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Era
1990 and beyond


After more than 200 years of migration, Australia has become a multicultural society. By 1990, 40% of people in Australia were born overseas and over 100 languages were spoken. Australian culture has transformed from the stiff Britishness of the early 20th century to the multiplicity of influences we have seen around us in the last 15 years. From a struggling British outpost isolated from the world, Australia has become a vibrant and diverse place where tolerance and equality are both accepted and expected by its citizens as part of a normal and decent way of life.

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Olympics Friendship Stick c.2000

Discover the Friendship Stick made by Gavin Flick, Alanna Rose and Jai Rose for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.


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Dollhouse c.2006

The dollhouse has historic significance as evidence of post World War 2 refugee migration to Australia and the traumatic experience of dislocation and separation from family.


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Uruguayan Candombe drum, model of chico drum, c. 2005

The condombe drums have historical and cultural significance for the Uruguayan community in Fairfield. Just as it provided respite for the African slaves who brought this rhythmic drumming from Africa, it continues to remind South American migrants of the difficult social, political and economic hardships that caused their families to migrate.