Africa Day Australia
Celebrating African Diverse Cultures, Values, Success, and Empowered African Australians
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the African Union (AU) which is celebrated in Africa and many countries around the world. Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa. In Australia, Africa Day is celebrated in partnership between Africa Day Australia, numerous African Australian community organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, government organisations, members of various political parties and numerous community organisations.
Celebrating the Cultures and Successes of Africa Australians and the New Africa
“Serving all Victorians”
Each year, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa. In 2013, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the African Union was celebrated around the world. Being the second year for Africa Day Melbourne celebrations, the weeklong events are now a permanent part of Melbourne’s social calendar. Africa Day in Australia is an opportunity to celebrate African cultural diversity and unity as well as the economic, spiritual, moral, social and cultural contributions and successes of Australians from African descent. Africa Day events highlight the benefits African/Australians bring to Australia and the importance of Africa to Australia and the world.
A central aim of the Africa Day organising committee is the fostering of cooperation and partnerships between diverse Australian African communities, NGOs, the broader Australian community and the international community. The networking focused on peace building,
collaboration and development within the social, cultural and economic arena. An additional aim promotes fulfilment of the human potential by fostering individual empowerment, loving families and the public good.
The week long celebrations covered several activities that began with the Emerge Street Festival on the 18 May; in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria, showcasing local African performing arts talent.
African
Africa's Got Talent
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Africa Day Friendship Cup
Africa Day Friendship Cup was a partnership with The North Melbourne Football Club on the 19th of May. This family oriented sport festival included a Footy OZ Kick clinic for kids and soccer and basketball tournaments. The community was treated to a free halal BBQ. The competing teams represented a multicultural mix of Australian communities. The grand final soccer tournament was between the UPF and the Carlton Youth teams. Children also played friendly games of soccer and footy.
Africa Day Melbourne 2013 - 25th May
Hon Kevin Rudd MP
The Inaugural Africa Day, Australian-African Dialogue lecture was given by the Honourable Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia on the 21st of May. This lecture was made possible through a partnership between La Trobe University’s Centre for Dialogue, the Africa Day Steering Committee and the Africa Think Tank. Mr Rudd spoke on the topic of ‘Africa – Australia Relations: Challenges and prospects’. As both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr Rudd’s extensive experience and knowledge on this topic was evident. Australia is a good friend of Africa; diplomatically and economically. This support paid off with Australia gaining a seat at the UN Security Council through Africa’s backing, Mr Rudd said. He also made the case for Africa’s emerging economy and the opportunities this affords Australia. Mr Rudd conveyed, “Part of the mission of this dialogue is to convey this basic economic message to Australia’s businesses: that Africa is open for business and that African governments have progressively achieved improved governance standards ever the past decade. Therefore, the key basis of the ‘New Africa’ as part of the global dynamics and changes means that Africa is a diverse continent of increasing importance to the world. In geopolitical terms, African countries have increasing influence on international organisations. In resources terms, Africa has vast reserves. In trading terms, the African population represents a huge potential market; and in agricultural terms, Africa’s underutilised arable lands represent great opportunities to feed the world. Africa also continues to face significant challenges, particularly in health, governance and economic development.” Following a visit to Africa in 2009, the President of the World Bank, Mr Robert Zoellick, called for the 21st century to be ‘the century of Africa’. Many other advanced countries are turning their attention towards Africa. It is imperative; therefore, that Australia understands these developments and responds accordingly Mr Rudd said.
Open Forum
May 23rd saw a stimulating forum held at Melbourne University. The topic: Progress in the implementation of recommendations of the 2010 report - ‘In Our Word – Australian Africans: A review of human rights and social inclusion issues’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission. This report was the outcome of a three year consultation process in which African Australian communities around the country were given the opportunity to tell
their settlement experiences, express key barriers preventing them from successfully establishing their life in Australia and steps taken to address their concerns. The prestigious panel of speakers evaluated the current situation in the light of this 2010 report. The speakers included: Associate Professor Andre Renzaho (School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University), Rivkah Nissim (Principal Adviser, Race Discrimination Team –Australian Human Rights Commission), Tamar Hopkins (Principal Solicitor, Flemington Kensington Community Legal Centre), Jane Berry (Community Projects Solicitor, Footscray Community Legal Centre) and Abeselom Nega (CEO of iEmpower). The overall consensus was; Australian government agencies were supportive and making progress, yet recognised more needed to be done to support successful establishment of Australians from African descent.
Abeselom Nega speaking on the current situation of African Australians.
Panel members,
Emerge Festival in Footscray
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Dinner Gala -
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African Women's Forum
On May 18th, the African Women's Forum highlighted ‘The Australian Experience: New African/Australian Women and Families’ as its focussing theme. Speakers in session one; spoke about ‘Turning Challenges into Success’. Community leaders, Mary Riek (CEO of Wang Community Association and Kushland Family Day Care) and Mariam Issa (founder of Resilient Aspiring Women), spoke about the challenges they faced as new Australian’s to overcome adversities and the personal qualities they drew upon to establish successful organisations; which are now an inspiration to all Australian women. The second session featured Theresa Sengaaga Ssali (Senior Social Worker with the New hope Foundation) and Diane Simboro (founder of Refugee Women in OZ), speaking about ‘Best Practice; Strategies to Fast Track Settlement’. All speakers have years of experience in African/Australian settlement and shared invaluable insights on best practices for new African/Australian’s. A networking break between the two sessions (sponsored by the Victorian branch of the Women’s Federation for World Peace); allowed participants to dialogue with service providers and mingle with each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
