I am very pleased to move this motion in the Assembly today, of all days, in celebration of the United Nations International Day for People of African Descent. 2023 is just the third year of this day’s observance and, through it, the United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of African descent—something that I think is an incredibly worthy goal. With roughly 1.6 per cent of Australians identifying as being of African ancestry, it points to a significant and growing portion of our population. You can see that manifesting right here in Canberra and definitely in my electorate of Yerrabi.
The African-Australian community here in Canberra takes great pride in their identity as part of the African diaspora, loudly and proudly embracing the rich and diverse cultures related to their heritage. The African Australian Council ACT is the peak organisation that represents and advocates on behalf of the community and leads the way on showcasing this heritage to the broader ACT community in the kaleidoscope of multicultural Australia. I would like to acknowledge the great work they do under the leadership of their president, Dr Yvette Poudjom Djomani.
The African community runs many events throughout the year to share their cultures with the rest of Canberra, and I would like to take the time to mention just a few of them. First, there is the Africa Festival in the Park, which is a celebration of African food, art, culture and music and was hosted for the fourth year running this past April in Commonwealth Park, organised by Africa2Australia. Dera Night, a now annual event timed with Women’s Health Week, is a celebration of women prioritising their health and wellbeing holistically in the spirit of the motto “Our health, our way.” It recognises that, while mainstream health services can have many benefits and improving the equity of access to these services is vital, cultural competence and positive cultural health practices can significantly improve health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse women in Australia. After a very successful 2022 event, this year’s Dera Night will be run on 8 September. I encourage all members of the Assembly to consider supporting this worthwhile event.
Another is the Africa Youth Soccer Tournament, also coming up again in September, which is run by Celebration of African Australians ACT. It aims to bring together members of the African diaspora and local communities to share in the excitement of soccer while fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s traditions and values. This initiative received a 2023 Youth Week and InterACT grant, a program which provides funding for projects, events and activities that support youth engagement and celebrate the diversity and contributions to our community that young people bring. I would like to thank Minister Berry for her work in supporting this initiative.
In addition to these community events, it would be remiss of me if I did not mention the African-Australian community’s very active participation in the annual Multicultural Festival each year, in March, and the thriving African drumming and dance community that shares its practices to all Canberrans all year long.
Today, on International Day for People of African Descent, I am pleased to make specific mention of a few African-Australians here in the ACT whose recent achievements in their chosen fields are representative of the rich contributions to our Canberra community the African diaspora make. Firstly, I would like to recognise Mr Ebenezer Banful, who was awarded an Order of Australia medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his service to African communities and health in Canberra. Mr Banful is Ghanaian-born and moved to Australia over 30 years ago and has since made significant contributions to our community by improving our understanding of African culture and values, and volunteers in several organisations.
Next, I would like to give a shout-out to the 2023 ACT Woman of the Year Beatrice, or Betty, Macharia, who is a community sector worker and proud African-Australian woman who has dedicated many years to volunteering in the ACT community services sector. In addition to pioneering and leading the delivery of Dera Night, Betty coordinates support for vulnerable women and is passionate about making a difference in mental health and domestic and family violence, as well as overcoming barriers for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Also, she volunteers as the executive secretary of the African Australian Council ACT.
Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning Kofi Owusu-Ansah, the Canberra-bred rapper and musician better known as Genesis Owusu. When he is not performing sold-out headline shows at the likes of UC Refectory or the Sydney Opera House or releasing critically acclaimed music, he is awarded the honour of the 2023 ACT Young Australian of the Year in recognition of his accomplishments and using his music to highlight his struggles with racism and oppression.
As we celebrate African-Australians today, let us also recommit ourselves to the principles of inclusivity, equality and respect. I am reminded today that it is through our work here in the Assembly that we can actively secure the prosperity in the future of the African-Australian community as elected representatives of the ACT. Of particular note is the recent passage of the Multiculturalism Act 2023, which provides the framework for government to ensure we are supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging. I would like to commend Minister Cheyne for making that legislation happen.
I am proud to be on an ACT Labor team that recognises and respects the harmonious cultural and ethnic diversity of Canberra. Let today serve as a reminder that diversity is not just a buzz word but also a source of strength that has the power to drive the ACT forward. I am proud to call on the Assembly to recognise and acknowledge the contributions of the African community and people of African descent in Canberra, and to continue working with the African community to support their very many initiatives. I commend the motion to the Assembly.
