Inclusive Events
This tool explains inclusiveness or ‘inclusivity’ and summarises diversity in contemporary Australia. It offers ideas for inclusive practice and suggestions about how to approach it.
This tool concentrates on inclusivity in the following contexts:
- Resource four - Inclusive catering for multicultural communities (eating together in a public place).
Being inclusive involves everyone adopting and modifying their practices and activities to ensure every participant regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability level, disability, socio-economic circumstances, location, linguistic differences and ethnic background has the opportunity to participate if they choose to.
Why use this tool?
Inclusive events engage a great diversity of people and are designed to accommodate differences.
Inclusive practice:
- treats people with respect by acknowledging and accepting differences
- is part of the 'fair go' ethos that is embedded in Australian codes of behaviour and values
- values the interests and experiences of individuals
- is dynamic.
In addition:
- catering for differences can harness energies and knowledge, reinvigorate event organisation, add colour and spectacle to an ad event
- dialogue and sharing can produce an enhanced richness of ideas and insights, but it may also generate challenges and disagreement.
A commitment to inclusivity does not mean that groups with common interests cannot/should not create their own targeted events. Nor does it mean that Australia Day organisers should not design and offer events targeted at specific groups in the community.
Multicultural Australia-a nation of diversity
Australians speak more than 300 languages, including Indigenous languages. We identify with more than 200 ancestries and practice a range of religions. Australia's cultural diversity is a reality which will continue.
The following concise profile of contemporary Australia clearly testifies to cultural diversity among people living here.
The statistics in the following profile are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2006 unless otherwise indicated.
Residents born outside Australia
• In mid-2006 there were 4,956,863 residents in Australia who were born outside Australia, representing nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of the Australian resident population.
Migration
• In 2005-06, more than 131,000 people immigrated to Australia, mainly from Asia and Oceania. The migration target for 2006-07 was 144,000.
Religion
• Australia has no state religion. Sixty-four per cent of Australians were listed as Christian of any denomination, including 26 per cent as Roman Catholic and 19 per cent as Anglican. 'No religion' (which includes humanism, atheism, agnosticism, and rationalism) accounted for 19 per cent; and a further 12 per cent declined to answer or did not give a response adequate for interpretation. About five per cent were of non-Christian religions.
Indigenous Australians
• Of the Australian population of 20,7015,000 in 2006 census 517,200 were Indigenous.
• Among the Indigenous population in 2006, a total of 463,900 or 90 per cent were estimated as being of Aboriginal origin only, while 33,100 or six per cent were of Torres Strait Islander origin only, and 20,200 or four per cent were of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.
Your community may not have great ethnic or cultural diversity or religious diversity. But every community has some diversity.
A culturally inclusive event is one where participants and organisers value, respect and explore diversity, and actively seek to learn from other cultures.
A commitment to inclusive practice demands delicate balancing between acknowledgement of and respect for differences and a commitment to inclusion and to sharing.
It is rarely possible to cater for the whole range of cultural preferences but maintaining an awareness of cultural diversities, and providing what is practically possible at social events contributes overall to a culturally inclusive event.
RESOURCE ONE - Some concepts to help with the idea and practice of inclusion
Ethnicity and cultural diversity
'Cultural diversity' is commonly interpreted in relation to ethnicity. However, the term should be understood within a broader context where it recognises the unique attributes of all persons.
Belonging and loyalties
There is a tendency in discussions of cultural diversity to assume that ethnicity is the central way people identify and associate themselves with others.
Commonsense tells us that we have different ways of belonging, and things we belong to. Residents of Australia may experience confusion over a loyalty to, for example, their country of birth and the country they now live in. People may feel a loyalty to multiple flags, anthems and cultural practices. Cultural identity also exists in relation to other forms of social and national belonging.
Celebrating Australia Day provides an opportunity to experience a sense of pride in Australia: in its values, the opportunities it provides, the nation's striving for equity, and its future visions like Australia as a humanitarian, environmentally sustainable, forward looking and peaceful place.
Inclusive practice recognises the complexities of belonging.
Respectful relationships
Diverse groups can work together providing there is a respect for difference. Respectful relationships require commitment to acknowledging and respecting differences. They develop from encouragement and facilitation, rather than from demand or duress.
In meetings you, as an Australia Day organiser, will need to use your skills, sensitivities and knowledge about team dynamics. You may consider some support from an expert if you recognise you need this (many communities have people trained in group dynamics). It will also be helpful to seek advice and support from group leaders.
Inviting and welcoming of ideas from culturally diverse groups
The most effective approach to achieving inclusivity is to invite leaders and members from various groups to meet with the Australia Day organising group/committee and invite them to talk about what they know about Australia Day celebrations, what they would like, what they might feel comfortable with.
By using this informal and respectful approach, you will provide an opportunity for reciprocal learning, enhanced understanding, an exchange of ideas and experiences as well as possibly new and exciting innovations. In addition the approach should mitigate any fear or presumption on part of groups that the organising group/committee is telling others what they (the group) might value or like.
Consultation and planning
Invite and include participants from diverse cultural groups in Australia Day event planning. They will be able to offer valuable advice as well as use their own social networks to encourage greater participation.
Calendar and festivals
Consider diverse cultural interests when planning (e.g. try to avoid dates that will coincide with religious and cultural festivals). Searching the Internet might be a sensible starting point, but don't undervalue asking for advice and information.
Posters, publicity and promotion
Public representations of groups are powerful. This Australia Day Toolkit suggests taking care that all forms of communication and publicity encompass both diversity and a sense of pride in Australia (see the Promoting your event tool)
Your posters, publicity and promotion will develop from and within your community, and will express your community experiences, demographic features and local culture.
Some strategies for inclusive posters
- Languages-consider using a number of languages on posters and in advertising to emphasise that all are welcome.
- Flags-suggest that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags fly alongside the Australian National Flag at local events.Photo of flags would be great here. Make sure it is different from the one in the Australian National Flag and flag flying tool
- Photos-carefully select the photos you use for publicity, newspaper items, and media releases. Keep in mind recognition and respect for diversity, but realise that you may not get quality photos that capture diversity and inclusion at your community events. You may need to give guidelines to photographers.
- Alcohol free and family-friendly event-make sure your posters are clear about the nature of your event, if you plan a family event or an event targeted at young people.
- Speakers-you might also seek some ideas and recommendations for good speakers and good storytellers. It is crucial that speakers capture the audience's interest. Your community might contain some captivating speakers known to specific groups rather than being a known local community identity.
- Young people-remember to include young people.
Space and cultural differences - issues of space and arrangement
The physical set-up of an event can be crucial to its success (see Resource four-Inclusive catering). Invite people, including volunteers, from a variety of cultures to assist with creating a suitable layout at the chosen venue.
Acknowledgements
Consider the many possible acknowledgements, and select what is appropriate:
- the acknowledgement of country
- the recognition of diversity
- affirmation of Australia (including the Affirmation Ceremony)
- recognition of generosity of spirit (some people have come to live in Australia after trauma and experiences of oppression war and extreme poverty)
- recognition of resilience
- recognition of conflicted loyalties
- recognition and acknowledgement that events and strategies in the past have not been positive for all.
RESOURCE TWO - Case study (multi-faith ceremonies as inclusive practice)
This vignette offers a brief account of a multi-faith ceremony at the Parklands at South Bank, Brisbane. Thanks to the Queensland Commemorative Events and Celebrations Committee in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
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Celebrating the rich diversity of Queensland-an inclusive event Each year, the Queensland Government holds a multi-faith ceremony on the eve of Australia Day to celebrate the rich diversity of Queensland. Spiritual leaders from across Queensland come together at the Parklands at South Bank for the multi-faith ceremony, highlighting the importance of multiculturalism and unity in Queensland.
Multicultural voices |
RESOURCE THREE - Including Indigenous peoples
Indigenous Australians
Australia Day evokes a variety of emotions.
Australia Day means different things to different people and this is especially true for the First Australians. For many Indigenous Australians, 26 January is an occasion to reflect on past loss and suffering.
There are also those in the wider community who share these mixed emotions about our national day, and they appreciate the efforts of event organisers to acknowledge that.
Australia Day is an important annual opportunity to recognise the honoured place of Indigenous Australians in our nation's history, and to promote understanding, respect and reconciliation.
Simple ways to acknowledge members of the local Indigenous community
- Invite elders to play a special role in Australia Day events, including 'welcome to country', but understand and respect their feelings if they do not wish to take part.
- Suggest guest speakers acknowledge that, while Indigenous Australians have great pride in their heritage, Australia Day reminds them of past loss and these feelings are also a legitimate part of our national day.
- Acknowledge local Indigenous communities and the honoured place of the First Australians in event programs and/or fliers.
- Incorporate into your event a special ceremony which acknowledges past injustices in our nation's history.
- Fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian national flag at your events.
Observing Indigenous protocols
Ceremonies and protocols are an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Incorporating ceremonies into Australia Day activities allows the wider community to share in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and promotes a stronger sense of shared nationhood. Such ceremonies include 'Welcome to Country' to welcome visitors into a community and 'Smoking Ceremonies' to clear impurities from the land or sea.
A 'Welcome to Country' is where the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community (usually through its elders) welcomes people to the land of its ancestors. It happens at big events and formal functions involving people from other parts of the country or from overseas.
'Acknowledging Country' is another significant and symbolic gesture of reconciliation where an MC or speaker opens an event by acknowledging that it is taking place on the traditional country of the Indigenous community.
'Acknowledging Country' can take place even when traditional elders are not present.
Consultation
Anyone in the community can include these ceremonies or protocols in an event but it is important to understand that practices differ from place to place. Whereever possible you should seek advice from local Indigenous people or organisations.
This consultation is another valuable way of making your Australia Day events more inclusive of Indigenous citizens.
Understand that the process will not always be easy because observing Indigenous protocol has to allow for traditional discussion and decision-making. For example, not every Indigenous person can provide a 'Welcome to Country'-it must be performed by a recognised elder or other appropriate person within the area.
The most important thing is to take the time, and to show respect for different cultural groups and practices.
Media
In publicising your Australia Day event, let the media know that your committee is acknowledging the cultural protocols and sensitivities of local Indigenous people, and how and why you are doing it.
RESOURCE FOUR - Inclusive catering
At many events, different groups experience difficulties obtaining appropriate food. These guidelines on catering for different requirements are based on culture, belief systems, and health.
This is not to suggest the traditional Aussie Barbeque is inappropriate, although recognition of inclusive catering may lead to some Australia Day Barbeque events being 'more than a just a sausage sizzle'!
Food selection
Halal, kosher and vegetarian and vegan foods
- Serving an option of vegetarian and vegan food will cater for people from most religions and cultural backgrounds.
- Many organisers will feel uncertainty about halal, kosher and vegetarian foods. Muslims and Jews do not eat pork and are usually hesitant to eat at functions that serve pork because of the fear that the non-pork dishes may have come into contact with pork during preparation.
- It is not only the ingredients that make food/s halal or kosher, but also the way food is prepared and how it is served.
- Many people from South Asia, South-East and East Asia do not eat beef.
Food sensitivities
- Food sensitivities such as lactose and gluten intolerance are surprisingly common.
- Some people are allergic or sensitive to particular foods such as nuts, shellfish or egg protein.
- Serve food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, foods that are low in fat, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Information on ingredients
- Label food (e.g. halal, pork-free, beef-free, vegetarian, vegan, kosher).
- Provide a list of ingredients whenever possible.
Spaces, settings and food
- Ensure halal, kosher and vegetarian food are on a separate table from general meat dishes.
- Where possible, use a separate barbeque plate for vegetarian/vegan foods.
Alcohol and culturally inclusive events
- Many potential participants are concerned that if alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks are served together, it may appear as though they are accessing alcohol.
- Separate the areas serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with the main gathering area in the middle.
Related tools
Knowing your community
Australia Day and reconciliation
Ideas for events
Taking good photographs
References
Ien Ang, Jeffrey E. Brand, Reg Noble, Jason Sternberg (2006) Connecting Diversity: Paradoxes of Multicultural Australia, Bond University Humanities & Social Sciences papers, commissioned by SBS
http://epublications.bond.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=hss_pubs
URLs
2006 Census, Australian Bureau of Statistics
http://www.abs.gov.au/
Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice Toolkit, Flinders University
http://www.flinders.edu.au/equal-opportunity/cdip/cdip_toolkit/cdip_toolkit_home.cfm
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
http://www.immi.gov.au/
General Information Folios, Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice, Equity and Diversity, University of Newcastle
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/equity-diversity/cultural-diversity/toolkit/
Share our Pride
http://www.shareourpride.org.au
Reconciliation Australia
www.reconciliation.org.au
