ED 2022 Message

The Australian Intercultural Society aims to be a conduit between people by building bridges and sharing information to allow our better angels to be better informed and engaged. Throughout the year we have worked towards this endeavor via our range of programs from the seminar series, dinner programs and community based activities and workshops. We believe there is no finish line to our work and it’s a matter for us to find creative ways to bring people together.

With the continuation of war and rising tension in various parts of the world, there is an adverse effect to people’s attitudes back here in Australia. When people treat those who are considered the ‘other’ in society in a derogatory way it tarnishes our social harmony. The challenge remains for a collective effort to bring these people together and let them experience that we are all ‘another’ in this journey of life. The universal values of respect – respect for human beings and fundamental human rights – along with peaceful and ethically aligned positive action are essential principles for social conduct. These are some of the basic principles we need to firmly ingrain within ourselves to be resilient as an individual and be indomitable as a society. Being firm in this endeavour will help minimalise hatred and racism so we could plant the seed for a respectful society. It is one of the reasons why the Bystander Intervention Workshop, the Courageous Conversations Workshop, the Inclusion & Diversity Summit and the Working Towards Racial Equity panel feature prominently in our focus areas as we partner with like-minded organisations to have these conversations. Getting people involved and then bringing them along the journey to let them come to the realisation that we all share the same hopes and fears, aspirations and goals like the next person is where we need to be as a collective unit.

I hope you are living your life to the fullest, whether it be achieving your goals or whether you are on the path to self-discovery to becoming a wiser person. Life; it’s a slippery road with bumps and bruises but the journey is the teacher. It’s where you learn about yourself, your strengths and your areas for development and it will always lead you to new beginnings. A life lead in the company of others is a life more valuable and precious.

I hope you stay safe during the holiday period and catch up with loved ones. Unfortunately COVID is still out there but do make the most of the time to recharge and start afresh for the days ahead. Those who are celebrating Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Happy new year everyone !  

Regards

Ahmet Keskin