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“It proves to every child that you can aspire to any occupation and be a valued Australian citizen,” Ferguson said. |
CAIRO – Detailing the success stories of many Australian Muslims, the federal government has launched a book recognizing contributions of the Muslim minority to the society.
“Muslims were some of the very first visitors to our shores,” reads the book “Australian Journey, Muslim Communities”.
“They bring with them a wealth of different ideas, skills and talents.
“[They] have helped to build our country into the prosperous and successful nation it is today.”
The 88-page book tells the success stories of more than 40 Muslims, including prominent footballer Bachar Houli and musician Asim Gorashi.
Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population.
Islam is the country's second largest religion after Christianity.
The new government book is the latest effort to highlight Muslim contributions to Australian society.
In 2007, the National Library in Canberra hosted an exhibition to highlight the neglected and unrecorded great contributions of Muslim cameleers to Australia in the 19th century.
The exhibition featured photographs, camel saddles, clothing, textiles and original documents largely borrowed from cameleer descendants who came to Australia between 1860 and 1930.
Shining Models
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| The enthusiasm of Mona Shindy, a Muslim, served her a place in the Australian Defense Force. |
The book celebrates the diversity of Australia’s Muslims, providing positive models for their participation in different fields.
“It proves to every child that you can aspire to any occupation, in any field, and be a valued Australian citizen,” parliamentary secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson said in a statement.
The publication cites examples of Muslims making inroads in Australian society.
Among the most striking examples is Bill Baarini, representing Muslims’ active participation in politics.
“Bill Baarini became Victoria’s youngest mayor in 2003 at the age of 26,” the book says.
“He [was] awarded the Municipal Association of Victoria Emeritus Mayoral Award.”
Forming a fundamental part of Australian defense forces, Muslims were always there at Australia service “whether humanitarian aid or protecting Australia’s security.”
The book cites Commander Mona Shindy whose enthusiasm for the navy career reserved a place for her as a member of the Australian Defense Force.
“I was two years into obtaining my degree when I considered joining the Navy,” the Egyptian-born says.
“I viewed it as an admirable and worthwhile job to do,” the proud Australian Muslims says.
“I stay for the culture, the community, the friendships and the opportunities to undertake different types of work, and interesting work at that.”
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