Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

(Riverina) (11:43): Riverina has a large Sudanese community and its members have contributed much to our culture. There were plenty of smiles for independence when the local celebrations of the declaration of South Sudan as the world's newest nation were held in Wagga Wagga on Saturday, 16 July, just a week after independence was officially recognised. In fact, of the many events that I have attended in my first year of parliament, this was one of the most joyous. There was sheer delight, spontaneity and a feeling of togetherness at the function. People from all walks of life joined for an afternoon of music, dance and delicious food at a get together like no other.

The Sudanese certainly know how to enjoy themselves. There was plenty of colour and movement as the choir comprising Acol Abuk, Apuol Tong, Susan Tong and Grace Wani performed traditional songs and then joined in the dancing. Soon everyone was on their feet, young and old, clapping hands, raising arms, swirling around and getting into the mood and the exuberant spirit. There was much to be happy about. Before the real action began a discourse on Sudan's troubled history was given. To listen made you really appreciate why the people of South Sudan are so gratified, proud and relieved they have achieved independence.

The Riverina has played an enormous role in multiculturalism in Australia. In fact, Griffith in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area is the cradle of multiculturalism. People from all over the world, from countries where daily conflict and age old civil war is a way of life ended up at Griffith not long after irrigation opened up the area 99 years ago. Today Griffith is the showpiece for Australian multiculturalism. On 26 January this year, 90 flags representing the nations from which Griffiths's people originate flew proudly at the city's Australia Day ceremony. Next year the new ensign for South Sudan will flap proudly in the breeze.

Members of the Riverina's Sudanese community are proud people. They are caring, good people. At the Wagga Wagga independence day commemoration some powerful messages were given about tolerance, community contribution and acceptance. The aspect that I liked most about the day was the involvement of the youngsters. They were included and they showed that the day meant much to them. They are the ones who will bridge the divide between cultures. It is already being done on many levels, not least of which is sport. The Sudanese have already shown their proficiency in football, both soccer and the great game we invented, Australian Rules. Sudanese are a tall people and their speed and height will be assets to Aussie Rules. You certainly cannot deny they have other attributes which contribute to play the code, and I speak of toughness. South Sudan's independence underlines just how tough, how determined and how fiercely committed its people are to change to a better way of life to the future—their future, our future, a shared future, a shared vision.

In the 2007 census there were just 46 Sudanese people included in the Wagga Wagga statistics. That number has grown. One of Wagga Wagga's Sudanese refugees is Constance Okot, who took an active part in the local 16 July festivities. She came to my home town, a place she now, too, calls home after fleeing war-ravaged Sudan. She came to Wagga Wagga to escape a life in which each day was filled with uncertainty, fear and an overwhelming sense of dread. She did not know whether she or those nearest and dearest to her would see through each day or whether they would still be alive tomorrow or the next day. What a dreadful way to live your life!

I will not exaggerate. It has not been an easy transition for Constance and other Sudanese people. It has had its challenges, its upheavals, but Constance is a person of faith, of hope. She wants to try to ensure that refugees assimilate into Australian society. She wants to dispel the public perception that it cannot work. Constance is working hard to improve the image of her fellow refugees locally. She made an appearance on SBS TV's Cutting Edge, which examined the life of refugees when they reach Australia, and she also spoke with Chris Coleman on ABC Riverina Mornings. How does she like Wagga? 'Things are really nice', she said. 'Things are good. Very different to Sudan. First, when I came here it was like a dream. In Wagga, when I wake up every day I'm very happy. I have a lot of friends; a lot of people who are supporting me. Very happy to be in Wagga.'

On how hard it is to fit into Australian society she said, 'Everybody has a different view or understanding of where to put themselves on where they belong. Everywhere in the world, everywhere you go we can see animals. They're different because they are animals, but you may find when there are new animals, when a sheep is brought in, they will not like that sheep immediately. It is similar for humans. It's normal for human beings. It's up to us to find how to fit in. This is my home. I've decided to be here, to be part of this town or city or whatever.'

On when she found her family, 'Just like a dream', she said. 'You thought you were the only person remaining in the family, then you find somebody still alive.'

Many people forget their name, their age and the names of their children. Ask a Sudanese and most of them are born on 1 January or 25 December. (Time expired)

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