Who are you? Give us an overview of your ethnicity/heritage?
I’m Candace, born in Perth, Australia. I am third generation Australian. My heritage down the line is somewhat of European origin. I spent my early childhood in a small mining town called Kambalda. My family moved back to Perth when I was 9 years old. I was heavily involved in sports at school and Performing Arts & Equestrian outside of school. I did not go to University but instead relocated to Melbourne when I was 19 and started working full time in the Insurance industry. I then travelled through Europe and decided to live in London for a few years. Now back in Melbourne, I work in the Insurance industry and also DJ.
Name one thing you really passionate about and why?
Equality is something I feel very passionate about. No one should ever be made to feel inferior because of their race, age, gender, social status, culture, religion etc. We are all human after all.
How has living in a multicultural society shaped who you are as an individual?
Being exposed to different cultures from a young age made me open minded. I thought because I had embraced and immersed myself in various cultures whenever I had the chance, everyone else had done so too. It wasn’t until I got a bit older that I realised that not everyone held the same opinion or views as me on cultural diversity. Travelling and living in the UK opened my eyes to exactly how multiculturalism should be and I can only hope that one day Australia will get to that level.
What aspects of Australia’s multicultural society do you find fascinating?
I love the fact there are movements and positive groups out here trying to bring more awareness to the numerous cultures we have in Australia. I do however think we have a long way to go as a country – there are still a lot of people who are not open or welcoming. There is still a lot of segregation and overall a lack of education.
What kind of experiences have you had when interacting with people whose cultural background differs from your own? Any key lessons from these experiences/encounters?
I have had many experiences; from camps, to festivals, to close relationships with people who are from a complete different part of the world. I have always learnt or grown from these experiences.
In your opinion, how can multiculturalism be used as a vehicle for positive change in our society?
Multiculturalism creates a diverse source of knowledge, experience, food, music, innovation, creativity and the list goes on. It allows us to grow, adapt and think outside our own box.
What fun and interesting activities/events can we do/hold to aid in bridging the cultural gap thereby creating an inclusive society for all to enjoy?
Music events, festivals and panel talks/discussions.
Follow Candace @Candaceeh
