Latest News

On Sunday 21st July, in the month of multicultural awareness, the Whitehorse Interfaith Network (WIN) hosted an important seminar on Migration and Faith. Held at the Whitehorse Centre in Nunawading, people from all cultures and faiths took a seat to witness three guest speakers voice their experiences of their journey to Australia.

Najaf Mazari, a distinguished author and businessman, of the Hazara people from Afghanistan, shed light on his experience when he fled Afghanistan in 2001 and made his way to Australia. He shared the time he spent in Woomera Detention Centre and gave insight into the life of a migrant arriving on the shores of Australia.

Pari Sanyu, of the Mizo-Chin people from the borders of Burma and India, explored the intersection between faith and culture and how it is important to forge links across certain cultural religious and cultural boundaries in order to associate better with the Australian community.

Finally, Dilnaz Billimoria of the Zoroastrian Parsi faith from India/ Persia (Iran), provided the audience with an important message, that migrants from any faith must give back to Australia in return for what this lucky country has to offer. This requires knowledge and an understanding of the Australian way of life and a shared bond of volunteering.

Pari Sanyu expressed her concern about practicing the rituals of her religion and culture in Australia. Once she arrived in Australia, she realised there were very few people from her community. Feeling isolated, she remained hesitant about what could be done in Australia. After joining an interfaith network, her open minded and kind hearted Australian friends taught her important aspects of Australian culture. In hindsight, she felt that newcomers should not have pre-conceptions of what is and is not accepted in their new country. Rather, as a migrant, one should explore options and seek acceptance.They should be willing to change and adapt.

This point resonated throughout the speeches by all three speakers. Regardless of which faith or culture one belongs to, communication of the social, working and living conditions in Australia are essential. This allows one to participate in Australia traditions and prevents social exclusion. This step will prevent the possibility of conflict as migrants are able to communicate and integrate with their new neighbours. Preventing isolation and promoting co-existence should be the shared goals of all.

Najaf Mazari raised an important issue that faces many migrants who make their decision to come to Australia. Most of them have no idea of what Australia is like and how they will fit in. This is a problem that can restrain their ability to move forward in their country of adoption. Although this is an issue that is hard to fully rectify, steps should be taken to enlighten and educate migrants before they arrive. Even though this might change their view on Australia, it is best to be honest and open with future residents. This will make their arrival in Australia, with its many processes, not such an arduous journey.

Although many Australians are passionate about Australia’s treatment of migrants, and that they encourage the Australian government to do better, all three speakers noted they are very grateful that Australia has allowed them to find shelter in a safe and opportunity-filled country. All were positive on their outcomes and explained that whilst the journey was troublesome and stressful, the reward was worth the wait. They were thrilled to be accepted. Australians should also be excited with the influx of new faiths and communities.

Dilnaz Billimoria shared a poignant piece of history from when the Parsis fled Iran in the 8th century and sought refuge in Sanjan on the west coast of India. On arrival, the Parsis showed the Indian inhabitants that whilst milk on its own tastes bland, adding sugar to the milk will sweeten the taste. Also not a drop of milk is spilled while stirring in the sugar. Dilnaz drew on this analogy and explained how migrants provide Australia with the sweetness of  hope and hard work.They bring culture and language, and add variety to song and food.

Najaf Mazari also explained the importance of migrants, in that they may not bring financial resources, but they bring their skills, experience and respect which are important resources and values for Australia.

Many MPs and City Of Whitehorse Councillors attended the event, allowing WIN to showcase their efforts in providing a useful seminar to the public on migration and faith. Such events are important as it allows for the public to gain an insight into the experiences of fellow Australians who have taken different paths to come here.

There are many ways to get to Australia, and, arriving as an asylum seeker is currently an important topic in Australia. The experiences of those who have migrated to Australia must be heard to not only inform the Australian community, but to take heed of their advice and suggestions.
 
by Dilnaz Billimoria, WhiteHorse Interfaith Network

The Whitehorse Interfaith Network (WIN) consists of a group of volunteers that believe faith should be a unifying force in all communities.