Introduction
Asia is home to many different countries that are full of different people, communities, foods, religions, stories, traditions and all the things that make a culture. Asia is the nearest continent to Australia and Asian people have been moving to Australia for hundreds of years.
Click here to download a blank map of Asia. Label the countries.
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History
A small number of Chinese people came to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. It wasn’t until 1851 however, when gold was discovered in Bathurst and Ballarat in New South Wales, that hundreds of Asian people, mostly Chinese, seized the opportunity to come to Australia in hopes of making a better life for themselves and their families. This era was called the ‘Gold Rush’. The Gold Rush resulted in the first major immigration of Asian people to Australia. Since then thousands of people from all over Asia, including Japan, India, the Middle East, China, Indonesia and many other countries, have come to live in Australia, and they brought with them many unique beliefs, values and practices that have helped shape Australia as we know it today.
Beliefs
Asia is a very large continent full of thousands of different cultures, religions and traditions. Many of Asia’s major religions are practiced in Australia including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism.
Some Asian cultures have introduced different types of medicine and healing into Australian culture. Some examples are acupuncture, yoga and T’ai Chi, and many herbal medicines. |
Values
The first wave of Asian immigrants came to Australia to work hard in the gold mines and make money to look after their families. After that more came to work in the sugarcane plantations and timber mills. In more recent times, many Asian families have fled their home countries due to war or political unrest and found safety and security in Australia. Many Asian cultures value family and working hard to look after them.
Practices
Lots of practices from Asian countries are a part of Australian culture. A big one is food. Many foods that Australians eat every day are from Asian countries, for example rice, green tea, sushi, curry, tofu, soy milk and naan bread. Can you think of anymore?
People from Asian countries like Japan and Korea introduced martial arts into Australia. Australia competes in judo and tae kwon do at the Olympics.
People from Asian countries like Japan and Korea introduced martial arts into Australia. Australia competes in judo and tae kwon do at the Olympics.
Activities
Culture Chart
Using your A3 chart from before and, using the internet and your library, find as many beliefs, values and practices as you can for Asian Australians.