JSM - edition one

C hinese I mmigrants H ave C ontributed T o M ulticultural A ustralian S ociety Introduction Australia’s cultural fabric is unique and diverse. Its multicultural society is based upon the respect and acceptance of many different cultures and races. This report will focus on one particular immigrant group, the first Chinese immigrants, and how they have contributed significantly to Australia’s multicultural society. Reasons for leaving the country of origin With the discovery of gold in Australia in 1851, many people around the world migrated to Australia hoping to strike it rich. The largest immigrant group was the Chinese with 40,721 arrivals from 1852 to 1889. The voyage from China to Australia was made by auxiliary steamer, a boat powered by steam and sail. The voyage was long and hazardous due to the stormy weather in the South Seas. On the boat, there was poor hygiene as the miners were confined to the lower decks with no air ventilation. This was because they lacked funds to use the upper decks with better air circulation. When the Chinese miners arrived in Australia, settling was a major hardship due to the prejudice against them. Arrival and settling In 1852, the first boat load of Chinese miners arrived in Victoria to settle in the goldfields. However in 1855, Anti-Chinese Legislation laws were passed taxing 10 pounds per Chinese Immigrant, therefore the Chinese miners decided to land in South Australia and walked to the goldfields in Victoria. There was high racism between the White miners and the Chinese because of their physical appearance, work ethics and perseverance. It was because of this tension, there were many anti-Chinese riots. During these riots, people shouted racist chants such as, “Rule Britannia! Britannia rules the waves! No more Chinamen shall land in New South Wales!” Despite this racial prejudice and anti-Chinese riots, some miners after finding gold, set up businesses (Chinatowns) around the goldfields and Australia. Contributions to Australia’s multicultural society Mei Quong Tart, a Chinese entrepreneur, helped women of all classes mix together and socialise by building tearooms. Before he built tearooms and eateries, Australian women had nowhere to go to socialise because no respectable woman would go into a hotel during the late 1800s. Quong Tart also influenced Chinese immigrants to come to Australia at a time of racial prejudice. Quong Tart’s great-grandson, Josh Quong Tart, is an Australian actor who played Scar in The Lion King Stage Show (Australia). He is also known for playing Miles Copeland in Home and Away. In the 1850s the Chinese were mocked due to their different clothing but today they are viewed as a respected culture. Conclusion Australia’s multicultural society has been built upon since the Gold Rush in the 1850s with the Chinese immigrants playing a major role. The Chinese miners had to endure many hardships from the long and hazardous voyage from their country of origin to blatant racism on the goldfields. However, their hard work is what Australia now respects them for. Chinese immigrants, such as Mei Quong Tart, have contributed to Australia significantly by helping to break down the barriers of sexism, racism and the separation of the rich and the poor. Chinese immigrants have contributed to the multicultural society of Australia.

R uben Y am Y ear 6M

JSM Edition 0ne

Page 23