Before 9/11 and the “Tampa” episode in 2001, Australia played a thoroughly constructive and decent role in refugee resettlement following World War Two and the Vietnam War. This happened despite a cultural fear of invasion by people who are “not like us”, which has…

As more sectarian violence erupts in Iraq, an Iraqi-Australian who was born in a refugee camp has written about her experience in an attempt to put a human face on the immigration debate in Australia. http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2013/s3912950.htm

The Australian Government has introduced a code of conduct for asylum seekers living in the country on bridging visas. The code requires that asylum seekers obey all Australian laws, not harass, bully or intimidate others and comply with all official…

Amnesty International has released a report which it says identifies major issues with the conditions and management of the Australian-run asylum seeker processing and detention centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/australian-immigration-minister-rebuts-amnesty-manus-report/1233830

The Federal Court has given a temporary reprieve to an asylum seeker family battling to stay in Australia to access medical treatment for their baby. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2013-11-29/asylum-seeker-family-from-myanmar-allowed-to-stay-in-australia-temporarily/1227406

Aged care and ageing services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people are set to undergo revolutionary change as Australia comes to grips with an ageing population and spiralling public health bills. Former senior bureaucrat and academic Professor Peter Shergold,…

The word ‘multicultural’ entered the national vocabulary in August 1973, via the Immigration Minister Al Grassby. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/mongrelnation/the-life-and-times-of-australian-multiculturalism/5140978

James Brincat calls it his “build it and they will come” moment. As the Ranger in Charge at Werribee Park, he has witnessed the regeneration of an historic garden and, in a remarkable example of cultural cross-pollination, the blossoming of…

Up to 50 AMES students contributed artwork and photography to the recent Big West arts festival. One group of students learned embroidery skills and created a giant kite made from embroidered fabric. “The class had fun learning embroidery and fabric…

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has thrown down the gauntlet to Labor and the Greens by using his powers to cap the number of permanent protection visas for asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat. http://www.skynews.com.au/politics/article.aspx?id=930912

DIVERSITY and those who promote and encourage it were celebrated yesterday as part of the annual Human Rights Week Awards. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/human-rights-passion-rewarded/story-fnjj6010-1226773781523

About 20 youth students at AMES St Albans this week completed a ThinkUKnow cyber safety session. ThinkUKnow is an internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through schools and organisations across Australia using a network of accredited trainers. Created…