News
Fraser Coast breaking through racism
On 18-19 October 2001, the Breaking Through Conference on Racism and Racial Discrimination was held on Fraser Island, Queensland. The conference incorporated four themes: sharing and respecting our histories and present lives; community working together; developing partnerships across the community; and valuing diversity.
The conference featured a number of key note addresses from experts in the fields of multiculturalism, anti-racism and Indigenous affairs. Speakers included Mr Uri Themal OAM, Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs Queensland, Ms Hurriyet Babacan from Sunshine Coast University, Mr Jack Beetson, Tranby College and Ms Karen Walters, Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner. A series of workshops were also held which focussed on issues for Indigenous and culturally diverse communities, community strategies for countering racism and globalisation.
The highlight of the conference were three youth speakers from Urangan High School, Fraser Coast Anglican College and Wide Bay Health Centre. The young women's speeches, which incorporated their thoughts and experiences of racism and their visions for an inclusive, harmonious Australia, received resounding applause from conference participants.
The conference was co-ordinated by the Fraser Coast Cultural Consultative Group and jointly sponsored by the Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Hervey Bay City Council, Queensland Health and Marcom Projects.
Click on the following to view the youth speeches:
View Jessica's speech from Fraser Coast Anglican College
View Theresa's speech from Urangan State High School
