me to have a fresh start and live happily.
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| PEOPLE
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SIBW.COM.AU How was your experience initially when you arrived in Brisbane? I had a lot of fears before I arrived here. I knew moving countries would be hard: the change of lifestyle, language barriers, and having no friends or family here was a big concern. But once I arrived at the airport, a women greeted me with by saying “hello Saba, welcome to Australia”. I felt so welcomed and at home! I didn’t know how she could possibly know my name as I did not understand the immigration process at the time. However, her greeting and hug made me feel like I was at home. Whilst I was here, I received a lot of support from the government and people around me; for me, Australia was heaven on earth. Tell us about your social enterprise: how did it begin and what was your inspiration for creating it? When I came here, I met with a group of refugees and we wanted to do something so we could gain economic and social independence. Some of the women had never crossed the city, as they spoke no English and did not know how to get around. Because of this, a lot of women were very depressed. Often their husbands couldn’t find jobs and they felt very helpless. Something all the women could do is cook, even if they had no other skills. We formed the Eritrean Australian Women’s and Family Support Network Inc Association, and started cooking food to sell at festivals. We expanded to doing catering for newly arrived refugees. Then we started working on completing certificate training in hospitality. In 2008 we first opened our restaurant Mu’ooz in Moorooka. Now Mu’ooz provides traineeships and employment for African refugee women, helping them practice their English and learn marketable skills.
We have now given training, employment and work experience to over 70 women Working at Mu’ooz gives these women confidence and empowerment. A lot of these women suffered from traumatic experiences so new opportunities in their new country help the healing process. We have now given training, employment and work experience to over 70 women. It is very important the women gain this work experience so they have some skills and experience to go out and be empowered and active members of society. Find out more here: Muooz.com.au and Eritrean Australian Women & Family Support Network Inc (EAWFSN)
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| FEATURE
HELLENIC HOUSE: THE NOT-SO-SECRET GEM OF BRISBANE The Paniyiri Greek Festival is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Brisbane, with over 50,000 Greek (and honorary Greeks) attending each year, immersing themselves in a self-described kaleidoscopic cultural explosion of colour, dance, music and food. Started in 1976, the Paniyiri Greek Festival pays tribute to the Greek community and their cultural traditions here in Brisbane. The Festival runs in May every year in Musgrave Park, South Brisbane. “Is that a bullet hole?” I ask, looking at one of the windows as we sit in a restaurant waiting for dinner. I use the term restaurant lightly, though. It’s a poorly-maintained hall space that appears to be furnished with items taken from a kerbside collection. Mismatched chairs with ripped seat cushions are placed around plastic tables, all scuffed and scratched. While faded images of past Greek soccer heroes hang on the walls that flake as layers of paint curve like the petals of a fragile flower. A group of men in their thirties sit around a plastic table toward the less well-lit side of the hall. They drink, talk loudly to each other in Greek and laugh; one pats another on the back as he joins the table, arriving after having a smoke outside.
“The food is excellent, friendliest service, and prices very reasonable” “The food is excellent, friendliest service, and prices very reasonable”, one regular diner at Hellenic House wrote in their review on a restaurant search app, assuring the interior is not a reflection of the quality of the food served. “Do you go to a restaurant to eat the curtains? Or perhaps nibble on
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SIBW.COM.AU a chair?” the reviewer asked. “No, you actually go there to eat food!” Further reviews encourage low expectations when it comes to the furnishings, but when food’s mentioned it’s with love and appreciation. “What would you like?” a friendly woman says from behind the kitchen counter at the centre of the room. The menu is written in faded marker pen on a whiteboard which leans against the stainless-steel counter on the floor. Dips, breads, seafood and meats are all on there, all the Greek food staples. We choose our favourites the sit down and wait. The salad is full of oil-soaked olives, fresh feta cheese, tomato and cucumber. The lamb, squeezed with the all-important lemon, was cooked over an open flame. The octopus is plump and moist, and sprinkled with paprika. My partner and I look at each other with disbelief then don’t manage to say another word until the last bite.
“Secret gem in the quiet streets of Brisbane” the Greek community of the area to get together for decades. The elderly men gather on the balcony by day and play backgammon while drinking their strong, thick coffees. The hall has been part of the local Greek community since 1922, when the building was purchased with the intention of transforming it into a Greek Orthodox Church, the first in Brisbane. But its place in the Greek community is set to change.
to be knocked down to make way for a residential apartment building called Olympia. Hellenic House manager Steve Kassiou called Hellenic House the “true heart” of Brisbane’s Greek community, “If you want to find a Greek person you come here,” he said. “If they demolish it, it will be a disgrace to the Greek community.” Read the full story “Goodbye Backgammon, Baklava and that Questionable Bullet Hole,” and other great articles. BY | SARAH DUNCAN
A large poster out the front stands as a sign that the hall is
We use our hands and lick lemon off our sticky fingers, feeling like we’ve discovered some secret gem in the quiet streets of Brisbane’s inner-city suburb of West End. But, Hellenic House is no secret. The community hall has been a place for
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THE LAND OF BLUE SKIES AND UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS 18
| TRAVEL
“Is it possible to travel anywhere that still feels untouched?” The world is becoming progressively more connected with remote regions more accessible than ever to travel to. In this increasingly globalised world is it possible to travel anywhere that still feels untouched? Relatively untouched by modernisation, by the encroaching western world and their traditions and habits, Mongolia feels like it is part of another century. Particularly outside the capital city Ulaanbaatar, Mongolians still live a unique and traditional nomadic lifestyle.
SIBW.COM.AU tradition dictates that unparalleled hospitality is shown by all- a necessity for those wanting to traverse the large distances.
for Australians being either Beijing or Seoul.
If there is one way to travel Mongolia, it’s by horseback. Horses have been integral to the survival of the local nomadic people for centuries. Famous Mongolian Genghis Khan and his armies won wars and conquered empires on their tough little horses.
The raw beauty of Mongolia must be seen to be believed, an adventure destination for the brave and curious. To see an untamed beauty and be completely immersed in a culture so unlike our own, head to the magical realm of Mongolia.
Despite being so remote, Mongolia is remarkably easy to get to. Flights to Mongolia are daily via Korea, China, Russia and Japan, with the most convenient stopovers
Recommended Watch: Tim Cope on the Trail of Genghis Khan.
“Mongolia must be seen to be believed”
BY | MELANIE GROVES
“Perfect for nature lovers and adventurous travellers" Mongolia’s countryside is perfect for nature lovers and adventurous travellers, with gorgeous scenery and unique cultures. The countryside is stunningly picturesque and diverse- ranging from rocky snow-capped mountains, sand dunes and deserts, grassy steppes carpeted with wildflowers, alpine forests and babbling streams. The hardy nomadic families are tight-knit, with their tents (known as gers) often found in clusters of three and four. They live sustainably, a pastoral way of life with their livestock. Cultural
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| TRAVEL
TOP FIVE ECO–TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN AUSTRALIA
spell-binding scenery, from the Valley of the Giants through to the coastline of Torndirrup National Park.
“Cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation”
BY | AUSTIN SMALL
In the age of city farms and community gardens, rooftop bee hives and wind farming, industries the world over are conspiring to create more environmentally-friendly business models. The tourism industry is no exception. Australians in particular are proud custodians of uniquely unvarnished natural beauty and a menagerie of exclusive flora and fauna, and are therefore beginning to turn around environmental exploitation and put the health of the environment before economic interests.
“Australians…are proud custodians” • For those seeking to experience Australia’s famous marine wildlife, Adrenalin Dive Townsville has a selection of hands-on diving experiences around the SS Yongala wreck – a national historic site - to get a genuine feel for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. • If wetsuits aren’t your thing, Wilderness Getaways in WA offer 4WD tours of some of Australia’s most
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• In South East Queensland, Sunset Safaris take visitors around the scenic Fraser Island, getting a tour of Australia’s famous coastline and the one of a kind ecosystem of the island itself.
• Experiencing Mother Nature’s attempt at beehive sculpture, the Bungle Bungle Range, need not be at the expense of the local ecosphere, with APT Wilderness Lodges providing certified eco-friendly accommodation and rich cultural insight. • Viator Tours operating in the Daintree Rainforest offers small groups of eco-tourists the chance to enjoy guided walks and cruises with indigenous landowners.
EcoTourism Australia (www.ecotourism.org.au) is taking the initiative to educate and share with people “a primary focus on conserving natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation” with an incentive that is not exclusively economic optimisation. After all, most of us live within several hours drive of the most sustainable and accessible Seaworld anywhere. It’s called the Australian coast!
C U LT U R A L S E R V I C E S
Multicultural Performances Cultural Awareness Education Workshops Catering Event Management • • • • • • •
Public Diplomacy International Tours Rural Tours Corporate Events Gallery / Exhibitions Tourism Education Programs
sibw.com.au info@sibw.com.au +617 3511 6076
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| TRAVEL
SIBW.COM.AU you spot a pod of dolphins playing in the waves. Lovina also has a number of other attractions, and boasts a bustling backpacker scene where you can chill out in cafes and listen to live music.
BALI’S TOP 5 TOURIST DESTINATIONS One of the most popular holiday destinations for Australian tourists, Bali is often known for its great beaches and chaotic nightlife. Despite the reputation, Bali has more than meets the eye with many beautiful cultural icons to enjoy and explore.
5. Ubud 2. Pura Tanah Lot Pura Tanah Lot is popular for its serenity and cultural significance. It is associated with Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in southwest Bali. Local’s Tip: try to go there during low tide; walking across the water to the temple will enhance your experience. 3. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)
1. Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple is located on the island commonly known as Bukit Peninsula, close to some of Bali’s best beaches, such as Balangan, which is famous as a great surfing spot. The temple is a majestic structure, constructed and expanded since the 11th Century; perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a famous temple that rests serenely on the edge of Lake Bratan. The temple’s beauty is only doubled when seen in the reflections of the clear lake, framed by misty mountains in the distance.
Ubud is the heart of Bali, a bustling hub of people and culture. Ubud is claimed to have the “best of” Bali, with a gorgeous natural environment, exotic culture, interesting people, temples, museums, rice fields and manmade gardens. There is forever something to do in Ubud, with bike tours, cooking classes, white water rafting and other outdoor activities available. If this isn’t your idea of a good time, relax by doing some yoga and meditation. Those uninterested in turning themselves into a human pretzel can enjoy the shopping or the arts and theatre performances on offer. Ubud truly offers something for everyone.
4. Dolphin sightings at Lovina Best spotted as the sun breaks over the horizon, seeing a dolphin pod playing in the waves should definitely be on your list. The beaches may be crowded during peak season, but it will be well worth it when
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| FEATURE
AFRICAN TOWN Seven kilometres south of the central business district of Brisbane, a bustling African community thrives in Moorooka. Should you just look at the people, you may forget you’re still in Queensland. Ladies stroll casually up the street, wearing gorgeous brightly coloured traditional dresses, head scarves and shopping bags of fresh produce on their arms. Men are often seen chatting over coffee or congregating in cafes, or playing a relaxed game of pool in the recreational centre. A huge mural in the alley shows a savannah with a relaxing lion beside an echidna - highlighting the symbiosis Moorooka has found between African and Australian culture. Moorooka has unofficially been dubbed “Africa Town” by the Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian and Somalian refugees that now call it home.
“Wearing gorgeous brightly coloured traditional dresses” The hub of Moorooka is the arcade, home to shops offering African and Middle Eastern groceries, hairdressers, cafes and restaurants. To even stroll through the arcade is akin to a quick trip overseas, with the aroma of exotic spices invading your senses and unfamiliar languages being spoken around you.
“Aroma of exotic spices”
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SIBW.COM.AU Moorooka is home to numerous restaurants and cafés offering cuisines from Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea. An added bonus to the food is the rich authentic cultural hospitality they offer. Reviews speak highly of the restaurants, often referring to them as hidden gems, tucked away in the arcades of Moorooka. Just some of the restaurants in Moorooka are: Made in Africa, Yeshi Buna Ethiopian, Umdorman Sudanese cuisine and the Ethiopian African restaurant; and Coffee Shop, all of which have positive reviews online. African cuisine is traditionally meat and vegetarian stews and hot meats with salads, often with a spicy flavour. They’re all served with the traditional flat, sour-dough bread called “Injera”. While eating by hand is traditional, all restaurants offer cutlery if needed. Moorooka is not only home to African cuisine, but also to some specialty shopping such as Kabul Bazaar, that offers many Middle Eastern and Afghani staples and delicacies. It is well worth the visit even if just to have a look around at the different things on offer. Moorooka is a testament to second chances, a demonstration of how cultures can collide and peacefully coexist. To many Africans living in Brisbane,
Moorooka is a taste of home, something recognisable and familiar. But Moorooka is not the only place available for those interested in learning more about or becoming more involved in the African community. The Queensland African Communities Council is a not for profit organisation working to unite African communities regardless of ethnic, political, regional or religious backgrounds. The QACC holds events open to the public including an upcoming theatre workshop on the 11th of October,
“Linking Generations”, which aims to “Get together and produce a theatre piece to showcase to members of the community. 2/3 workshops using drama to bring out issues faced by migrant families and give information about the law.” It’s encouraged as: ‘open to those interested in learning’! To find out more, visit Queensland African Communities Council BY | MELANIE GROVES
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| COMMUNITY
A BRIGHT CELEBRATION OF CHINESE CULTURE “A colourful, cultural expression of history “ BY | ALEXANDRA GATH
An instantly recognisable part of Chinese culture, the Lion Dance is a colourful, cultural expression of history, ritual and belief. It is most often performed at Chinese New Year, but can also be performed during other cultural or religious festivals, or even at special events such as weddings or the opening ceremony of a business. The Lion Dance is easily confused with the Dragon Dance, but there are several key differences. Whereas the Dragon Dance is performed by many dancers whose faces can often be seen, the Lion Dance incorporates only two people almost entirely hidden under the colourful lion. The Lion Dance originated in China, but has since spread throughout the world as cultures and peoples have shifted around the globe. Versions of the Lion Dance can be found in Japan, Indonesia, South-East Asia and there are even variations on the dance within China itself. The origins of the Lion
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Dance are fascinating, given that the lion is not native to China, but entered along the Silk Road. Lions, in Chinese culture, represent strength and power; this is the reason the Lion Dance is always performed at the New Year. The Lion Dance is designed to ward off evil spirits and provide an auspicious start to the New Year. The lion costumes are handmade and require the work of many people. In China, whole communities contribute together to craft the costume, and there are specialty craft shops dedicated to creating these
intricate ensembles. Outside of China, the fashioning of the costumes is still communitybased. Either they have to be expensively imported from China, requiring a fund-raising effort, or are handmade by members of the Chinese community, wherever they may be. The Lion Dance is a bright celebration of Chinese culture, one that is just as important in ChineseAustralian culture as it is in native China. Recommended Read: Lam Tu Luan Kung Fu School
| COMMUNITY
SAFE HAVENS IN UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY BY | ALEXANDRA GATH
In recent years, as refugee awareness has spread in the Australian community, the need for a community focal point for refugees has become apparent. Increasingly, this focal point is a community garden. Community gardens have been a unique contribution to sustainable urban environments, supplementing the food people buy but also providing social and environmental development since as early as 1819 in the United Kingdom.
“Community gardens have now become increasingly common� Since the realisation of the importance of environmentalism in the 1970s, community gardens have now become increasingly common. They are now prevalent throughout Australia, particularly in the urban environment of capital cities. For refugees and migrants arriving in Australia,
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a community garden provides several things essential to an easier transition into Australian life. Community gardens offer a neutral, physical space, where refugees from all backgrounds can commune and work together. It can be a much-needed sensory break from the normal tasks of trying to learn and interact in an unfamiliar country. Many refugees bring skills from farming or gardening in their home country, and these skills cross all language barriers. Community gardens in Logan and Beaudesert, run by Griffith University, offer the opportunity to increase self-reliance and social interaction for local refugee and migrant communities in the region, thereby improving mental health and boosting self-esteem.
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“Help improve conversational English� In Fairfield, Western Sydney a community garden run by the Fairfield Primary School is playing a big role in helping refugee children learn English and literacy skills along with practical skills such as gardening and cooking. Communication barriers in a new country can be particularly frustrating for newly arrived migrants, and programs such as this help improve conversational English and help the settlement process into Australia. The importance of community gardens is noted particularly by community groups and environmentalists; with the main hurdle community group’s face being a lack of funding or lack of suitable, accessible land. Despite these difficulties, many community gardens endure, continuing to provide a safe haven in often unfamiliar territories. To find out more, visit Australian City Farm & Community Gardens Network
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| SOCIALS
Dutch Treats is a Brisbane based company producing fresh and high quality traditional Dutch TM Stroopwafels (Syrup Waffles) under the Duyfken brand. Dutch Treats is owned and operated by a Dutch immigrant couple who arrived in Brisbane, QLD in 1994. Stroopwafels first appeared in the Dutch city of Gouda in 1748 and is in the Netherlands of today easily the most popular biscuit/cookie. A stroopwafel is made by combining two thin wafer biscuits with a sweet and aromatic syrup layer in between. Dutch treats also produces equally tasty gluten free stroopwafels. The best way to enjoy a Dutch Stroopwafel is by eating it as the Dutch do: Place a Stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee, tea or chocolate milk and allow the syrup inside the waffle to warm up and melt. This may take a minute or two. The warm waffle will become soft, spreads a wafflelicious smell and its taste becomes just beautiful. Now take the waffle off the cup and ENJOY! Dutch Treats products can be purchased every Friday evening and Sunday from our food stall at the Boundary Street Market in Brisbane’s West End. Duyfken
TM
Stroopwafels can be ordered online by emailing sales@dutchtreats.com.au
Package of 4 stroopwafels costs $5, package of 9 costs $10. Gluten free respectively $5 and $11 and 9 stroopwafels in orange gift pack costs $12.50, all prices are exclusive of postage costs. PayPal payments are accepted.
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| SOCIALS
SIBW.COM.AU
INDIA FAIR DAY — 10 AUGUST India Day Fair was part of India’s Independence Day celebrations. The celebrations encouraged visitors to revel in all things Indian, enjoy traditional cuisines, traditional and Bollywood themed dance and music, finished by a spectacular fireworks show. Held at Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane.
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| SOCIALS
GOONDIR HEALTH SERVICE 20TH ANNIVERSARY — 29 AUGUST Held in Dalby, Queensland.
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SIBW.COM.AU
INDOZ — 30 AUGUST Indonesian -Australian Event. Held at King George Square, Brisbane.
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Sibwannan Š 2014 ISSUE #1 October 2014.