Background
“Australian Values – Common Sense?” is a multicultural forum that was hosted by Council on 13 March in celebration of National Harmony Day 2008. The forum aims to promote understanding and acceptance between individuals through discussion and participation.
The forum, created to promote community harmony, is part of the Good Mates Project undertaken by Willoughby Council's Ethnic Services Unit. The project encourages discussion within groups of same cultural backgrounds to increase self awareness then share with others from diverse backgrounds to enhance mutual understanding and acceptance.
The multicultural forum “Australian Values – Common Sense?” brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds to exchange views.
The project will be completed with recommendations submitted to Council on strategies and activity programs in pursuit of community harmony.
The forum
Approximately 100 people attended the event. Among them, 17 were students from 4 local high schools. Other participants included interested individuals from a Rotary Club, local ethnic groups, Council Sub-committees and workers from government agencies and community organisations.
Jaslyn Hall, the keynote speaker, delivered a stimulating speech on shared values and national identity.
Jaslyn’s speech generated varied responses which was her intention, enabling a broad discussion of the meaning of inclusiveness and the values of what it means to be a human being.
The second part of the forum engaged the attendees in an informal discussion of Australian values, commonality and differences, likes and dislikes and ways to resolve/accept differences between cultures.
Click here to download the 
Multicultural Forum Discussion - 38 KB, or see below some interesting responses from the forum:
What do you value about Australian lifestyle?
- natural environment
- lifestyle
- sense of security
- democracy
- cultural diversity
- acceptance
Ways to increase community harmony
- show respect for each other
- show appreciation
- be considerate
- display good manners
- have sense of humour
- learn eachother's culture
Dislikes
- verbal aggression
- overt racism
- stereotypes
- new migrants not being welcomed by older migrants
- impatience / intollerance of those who speak poor English
Approaches to resolving differences
- be assertive
- look for a compromise
- maintain self respect
- engage in discussion
- explain your position
- stay calm
- use educational campaigns to change attitudes
Approaches and activities that promote harmony
- actively participate in community activities
- participate in cultural workshops
- promote activities that can bring people from various backgrounds together
What you can do to contribute greater harmony in your community
- learn English
- be an active member in your community
- be friendly and polite
- encourage children to accept differences
- respect each other’s backgrounds, religions and individuality
Ways to help others to feel and be more accepted and included
- always volunteer
- provide cross cultural activities
- key information to be made available in community languages