What is a reflection

Its hard work thinking of what to reflect on each week

So I did some searching

Without much convincing success

So I started to reflect on what is significant in my own thoughts recently

And I came with thoughts on multiculturalism

What is it

Multiculturalism is the coexistence of diverse cultures, races, and ethnicities within a single society.

Rather than requiring minority groups to assimilate into a single dominant culture, it promotes the celebration, respect, and equitable treatment of different backgrounds, traditions, and languages.

It can be understood across three main areas:

• As a demographic reality:

The factual presence of multiple distinct cultural or ethnic groups living side-by-side in a community or nation.

• As a political philosophy:

The belief that minority cultural groups deserve acknowledgment, representation, and protection of their distinct identities within the public sphere.

• As government policy:

Official frameworks and programs implemented to manage diversity, prevent discrimination, and support equitable participation for all cultural groups.

So I draw on my own culture

A 3^rd generation ‘Australian’

I am not indigenous to this country

I am not of Anglo-Saxon background

I am a born here, a descendant of post war migration from a small far east Mediterranean island that had endured 80 years of British colonialism and previously 300 years of Turkish occupation

My grandparents spoke little English when they arrived, as if on an adventure, fleeing poverty and oppression, but they learnt quickly to thrive in their new country of choice

They worked hard and paid their taxes, educated their children and developed businesses

Their children learnt more, and grandchildren even more

We all became good Australian citizens

Many of you here have longer generations – some are more recent

So what does it mean to be Australian

Does it have to do with values – I have noticed that most cultures share similar values

Family connections and elder respect

Respect for our laws and community

Only those of aboriginal decent are true Australians

Which brings me to NAIDOC WEEK starting this Sunday 5^th July

(National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee)

The theme being 50 years and deadly

White people and all non-Indigenous Australians are strongly encouraged to participate in and celebrate NAIDOC Week. The week is designed as an inclusive time for everyone to come together to learn about, connect with, and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

While involvement is welcome, the focus of the week should remain on First Nations peoples. Participation is most meaningful when it involves listening, reflecting, and educating oneself. 

So lets remember

Sunday is the beginning of NAIDOC week

And lets celebrate and acknowledge the true Australians.

Thank you Barbara Yerondais for last week's reflection on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Share this with your friends