We have a choice in Australia.
We can succumb to the increasingly shrill voices of greed, intolerance, bigotry and division or we can rally together to walk forward in respect.
With more than 300 languages spoken in our homes, over 100 religions and more than 300 different ancestries, the 2016 Census highlights Australia’s rich cultural diversity. This wide variety of backgrounds, together with the many cultures of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has helped to create a uniquely Australian identity.
Our diversity is a unique strength which should be protected. It should be embraced and celebrated. It enriches us and keeps us safe from the sectarian and ethnic divisions that cause such pain and violence in other countries.
Here, all are free to flourish within the confines of the common law that allows all of us to raise our children in safety, offering them the opportunity to be happy, healthy participants in our society.
We certainly do not live in some sort of Utopia where life’s struggles have disappeared. But we are better placed than most to deal with them.
Let’s focus on how we can support those that need it rather than dividing into camps throwing rocks at each other.
Let’s learn from those who have witnessed the greatest change in their homeland.
We seek to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.
In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
Do we care enough to join them in walking together to make Australia a better place? Can we show the same generosity and forgiveness, the same nurturing of the environment and custodial obligation to future generations?
I hope so – generosity of spirit, forgiveness, and pulling together are Australian qualities worth fighting for.
[textblock style=”7″]
Like what we do at The AIMN?
You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.
Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!
Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.
You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969
[/textblock]
