Multicultural community profiles

Community profiles aim to provide an understanding of the diverse multicultural groups in the Northern Territory (NT).

The profiles have been developed with the assistance of the various community groups.

They include information on the history of the community’s settlement in the NT, the languages spoken, religions practised and events celebrated by the community.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs acknowledges and thanks all those who have contributed to the development of these profiles:

• Portuguese-Timorese 
• Indian
• Filipino
• Greek Cypriot.

It should be noted that, in developing this profile, the Portuguese-Timorese community is defined as those people with direct Portuguese heritage as well as Timorese from Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor. These people have strong links - by marriage, language, culture and religion - through Portugal’s colonial past in East Timor.

World War 2 saw Australia’s first major contact with the Portuguese colony of East Timor when the Australian forces were fighting against the Japanese there. Following the end of the war, Portugal resumed its colonial rule. With the end of Portuguese colonial rule, on 28 November 1975, East Timor declared its independence.

However, as East Timor became an Indonesian-ruled province, it impacted on the country’s economy and political stability. The conflict caused by these political developments saw a wave of refugees arrive in Australia in 1975. Some Timorese refugees also went to Portugal. Many of these later migrated to Australia to be reunited with their families in the Northern Territory (NT).

The events and consequent wars leading to the end of Portugal’s colonialism in Angola and Mozambique, as well as Indonesian claims to East Timor in the 1970s, impacted on the economy in Portugal, leading to the migration of Portuguese to other parts of the world, including Australia.

Settlement in NT

The first Portuguese community in Darwin was called the Lusitano - a derivative of Lusitania, meaning of Portuguese heritage and descent. Following the arrival of the East Timorese, in 1977 it was decided the community was to be called the Portuguese-Timorese community, bringing together these groups with common historical and cultural heritage.

Following the referendum for independence in August 1999 and ensuing violence many East Timorese refugees were evacuated to Darwin and housed at a tent city at Marrara.

The estimated 5,000 member Portuguese-Timorese community today is settled predominantly in Darwin. Many still have links through families and businesses in Timor-Leste.

According to the 2006 Census, there are 160 Portuguese-born people in the NT. This represents one per cent of the total Portuguese-born people in Australia. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for the same period also show that that there are 1,021 East Timor-born residents in the NT, with 1,000 residing in Darwin.

Settlement issues and challenges faced

The language barrier and a different culture in Australia were the initial challenges to the Portuguese-Timorese community. This was soon overcome and the community has since played an active part in the wider community of the NT.

Languages

While English is spoken widely, Portuguese and Tetum are the main languages used in the Portuguese-Timorese community. Portuguese is also spoken in the communities of migrants from the former Portuguese colonies of Macau, Mozambique, Angola and Brazil.

Hakka, a Chinese dialect, is widely spoken by the Timorese-Chinese community.

Religion, practices and traditions

The majority of members in the Portuguese-Timorese community in the NT are Catholic. The Catholic Church is an important foundation in the cultural identity of the Portuguese-Timorese community.

According to the 2006 Census, Buddhism is also affiliated to the Timorese community in Australia.

Community events celebrated in NT

The following celebrations are highlights for the Portuguese-Timorese community:

• New Year’s Eve Party
• Pre-Easter Carnival (a pre-Lenten celebration)
• Easter Party
• Portuguese and Timorese Social Club birthday party which is held annually on 27 July
• celebration of the National Day of Timor Leste on 20 May
• celebration of the National Day of Portugal on 10 June
• restaurant nights are held monthly or fortnightly when possible.

All the above functions are held at the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club. Christmas is also an important celebration in the community but it is usually a family affair.

The Portuguese and Timorese Social Club

The Portuguese and Timorese Social Club was established in 1977 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007.

The club has a commercial kitchen, cool room, licensed bar, community hall with seating for 400 people, as well as meeting rooms. A sporting ground boasting a football (soccer) field is also part of the facility.

Contact

Ana McKay - President 
Portuguese and Timorese Social Club
Batten Road
Marrara NT 0812

Phone: 0407 359 850
ptsocialclub@gmail.com

Sources and acknowledgments

This information was sourced with assistance from Diamantino Ribeiro, Census data and the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

The immigration of Indians to Australia began in 1800 when they were brought in from the north-western region of Punjab as workers in agriculture and gold mining, and as domestic helpers. Most of these immigrants settled in New South Wales.

In the 1860s, cameleers from the Indian states of Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar of British India, as well as what is Pakistan today, were brought in with their camels for the Burke and Wills expedition. With the introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, Indian immigration was halted. However, Anglo-Indians and British citizens who were born in India were permitted to migrate after India achieved independence from Britain in 1947.

With a change in the Australian Government’s policy in 1966, Indian migrants had the opportunity to settle in Australia and so began the arrival of professionals including doctors, teachers and engineers. These migrants represented the diverse cultural, linguistic and religious groups in India.

Settlement in NT

The first wave of Indian-born migrants to the Northern Territory (NT) began in the 1970s. This group of migrants, predominantly from the northern and central Indian states of Gujarat, Punjab and Bihar, included geologists, teachers and public servants who found that Darwin provided employment opportunities.

Many returned after Cyclone Tracy and re-established themselves here despite their losses from the disaster. By the early 1980s, the Indian community in Darwin, made up of about six families, was joined by other arrivals of Indian descent from Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore.

Today the Indian community in the NT includes a more diverse range of people including settlers from the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These new Indian migrants have been attracted by the job opportunities in the NT, as well as the living conditions and environment.

In the past, Indian students pursued higher education in American and British universities. Many students are now choosing to further their studies in Australia, including at Charles Darwin University.

Proximity to India, lower costs of studying and the agreeable weather are some of the factors influencing students to come to Darwin.

Settlement issues and challenges

The Indian community faced two major challenges when they arrived in NT.

Earlier Indian migrants faced difficulties because of the isolation of Darwin and the absence of their extended family ties.

The availability of spices, particularly fresh spices, was a major challenge to the community. To overcome this, spices were purchased in bulk from interstate suppliers and stocked in large freezers.

Over time, as the community increased in size, it developed a support network.

According to the 2006 Census, there are 590 Indian-born people in the NT, representing 0.4% of Indian-born people in Australia. The number of people in the NT Indian community is understood to be much higher.

Language

English is widely spoken. There are also other languages and dialects spoken in the community - for example, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada and Bengali.

Religion, practices and traditions

The main religions practised by the Indian community in the NT include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.

Community events in the NT

The Indian community participates in many cultural and social activities. Some of the cultural activities and functions organised by the Indian Cultural Society are listed below.

Festival of lights

The annual Christmas function and the Hindu Deepavali, the festival of lights, are important celebrations for the multi-faith community.

Holi

The colourful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima at the end of February or early March each year. The Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'.

The festival bridges the social gap and renews positive relationships, with people hugging and wishing each other 'Happy Holi'. They share sweets and throw colourful dye and water as part of the festivities.

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a celebration of spring and the harvest.

Dandia - stick dancing

Dandia or stick dancing is performed at various times, including at the annual India @ Mindil Festival, a popular event showcasing Indian culture, crafts and food at Mindil Beach. The festival also includes demonstrations of sari tying, chappati flat bread-making and mehndi (henna decoration).

Other events and activities

The Indian Cultural Society organises family-oriented picnics. Health workshops on dementia and cancer are organised. The community has a volunteer health worker.

Other regular activities include:

• weekly Hindi language classes every Sunday at Alawa Pre-school (non-Indians also participate in these classes)
• weekly Telugu language classes
• an education program on Indian values, heritage and culture held on the first Sunday of every month - this program aims to give children an understanding of Indian culture rather than enforcing it
• dancing lessons in both traditional and Bollywood styles
• music lessons - Indian percussion and string instruments such as tabla and sitar and lessons in singing
• running and walking club every Sunday morning as well as yoga classes
• an equivalent to Valentine’s Day celebrations - a Gazal and Shayari (romance and poetry) night held at Charles Darwin University
• cooking lessons and an informal cooking club held in the homes of Indian community members
• Indian embroidery sessions, traditional needlework and arts and craft.

Contact

For more information contact Indian Cultural Society president Bharat Desai on 0488 574 933 or icsdarwin.nt@gmail.com.

Sources and acknowledgements

This community profile was developed with assistance from former Indian Cultural Society NT president Jaya Srinivas, as well as information from the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

Over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule has influenced the religion, language, music, architecture, dance and many aspects of the lives of the people of the Philippines.

The Philippine uprising and revolution led to a declaration of independence from Spain on 12 June 1898. However, Philippine independence did not become a reality as the Americans, involved in a war with the Spanish, took over to govern the Philippines for 48 years.

Following the end of World War 2 and a period of Japanese occupation, the Philippines finally achieved its independence. These events, as well as the influence of Malay, Chinese and Arabic traditions and culture have impacted on the culture and traditions of Filipinos today.

The desire to seek greener pastures has enabled the Filipinos to migrate to many parts of the world.

Settlement in the NT

Filipino migration to the Northern Territory (NT) started more than 100 years ago. There were three main waves of Filipino migration to the NT.

The first wave began in 1895. A small group from the central and southern Philippines came to the NT and were employed as divers and processors of shells in the local pearling industry.

The Manilamen, as they were called, were culturally isolated from the mainstream community at that time, but in maintaining their customs and traditions, particularly their music, they soon found themselves performing at social gatherings and actively participating in sporting activities such as boxing and football. The Immigration Act of 1901, commonly known as the White Australia Policy, excluded non-Europeans from settling in Australia, resulting in a decrease in Filipino migration until the 1950s.

The Colombo Plan paved the way for Filipino students and other professionals into Australia.

Following modifications to the White Australia policy in the 1960s, and the demise of the policy in the early 1970s, the next wave of Filipinos arrived in Darwin. The deteriorating political situation in the Philippines, with the declaration of martial law in 1972, led professional and well-qualified Filipinos to seek better opportunities and improve their standard of living overseas.

At that time the NT was administered by the South Australian Government. Many Filipino teachers found opportunities through the attractive packages provided by the Commonwealth Teaching Service and undertook teaching positions in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. Most of these posts were taken up in Darwin.

In the 1970s, the younger Filipinos used the English language over their own to gain acceptance into the wider community.

The third wave of Filipino migrants came to the NT in the 1980s through the Australian Government’s Family Reunion and Marriage Visa Scheme. This paved the way for the migration of the Filipino community’s extended family and spouses. Filipinos with trade skills as well as students studying at the former Northern Territory University taking up permanent residency contributed to this influx into the 1990s. The Filipinos were one of the top non-European migrants in the NT during this time.

Migration continues through the Australian Government’s 457 visa for business and skilled migrants - in jobs ranging from mechanics to civil engineers - and is part of the solution to a skills shortage in the NT. Spouses and children have accompanied many of these migrants, many of whom have obtained permanent resident status.

With a history of over 100 years of settlement in the NT, the practice of customs and traditions, particularly a love for music, continues in the Filipino community today.

Languages, ethnicity and religion

According to the 2011 Census, there were 171,233 Philippines-born people in Australia, an increase of 42.1% from the 2006 Census, with 3,587 of this group residing in the NT.

It is estimated that there are 7,000 Filipino community members in the NT. As English is widely spoken in the Philippines most migrants are proficient in that language. Tagalog is also used.

While the Filipino community is predominantly Roman Catholic, some members also belong to other Christian denominations.

Community organisations

Filipino community organisations in the NT include:

The Filipino Australian Association of the NT

Established in 1973, the Filipino Australian Association of the NT plays an important role in organising community events such as the Barrio Fiesta, Harmony Day Youth Concert and the anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence.

It manages the Filipino Community Centre at Batten Road. It provides support services to its members and is active in promoting social and recreational activities for the community such as its very own basketball league.

The Pinoy Aussie Society

The Pinoy Aussie Society, formed in 1990, provides services to members ranging from driving lessons, computer classes, recreational activities including chess games, musical arts - instruments, voice and song-writing - as well as outreach support for members in times of need.

Filipiniana Senior Citizens Association

The Filipiniana Senior Citizens Association provides outreach services to its community members, as well as social activities like mini-golf, excursions and weekly get-togethers.

The group also gets together for fun-filled activities for Valentine’s Day, Easter bonnet parties and seniors’ camping trips.

The Katherine Filipino Australia Association

The Katherine Filipino Australia Association organises annual Harmony Day events, fundraising activities and community celebrations such as the Philippine Independence Day and Christmas celebrations.

The Filipino community also gets together for birthday celebrations. Some of these events are held at the association's premises, Mabuhay Hall.

The Filipino Social Club of Gove

The Filipino Social Club of Gove was officially formed in 1990 and is made up of about 20-30 families. Apart from some long-time residents, the Gove Filipino community has a transient population attracted by employment opportunities.

As its name indicates, the club is active in organising social events for its members such as four-wheel driving, camping, fishing, collecting seashells and big cook outs. The club also brings the community together through celebrations such as Philippine Independence Day, Christmas and New Year.

The Mabuhay Multicultural Association

The Mabuhay Multicultural Association is an Alice Springs-based Filipino group. Membership extends beyond to Yulara, Tennant Creek, Renner’s Springs, Waite River Station and other areas around Alice Springs.

The main goal of the association is to bring together Filipinos for social occasions, as well as to share heritage and traditions with the Alice Springs community. The association is active in welcoming new Filipino arrivals and introducing them to the community.

Community events celebrated in the NT

One of the highlights of community events celebrated in August by the Filipino community is the Barrio Fiesta, which first started in 1996. This annual festival showcases traditional dance, music, food and the many aspects of Filipino culture.

Other events include Philippines Independence Day on 12 June. The 110th anniversary of independence from colonial Spanish rule was celebrated in 2008. The Filipino community observes and celebrates the religious occasions of Easter and Christmas, as well as christenings and weddings.

Contact

For more information, contact Emcille Wills, president of the Filipino-Australia Association NT on 0417 619 898 or go to their Facebook page.

Sources and acknowledgements

• John Rivas - former president Filipino Australian Association of the NT
• Rose Hewitt - president Katherine Filipino Australia Association
• Mario Aisa - president Pinoy Aussie Society
• Christine Black and Angelita Minoy - Filipiniana Senior Citizens Association
• Gil Avila - president Filipino Social Club of Gove
• Grace Valdon - secretary Mabuhay Multicultural Association
• History of the Settlement of Filipino Families in the Northern Territory (1895-2003), Filipino Australian Association of the NT Inc, Uni Print NT October 2003.

This information was partly sourced from the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website.

Greek Cypriot migration to Australia began in the 1850s during the Victorian gold rushes.

In 1921, Census data showed seven Cypriots living in Darwin. These migrants were employed by Vestey’s Meatworks and the Pine Creek Railway. 

With political instability following the end of World War 2, 60 Cypriots left for Australia in 1948. They were on their way to Melbourne, as Victoria had a large Cypriot migrant population.

When the plane stopped in Darwin, the passengers disembarked to rest and refresh themselves after a long journey. A misunderstanding meant that several passengers were not allowed back on the plane despite strong protests.

As they did not have sufficient money to get back on the plane, these migrants' journeys ended in Darwin. 

After this 'accidental' arrival, the men found employment in Darwinand arranged to migrate their families. Thus began the influx of Greek Cypriots to the Northern Territory (NT).

Settlement in the NT

In 1952, Greek Cypriots were the largest group of Greek Australians in Darwin. Following an informal gathering of Cypriots at a meeting place in the Smith Street Mall, where the Galleria stands today, Socrates, the first organisation representing the Cypriot Community of the NT, was formed. 

Socrates played an important role in uniting the local Greek Cypriots and preserving their culture by organising events as well as assisting new arrivals to settle into life in the NT. 

In 1974 Socrates decided to host Darwin’s first food and wine festival. Over time this has grown to be a popular event, attracting 5,000 people last year. 

According to the 2006 Census, there were 18,380 Cypriot-born people in Australia, with 130 in the NT. It is estimated there are about 400 members of the Cypriot community in the NT, predominantly of Greek origin.

Language

The Cypriot language is essentially Greek with different pronunciations and the occasional use of Arabic words. The Cypriot community attends the Greek Orthodox Church, where Greek language classes are held for the younger members of the community.

Religion, practices and traditions

The majority of Greek Cypriots belong to the Greek Orthodox (also referred to as the Eastern Orthodox) religion.

Major religious events celebrated by the Cypriot community of the NT are:

• Christmas and Easter 
• celebrations on 25 March, when the archangel delivered the news to the Virgin Mary that she was pregnant 
• celebrations on 15 August for Virgin Mary’s Day and St Andrew's Day - the patron saint of Cyprus. 

These events are celebrated at the Greek Orthodox Church. 

Close religious and language links have enabled strong cooperation in the Greek Orthodox community of the NT, which runs the St Nicholas Church on Cavenagh Street and the Nightcliff Greek School. 

These facilities are co-shared by Cypriots for their religious and educational needs.

Community events celebrated in the NT

Cultural events and anniversaries celebrated by the Cypriot community in the NT include:

The Cyprus Wine Festival 

Formerly known as the Cypriot Glenti, the Cyprus Wine Festival is a major event held in early September showcasing Cypriot dancing and cultural displays as well as a rich selection of traditional food and wine. 

Ohi Day

Ohi Day commemorates the day Greece and Cyprus refused to surrender to the Nazis and Italians during World War 2. When a telegram arrived asking for the Greeks to surrender, the reply was 'NO'. This day is commemorated on 28 October.

Greek Independence Day

Greek Independence Day commemorates the Greeks and Cypriots rising up against the 400-year Ottoman Occupation on 25 March 1821. 

New Year's Eve

The Cypriot community celebrates New Year’s Eve with a party at the Cypriot Community Centre on 31 December every year.

Memorial Day 

Memorial Day commemorates the fallen heroes during war with Turkey, leading to the occupation of the island. It is held every year on the Sunday closest to 20 July with a wreath-laying ceremony and gathering for refreshments.

All the above events are held at the Cypriot Community Hall at Batten Road, Marrara. 

Other community information

It is important for the Cypriot community to preserve and promote its culture, music, dance, language and history in the NT. One way in which this is done is through weekly dance classes which are free and open to the general community. 

The Cyprus Community of the NT is a member of the Multilingual Broadcasting Council of the NT and maintains a Cypriot program on radio. 

The Cypriot Community Centre in Marrara opened in 1984 and is maintained by the Cyprus Community of the NT. It has many unique facilities including:

• a 32-spit roasting facility that can cook up to 100kg of lamb or chicken in the traditional Cypriot souvla style - the national dish
• three wood-fired ovens for cooking traditional kleftiko lamb or traditional Cypriot pastries
• a collection of photographs and articles tracing back the history of the Cypriot community in the NT.

The community is working on a permanent display of all archival material and a range of Cypriot publications.

Contacts

For more information contact Cyprus Community of the NT president Evan Fitirikkos on 0419 219 404. 

Sources and acknowledgements

• Harry Spirou - vice president Cyprus Community of the NT
• Helen Gordon - Cyprus Community of the NT.