Community Directory People from Burma/Myanmar
Project Initiative Burmese Advisory Committee
Creative editor & compilation Aung Thu
Consultancy Mark Caruana
Administrative assistance Elizabeth Philpsz
Cover design Ye Win
This Community Directory is an updated publication of the Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Center Inc. 15 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150 Tel: (02) 9687 9901 Fax: (02) 9687 9990 E-mail [email protected]
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct. However, BHHP MRC will not bear any responsibility for information that has changed after the publication of this document.
Printed by: Click Printing Shop 2, Ground Floor, 34 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148 Tel: (02) 9831 1993 Fax: (02) 9831 3174
Copyright: BHHP MRC All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced in full or part without the written permission of the publisher.
ISSN 1832-7974
2006 Reprint
Table of Contents Foreword a Acknowledgement b
About Australia Migration from Burma 1 Census 1-3 Information for new arrivals 4-11 Media 12-13 Religion & Associations 14-19 Periodical Publications & Health 19 Projects for Students 20
Businesses Medical Doctors, Dentists, Optometrists 21-24 Lawyers, Interpreters 25
Businesses Export & Import 26 On Line Businesses, Dine in & Take away 27 Finance 28 Design & Construction, Electricians 29 Mixed Businesses, Finance 30
Activities Social and Welfare Groups 31 Community Organizations 32-34 Sports & Entertainment 34
Burmese in New Zealand Religion 36 Media 36 Education & Training 37 Social & Welfare Groups 37
About Burma Map, Geography and History 38-40 Facts about Burma 41 Ethnic Map, Heritage, Burmese culture 42-50 National Anthem & State Seals 51-54 Burmese Embassies Abroad 54-55 Australian Embassies Abroad 56-57
How to Find Related Websites for Burma 58-60
FOREWORD
For a long time, migrants from Burma in Australia have felt the need for a Community Directory. The Burmese Advisory Committee of BHHP MRC discussed this need and agreed to take it up as a project under the Community Settlement Services Scheme of the Dept of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs.
It was decided to compile a White and Yellow Pages Directory. This directory will serve as a handy reference as a Who’s Who in the Burmese community for all States in Australia as well as for Burmese across the Tasman, where the community is smaller and even more isolated.
Mr. Aung Thu accepted the challenge to spearhead and co-ordinate this pioneering task, as a first of its kind in Australia. He consulted with several people, spending hours of voluntary time on his computer, telephone and e- mail, attracting much-needed sponsorship and promoting the project on community radio. The many persons who helped him are gratefully acknowledged in this Directory.
The Directory also includes an information fact sheet on Burma and a list of basic mainstream service providers aimed at assisting new arrivals.
Besides addresses and phone numbers, the directory includes e-mails and website addresses where applicable. Some names are translated in the Burmese font and a logo added. All listings are in alphabetical order.
A special thanks to an encouraging number of Burmese businesses who kindly donated $50 for a half page or $100 for a full page of advertisement. As a result, the Burmese Advisory Committee has raised much-needed funds to ensure its sustainability in providing a 2nd edition. It is hoped that this directory will be updated regularly and eventually be available on-line.
An appeal goes out to expand entries to this Directory to include all Burmese associations, groups and businesses in other States in Australia besides NSW.
We hope this Directory will serve a useful purpose for both the Burmese and the Australian community, and will serve as a referral tool to other service providers who come in contact with people of Burma in Australia.
Mr. Safar Sarmed Chairperson
a
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Several persons have helped in the compilation of this Directory. My thanks to all and to the Burmese Advisory Committee who agreed to undertake this directory as their task.
To DIMA for providing the funds through the Community Settlement Services Scheme and expert advice through its consultants Ian Johns and George Chami.
To Melissa Monteiro, Manager of Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Center, who offered a venue and the administrative back- up resources of the Centre.
To Mark Caruana (Community Settlement Services Co-ordinator) and Marla Phu (CSS Project Worker and co-worker on this project) both of who offered on-going support to complete this task. To Elizabeth Philipsz (current CSS Project Worker) for her enthusiastic support in the 2006 reprint.
To U Maung Maung Myint for his encouraging advice and assistance with software difficulties.
To Burmese radio co-ordinators, U Pantra (MCRA-FM2000), Terrell Oung (SBS Radio-Burmese Program), Sydney Educational Radio (2-SER) & The Voice of Mon Radio (ACT) for the promotion of this 2006 reprint.
To businesses who offered their tangible support by advertising in this directory and to U Pantra for contacting some Burmese business people.
To Ko Ye Win, Nyein Aye Aye Kyi and Aye Hnin Thu for their advice in professional scanning design and in taking photos to create the logos; to Aye Hnin Thu for solving computer problems, without whose assistance I would not have been able to complete this task.
To Clarissa Mulas from WSAHS (Western Sydney Area Health Service) and Peter Rogers from WESTIR (Western Sydney Training Information & Research) for providing the 2001 Census data.
To all, I say thank you and I greatly appreciate the support received from many friends on the reprint as well.
Even though corrections have been made from the previous print, there may be still being some omissions or errors, which are not deliberate but inadvertently done.
Aung Thu (Volunteer Co-ordinator) 2006 Reprint with Correction
MIGRATION FROM BURMA
Burma gained Independence from Britain on the 4th January 1948. The first wave of Burmese in Australia was Anglo-Burmese who found post-colonial life in Burma difficult after independence.
Between 1947-1959, it is estimated that 3,500 Anglo-Burmese came to Australia and between 1965-1972 an additional 2,500 arrived as humanitarian entrants, assisted by their families and the World Council of Churches. Many settled in WA as the airfares were cheaper, employment was available and they felt that the climate was similar to Burma. During that period, more Buddhist Burmese settled in Australia, mainly spouses of Anglo-Burmese or students who did not wish to return to Burma.
Between 1994-1997, more than 1,000 Burmese were admitted under the Humanitarian Program, some coming via Thailand which included a small number of Christian Karens.
More recently, for the period of 1999-2004 a total of 453 Burmese- born were admitted to Australia - 241 were as family reunion, 114 as humanitarian entrants and 98 as skilled migrants.
2001 Census Population by State
ANCESTRY (Burmese and Anglo-Burmese)
State in Australia Burmese Anglo-Burmese Total
Western Australia 5,698 639 6,337 New South Wales 2,664 63 2,727 Victoria 1,100 65 1,165 Queensland 580 35 615 ACT (Canberra) 281 12 293 South Australia 125 - 125 Northern Territory 77 - 77 Tasmania 31 - 31
1 CENSUS DATA
From the 2001 Census, a microcosmic study of five local government areas (LGAs) in Western Sydney, namely Auburn, Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta provide some useful demographic information on the Burma-born in their area.
These five LGA areas are home to 38% of all Burma-born migrants and new arrivals to Sydney.
Burma-born by LGA 1996-2001 Census NSW LGA 1996 2001 CHANGE Auburn 254 444 190 growth Blacktown 234 313 79 growth Parramatta 207 243 36 growth Holroyd 46 93 47 growth Baulkham Hills 59 77 18 growth 800 1,170 370 growth
Burma-born by Gender - Census 2001 LGA Male Female Total Auburn 254 190 444 Blacktown 162 151 313 Parramatta 138 105 243 Holroyd 44 49 93 Baulkham Hills 42 35 77 640 530 1,170
Burma-born by Private Dwelling & Tenure Type Dwelling Burma-born % of Total Rented – other landlord 519 43% Dwelling being purchase 334 28% Fully-owned dwelling 273 23% Other tenure 31 3% Rented – Housing Authority 21 2% Tenure not stated 15 1% Rented – landlord not stated 3 - Rented - co-operative housing 3 -
2 Burma-born in Australia by Language Proficiency Language proficiency Persons Percentage Speaks English well 462 37%
Speaks English very well 358 29% Not well 246 20% Speaks English only 111 9% Not at all 39 3% Not stated 18 1% 1,234 100%
Burma-born in Australia by Marital Status Marital Status Persons over 15 Percentage Married 722 65% Never married 296 27% Widowed 37 3% Divorced 36 3% Separated 22 2% 1,113 100%
Source: 2001Demographic Profiles CALD populations in WSAHS
MORE CENSUS DATA
BIRTHPLACE – BURMA
Both parents born overseas 10,621 97% Birthplace not stated 262 2% Both Burmese parents were born in Australia 37 - Mother born in Australia; father born overseas 28 - Father born in Australia; mother born overseas 25 -
In 2001, the overwhelming majority (97%) of Burmese living in Australia have both mother and father who were born in Burma.
The number of Burmese where both the father and the mother are born Australia-born, i.e. they are second-generation Burmese, is very small, totalling 37 out of a total Burmese population of 10,621.
Compiled by Mark Caruana CSS Co-ordinator (Minorities) BHHP MRC
3 Basic Settlement Services BANK ACCOUNT
It is advisable to open an account with a bank, building society or credit union within the first 6 weeks of arrival in Australia. The only document you need for identification purposes is your passport. After six weeks, additional information is needed for opening an account. It is also important to advise the bank or financial institution you choose, of your tax file number, in order to avoid higher rates of taxation on the interest you have earned.
CENTRELINK Centrelink is a government service-delivery agency providing social security assistance and income support payments. The location of offices and the phone numbers of Centrelink can be found in the local White Pages Directory.
Most newly arrived migrants have to live in Australia as a permanent resident for two years before they can get access to social security payments. Refugee and Humanitarian entrants are exempt from the two-year waiting period, as are their partners and dependent children. Along with paying income support payments for a number of government departments, Centrelink also offers a wide range of services such as:
Social work Financial information Rent Deduction Scheme Compensation services Multicultural services Services for people with disabilities and careers Business programs Employment 13 28 50 Pensions 13 23 00
Disability 13 27 17 Families 13 61 50 Interpreter 13 12 02 Youth and Students 13 24 90 Appointments 13 10 21 Website www.centrelink.gov.au 4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION FOR A MULTICULTURAL NSW
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) for a Multicultural NSW replaces the NSW Ethnic Affairs Commission. It recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of residents of NSW and promotes equal rights and responsibilities for all residents in NSW.
CRC of NSW Level 8, 175 -183 Castlereagh St, NSW 2000 Phone (02) 8255 6767 Website www.crc.nsw.gov.au/
DRIVER’S LICENCE
To get a NSW driver’s licence everyone has to do a knowledge test and a road test even if you hold a driver’s licence from your country of origin. If you hold a current driver licence from overseas or an international driving permit, you can drive in Australia for a maximum of 3 months. The driver’s handbook and the knowledge test are available in some community languages. You also need proof of identity, which includes a passport, Medicare Card or bankcard.
Interpreters can be used for the knowledge test but not for the road test. Phone 13 22 13 Website www.rta.nsw.gov.au
ENGLISH CLASSES
Adult Migrant English Program Newly-arrived permanent residents may be eligible for English classes (510 hours) or for Home Tutorial Support. For the course registration, make an appointment for an interview and take your passport with you. If a newly-arrived resident is eligible for English classes but unable to attend formal classes due to illness, childcare responsibilities or shift work, they can also have tuition through the Home Tutor Scheme run by Mission Australia or through the Distance Learning Program run by AMES in NSW.
5 Intensive English Course is a special service for high school and tertiary students who are permanent residents. Students who have minimal or no English language skills can get assistance to develop their English language competence through the Intensive English Language programs. Enquire at the school itself.
Australian Centre for Languages provides a total of 510 hours of English classes for newly arrived migrants and refugees.
Australian College for Languages 157 -161 Gloucester St, The Rocks NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9252 3788
AMEP English Language Colleges Phone 1300 798 111 Website: www.acl.edu.au
Mission Australia Home Tutor Scheme Phone (02) 9635 1543 Website: www.mission.com.au
ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OF NSW The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECC) is a peak ethnic non- government and community based organisation. 221 Cope St, Waterloo NSW 2017 Phone (02) 9319 0288 Fax (02) 9319 4229 Website: www.eccnsw.org.au
FAMILY COURT OF AUSTRALIA The purpose of the Family Court of Australia is to help resolve disputes arising from separations and family breakdowns. Separation is often difficult for all parties involved (especially for children) and the settlement process can sometimes be very traumatic. The Family Court of Australia aims to make the process as fair and as simple as possible. It offers a number of services such as: Mediation Reconciliation Counselling Public education through information session about court procedures.
6 It was found that the great majority of people in these types of situations prefer to resolve their differences by agreement without litigation, i.e. without going to court.
Interpreters can booked for the hearings for the benefit of culturally and linguistically diverse persons.
The Family Court of Australia offers its main information brochure “Marriage, Families and Separations” in 16 languages other than English.
Parramatta Registry Phone (02) 9893 5555 Sydney Registry Phone (02) 9217 7111 Website: www.familycourt.gov.au
FEDERAL COURT The Federal Court may review administrative decisions. The Court is only concerned with the legality of the decision. This means that if it finds that the decision is contrary to the law, it may be set aside and require that the decision-maker reconsider the matter in accordance with the law.
Review under this court is complex and very expensive and should be considered only after obtaining informed legal advice.
Level 17, Law Courts Building Queens Square, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone (02) 9230 8585 Website www.fedcourt.gov.au
IMMIGRATION ADVICE & RIGHTS CENTRE (IARC) IARC is a community legal center specializing in immigration and citizenship law. IARC promotes an accessible and equitable migration system. The Centre is not part of the Department of Immigration or any other government department. All advice is given by registered migration agents or immigration lawyers. The Centre will not discuss your case with anyone unless you give him or her permission to do so. The Centre provides free advice services ( telephone or face-to-face ) throughout various locations around Sydney including at the BHHP MRC on Wednesday nights. For advice over the phone, call 9281 8355 Tuesday and Wednesday between 12.30-2.00 pm. 7 Advice in person is also given. You do not need any appointment, just come to the service, which is most convenient.
IARC Surry Hills Level 4, 414 - 418 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010 Monday nights 6pm - 9pm Tel: (02) 9281 1609 or (02) 9281 8355
IARC Parramatta (Outreach) 15 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150 Tel: (02) 9281 1609 or (02) 9281 8355 Wednesday nights 6pm - 9pm Website: www.iarc.asn.au
INTERPRETING AND TRANSLATING A service provided by the Community Relations Commission (CRC) is Interpreting and Translating in over 80 languages and dialects.
Level 7, Stockland House, 175 -183 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9716 2287 Fax (02) 8255 6758 Face-to-face interpreting services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 1300 651 500 (anywhere in NSW) A variety of translation services is offered for personal documents, qualifications, multilingual pamphlets and booklets, as well as technical and more complex material. The CRC can translate any documents migrant may have. Phone (02) 9716 2222 Website www.crc.nsw.gov.au
LEGAL Australian Law Online Family Law Hotline 1800 050 321 Legal Aid Hotline 1800 101 810 (under 18) Website www.law.gov.au
Legal advice on credit / debt matters Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Phone (02) 9212 4111
8 MEDICARE Medicare is Australia’s public health scheme and covers all Australian citizens and permanent residents for essential medical services and public hospital care.
Medicare provides free treatment for public patients in public hospitals and subsidized or free treatment by private doctors and specialists.
Medicare does not pay for additional services such as dental services, physiotherapy, spectacles, podiatry, chiropractic services or private hospital accommodation. Private health insurance companies offer medical cover for the additional services mentioned above. The cost and type of cover vary widely.
Phone 13 20 11 (9am - 4.30 pm) Website www.medicare.gov.au/
Health Care Card Some eligible Centrelink customers on a low income will automatically receive a Health Care Card as part of their entitlement to a benefit or allowance. This card entitles the holder to a range of concessions and assistance with medical expenses including prescription medication.
New arrivals can receive trauma counseling and support from STARTTS (Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors)
STARTTS Carramar 152-168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar NSW 2163 Phone (02) 9794 1900 Fax (02) 9794 1910 STARTTS Auburn Level 1, 44-50 Auburn Rd, Auburn NSW 2144 Phone (02) 9646 6666 Fax (02) 9646 6610
Website www.startts.org/
9 OVERSEAS SKILLS RECOGNITION
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) undertakes assessment of educational, professional and technical qualifications of permanent residents in Australia whose qualifications were gained overseas. They offer educational assessment to anyone with overseas qualifications, whether they are residents, overseas or temporary residents of Australia.
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
GPO Box 1407, Canberra ACT 2601 Phone 6240 7628 or 1800 020 086 www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/ internet.nsf/services/noosr.htm
Trade Qualification Australia If you have qualifications in the engineering, construction, metalwork, electrical and catering trades, Trades Qualification Australia (TRA) can advise on how to get them recognized in Australia. Website www.workplace.gov.au
REVIEW TRIBUNALS
Migration Review Tribunal The Migration Review Tribunal is an independent statutory body, which reviews certain migration decisions relating to the granting of visas. These include decisions to refuse visas to applicants in Australia or to applicants overseas where there is an Australian sponsor.
The Tribunal can also review certain visa cancellation decisions and decisions to keep people in an immigration detention centre. It may affirm a decision under review, vary a decision or set it aside and refer the matter to the Department of Immigration for reconsideration.
Phone (02) 9290 7222 Fax (02) 9262 5660 Website www.mrt.gov.au/
Refugee Review Tribunal This tribunal reviews decisions made by the Dept of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs about a person/s’ refugee status. 10 These include decisions not to grant, or to cancel, a protection visa. The Tribunal can only provide relief if the applicant is deemed to be a refugee according to the United Nations definition. Phone: (02) 9951 5800 or 1800 814 593 Website: www.rrt.gov.au/
International Social Service- Australia Branch This is a professional social work service for individuals and families with social and legal problems resulting from migration or international movement.
International Social Services provides settlement assistance to immigrants to Australia, especially those lacking community or family support and those who require offshore assistance with settlement issues in Australia. NSW Office Suite 2, Level 7, 189 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9252 7477 Fax (02) 9252 7488 Website: www.vicnet.au/~issaust
TAXATION 13 28 61 Australian Taxation Office Level 7, North Wing, 477 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9246 0760 GPO Box 9879 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone 6121 7593
Website www.ato.gov.au/
TAX FILE NUMBER Everyone who receives any income in Australia needs a Tax File Number. Income includes wages or salary earned from a job, money from investments or government assistance payments.
WELFARE RIGHTS CENTRE For help with legal matters concerning social security contact: Level 5, 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills 2010 Phone (02) 9211 5300 / 1800 226 028 Website www.welfarerights.org.au/about/contact.htm
11
MEDIA
The Many Voices of One Australia Broadcasting National Day Wednesday Time 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
jrefrmbmomjzifh xkwfv$ifhay;aeaom a&'D,dk tpDtpOf Special Broadcasting Service SBS Radio (Burmese Program) 14 Herbert Street Artarmon NSW 2064 Executive Producer Terrell Oung Tel: 61(2) 9430 3024 Fax: 61(2) 9438 1114 E-mail: [email protected] Frequencies Sydney 97.7 fm Canberra 105.5 fm Melbourne 93.1 fm Darwin 100.9 fm Adelaide 106.3 fm Hobart 105.7 fm Brisbane 93.3 fm Newcastle 1413 am
Perth 96.9 fm Wollongong 1485 am jrefrmvlrsdK;pk jrefrmh toH Burmese Community Broadcasting Group Inc: jrefrmbmomjzifh xkwfv$ifhay;aeaom a&'D,dk tpDtpOf Broadcasting Sydney Frequency 98.5 MHz Day Sunday Time 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Add: BCBG (Burmese Program) Suite 2/25 Belmore Street
Burwood NSW 2134 Telephone (02) 9715 5411 Progrm: Admin:Tel/Fax (02) 9861 0711 Website www.bcbgaust.net
ACT rGefbmomjzifh xkwfv$ifhay;aeaom a&'D,dk tpDtpOf “Voice of Mon Radio” 2XX Community Radio Station 19 Bunda Street, Civic, Canberra ACT 2601 Frequency 98.3 MHz Day Friday Time 6:00-6:30pm Broadcasting Australia Capital Territory 12 MEDIA
NSW Sydney Educational Radio (Burmese Program)
jrefrmykdif; tpDtpOf Frequency FM 107.3 Time 6:45am-7:30am Day Sunday Address Sydney Educational Radio (2-SER) 26th Floor, Building 1, P.O.Box 123 UTS, Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 Tel: (02) 9514 9514 Fax: (02) 9514 9599 E-mail [email protected] Website www.2ser.uts.edu.au Producer 1.U Pantra (OD;yefwsm) 2.Panhtwa Myo Sein (yefxGmrsdK;pdef)
v$ifhxkwfpOfwGifvnf; Website udkzGifhjyD; em;qifEdkifygonf We support the Burmese Community
Burmese Library
NSW
avmuewf pm=unfhwdkuf Loka-Nat Library PO Box 405 Sydney Markets NSW 2129 (Collection and keeping Burmese Books) Contact Person U Tin Maung Win Mobile: 0408 291 620
Contact Person: U Aung Thu Mobile: 0410 241 270 E-mail [email protected] G-mail [email protected]
aejcnf pm=unfhwdkuf Burmese Community Welfare Group (BCWG) jrefrmvlrsdK;pk vlrSka&;tzGJ h Dr Thann Naing (Chairperson) Tel: (02) 9887 4156 Mobile: 0412 863 495 E-mail [email protected]
13
RELIGIOUS GROUPS NSW Buddhism qpf'eD jrefrmAk'
y¾dw&mr qpf'eD omoemh&dyfom Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre Inc: 16 Hilwa Street, Villawood NSW 2163 Tradition Theravada (Burmese) Chief Abbot Ven: U Pannathami q&mawmf OD;ynmomrd To promote the practice of Satipatthana Vipassana meditation. Tradition of Mahasi Sayadaw. Non-profit organisation. Ven: U Pannathami teaching meditation globally for over 20 years. Contact Person Mr Sein Win (Secretary) Tel: (02) 9707 9987 Fax: (02) 9707 9560 Mobile 0402 079 529
14 RELIGIOUS GROUPS
Buddhism (In Alphabetical Order) jrefrm Ak' omoe"Z Ak' Tel / Fax (02) 9649 8124 Blue Mountains Insight Meditation Centre 25-Ruthland Road Medlow Bath NSW 2785 Tradition Theravada Buddhism Meditation Mahasi practice r[mpnf enf; Manager Christ Maclachlan & Tara Tel / Fax (02) 4788 1024 E-mail: [email protected] Website www.meditation.asn.au 0dy`\em w&m;pcef; Vipassana Meditation Center PO Box 103 Blackheath NSW 2785 Director Andrew Parry Tel: (02) 4787 7436 Fax: (02) 4787 7221 E-mail [email protected] Website: www.dhamma.org (10-day Vipassana Meditation Courses Held in Blackheath) 15 RELIGIOUS GROUPS NSW (In Alphbetical Order) Buddhism Wat Pa Buddharangsee Lot 112, 39 Junction Rd. Lumeah NSW 2560 Tradition Theravada (Thailand) Spiritual Leader Ven:Chao Khun Samai Tel: (02) 4625 7930 Son-kran Festival (Thailand Monastery) qGrf;awmf=uD;avmif;yGJ ESifh ESpfopf o=uFef yGJ New Year & Water Festival People from Countries of Burma,Campucha, Laos, Sri Lanka,Thailand, Malaysia attend New Year Christianity Burmese Christian Church (Sydney) PO Box 562 Auburn NSW 2144 Tel:/Fax (02) 9807 7043 283 Clyde St. South Granville NSW 2142 < Reverand Shane Lin Yaung Khin Tel: (02) 9636 9363 Mobile 0414 994 880 Burmese Service (Sun: 10:00 am) Karen Baptist Church (Sydney) PO Box 11, Lidcombe NSW 1825 Tel: (02) 9681 5219 Mobile 0402 295 954 Pastor Saw Toke Han Sunday Service 11:45 am to 12:45 pm C.E Program 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Main Service Week Days Program Special Prayer Meeting At Home Every Tuesday 7:00 pm Bible Study At Home Every Friday 7:00 pm Islam The New South Wales Burmese Muslim (Sunni) Association Inc. 51 Cobham Ave, West Ryde NSW 2114 Contact Person Tin Tin Win (Public Relations) A Tel: (02) 9801 4200 Mobile:0410 543 479 E-mail: [email protected] 16 RELIGIOUS GROUPS VIC (In Alphabetical Order) "rRokc omoemh&dyfom (rJvfbkef;jrdK h) Dhamma Sukha Meditation Centre Inc: 69 Glendale Road, Springvale VIC 3171 Tradition Theravada (Burmese) Chief Abbot Ven:U Pandita q&mawmf OD;y¾dw Tel / Fax (03) 9512 5333 Pres: Mr.Soonle Eu (Mobile 0417 576 801) V Pres: Mr.Myo Aye (Mobile 0411 155 551) E-mail: [email protected] urBmat;jrefrmAk' Kabaraye Burmese Buddhist Monastery 21 Rich Street, Noble Park, VIC 3174 Tradition Theravada (Burmese) Chief Abbot Ven:U Arlawka q&mawmfOD;tmavmu Tel/Fax (03) 9548 4525 Mobile 0424 390 240 President John Wu Tel: (03) 9580 3532 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.kabaraye.org y¾dw&mr rJvfbkef; omoemh&dyfom Panditarama Melbourne Meditation Centre Inc: 51 Hope Street, Springvale VIC 3171 Chairwoman Tumar Tel: (03) 9574 1816 WA wdo&% jrefrmbkef;awmf=uD;ausmif; Tisarana Burmese Buddhist Monastery 21 Ashley Close, Forrestfield, Perth WA 6058 Honorary Secretary U Tun Hla OD;xGef;vS Tel: (08) 9478 1481 Fax: (08) 9454 2844 Christianity Good Shepherd Sisters 57 Coralberry Crescent, Dianella WA 6059 Senior Counsellor Sr.Jacinta Unger Tel: (08) 9344 6136 Fax: (08) 9344 8163 < Mobile 0400 129 639 E-mail [email protected] Websitewww.fullnessoflife.org 17 MEDIA (Publications) Magazine Human Village Journal Chief Editor Ye Naing Address 21/20 Coorabin Pl, Riverwood NSW 2210 E-mail [email protected] News Letter Burmese Community Welfare Group 4/161 Herring Road Macquarie Centre North Ryde NSW 2113 Webpage www.zipworld.com.au/-tnaing News Letter Burmese Friendship Association Level 2, Suite 10 33 McMahon Street Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: (02) 9586 4979 Fax: (02) 9568 3938 News Letter (Bulletin) Burma Solidarity Focus Labor Council Building Siite 6, 8th Floor 377-383 Sussex Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Tel/Fax (02) 9264 7694 E-mail [email protected] News Letter Lifetimes of Dhamma (pmapmif) KaBarAye(World Peace) Buddhist Association & Youth Welfare of Victoria, Inc: 21 Rich Street, Noble Park, Vic 3174 pmapmifwm0efcH q&mawmf OD;tmavmu ("rRmp&d,/ u b o/ B.A. ygVd) 18 FAMILY CENTRE Jesus Family Centre PO Box 623 Cabramatta NSW 2166 Elizabeth Philipsz Social worker (Burmese) Tel: (02) 9723 9014 FAx: 9723 2015 E-mail: [email protected] PUBLIC HEALTH THE SHED Men’s Health Information and Resources Centre Family Centre PO Box 86, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 Co-ordinator Sai Thet Naing Oo Tel: (02) 9628 6317 Fax: (02) 9628 6139 Mobile: 0412 996 450 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.menshealth.uws.edu.au Dr. Nyi Win Hman BA Hons,MA,MSc(London) CPsychol,AFBPsS,MAPS Senior Lecturer-Clinic Psychology School of Psychology Director, Psychology Clinic James Cook University Townsville, Qld 4811 Tel: (07) 4781 4150 E-mail: [email protected] 19 Projects for Students NSW Learning Support Program Activities: Educational Assistance for Students (from Year 6 to Post Graduate level) Harris Park Community Centre 11 Albion Street, Harris Park NSW 2150 Office Hour - Saturday (12:00 Noon-3:00pm) Tel: (02) 9635 0157 Fax: (02) 9635 0685 Volunteer Instructors (1) Dr.Chit Swe (2) U Ye Win (3) U Maung Maung Myint The Program is run with the assistance of BHHPMRC / HPCC, AYBL & CDB jrefrmpmoifausmif; Burmese Community Welfare Group jrefrmvlrsdK;pk vlrSKa&;tzGJ h (&dk;&mrysuf ynmquftHh-&dk;&m,Ofaus; ynmay;tHh) Dr. Thann Naing (President & Principal) Tel: (02) 9887 4156 Mobile: 0412 863 495 e-mail: [email protected] VIC Australian Karen Youth Project Level 3/247 Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 3000 Christina Browning (Project worker -volunteer) Htoo Ler (Project worker -volunteer) Tel: (03) 9650 0241 Mobile 0401 937 822 E-mail [email protected] Website www.akyp.org.au 20 Psychiatrist Dr. Raymond Tint Way B.A, M.B.,B.S.(Rgn) MRACMA. M.Med (Sydney) FRANZP (CONSULTANT) Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist Suite 7, 83 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150 Contact Person: Mary Way Practice Manager Tel: (02) 9633 5155 Fax: (02) 9633 5166 E-mail [email protected] Medical Practitioner Dr. Myint Tun M.B.,B.S. (Rgn), MMed PM (Usyd), FRACGP a'gufwmjrifhxGef; General Practitioner MEDICAL SUITES 122 Station Street Wentworthville NSW 2145 Tel: (02) 8868 3800 Fax: (02) 8868 3801 21 Medical Practitioner Villawood Medical Centre 27 Villawood Place Villawood NSW 2163 Dr Thomas Wong Director Dr Rose Wong Tel: (02) 9726 5953 Fax: (02) 9726 8969 Mobile: 0421 300 551 E-mail [email protected] usef;rma&;ta=umif; odaumif;p&mrsm;udk atmufaz:jyyg Website wGif wifay; xm;ygonf/ Website www.mydoctorsurgery.com.au villawoodmedicalcentre Optometrist Designs For Vision - Hurstville 30 Ormonde Pde Hurstville NSW 2220 udkwl;wl; - rav;cif Optical Dispenser/Mechanic * Spectacles * Sunglasses * Contact Lenses * Magnifiers * Eye test arrange on request * Direct health fund claim available Tel: (02) 9580 8022 Fax: (02) 9580 8090 Mobile 0402 304 327 22 Medical Practitioner Dr.Kyaw-Myint Malia a'gufwm ausmfjrifh rmvD,m Family Medicine Practitioner M.B.,B.S.(Rgn:NSW), DPTM, MPH (Syd. Uni) FRACGP (Sydney) Diploma Child Health/ Family Planning (Syd. Uni) 52 Lucretia Road Seven Hills NSW 2147 Consulting Hours Mon – Fri 8:00 am-12:00 Noon 3:00 pm-6:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am-12:30 pm Closed on: Public Holidays Tel: (02) 9896 8966 Fax: (02) 9896 8966 Mobile: 0427 417 620 E-mail [email protected] Languages Spoken: Burmese, Shan, Hindi & Urdu jrefrm bmom/ &Srf;bmom/ [dENL bmom/ tl&'l bmom w&yf&yf udk om ajymESdkifolrsm;uvnf; rdrd bmompum;oHk;I aqG;aEG;Edkifygonf 23 Dental Keep Your Natural Teeth Control The Germs IRRAWADDY DENTAL SURGERY {&m0wD cGJpdwfuk oGm;aq;cef; 1/114 Dunmore Street Wentworthville NSW 2145 Dr.David Lwin (BDS. Dip Dent Tech. C Dent. Radiography) Dental Surgeon a'gufwm0if;vGif Tel/Fax (02) 9769 0088 Mobile: 0402 073 770 Mon-Friday 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-6:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am-2:00 pm Appointment Only (02) 9613 1491 Irrawaddy Provides * Full range of Dental Solutions oGm;a&m*g jy\emrsm; us,fus,fjyef hjyef hajz&Sif; ay;rSk * Preventive, Clean, Polishing * Tooth Whitening * Restorations, Crown & Bridge * Veneers, Denture, * Root Canal Therapy * Oral Surgery * Treatment of Gum problem oifwdk h. pdwfwdkif;us twwfEdkifqHk;oGm;rsm;jzpfatmif aqmif&Gufay;ygrnf 24 Lawyer Philip E Smyth Lawyer & Migration Agent Level 2, Suite 10 33 MacMahon Street Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: (02) 9586 4979 Fax:: (02) 9568 3938 Mobile: 0421 763 561 (Contact Mobile - Ring After Hours) E-mail: [email protected] * Buying and Selling Houses + Business * Criminal law * Traffic Matters * Family Divorce * Employment * Wills * Immigration yxrt=udrftwGuf tcr Jh aqG;aEG;Edkif ygonf Interpreter Tun Interpreter & Tuition Daw Chit Chit Tun a':cspfcspfxGef; pum;jyef ESifh bmomjyef Interpreter and Translator service NAATI Accredited (33529) English Tuition Primary to High School Students Daw Chit Chit Tun Graduate Diploma Adult Education Master of TESOL 24 Tel: (02) 9702 2079 Mobile: 0409 821 273 E-mail [email protected] 25 Export & Import Business Bagan Myanmar Restaurant kyk*H jrefrm pm;aomufqdkif ESifh oGif;ukef-xkwfukefvkyfief; jrefrmh tpm;tpm rsdK;pHk/ jr efrm vufaqmifypPnf; rsdK;pHk/ Video acG ESifh CD rsm; iSm;&rf;Edkifygonf/ Shop 4/41 The Boulevarde Strathfield NSW 2135 Lunch and Dinner (Tuesday to Sunday 11:00am-10:00pm) Closed every Monday Contact Person Victor Lin Telephone/Fax (02) 8746 0666 Mobile 0433 234 722 email [email protected] 26 On Line Business Dine In & Take Away Win’s Thai Kitchen Moonee Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Owner Sa Myint Swe & Nan Khin Win Tel: (02) 6652 8900 Fax: (02) 6651 7626 Mobile 0402 997 596 E-mail [email protected] 27 FINANCE 28 Design & Construction SAW LWIN OO Licensed Builder (Design and Construction) OD;apmvGifOD; taqmuftOD; yHkpH ESifh aqmufvkyfa&;vkyfief; 99 Orchardleigh Street Yennora NSW 2161 Tel / Fax: (02) 9632 7215 Mobile 0412 344 009 Obligation Free Quote All Work Guaranteed New Homes - Building Extensions Alterations & Renovations Electrician ALEXANDER CHITSOE (Alex) OD;cspfpdk; (Licensed electrician) Electricals & Aircondition Installation Repair & Sevicing 6/59 Frances Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Telephone (02) 9643 2963 Mobile 0425 287 822 trfwGif;oHk; ESifh vkyfief;oHk; v#yfppfvk yfief;rsm;/ rD;=udK;topf oG,fwef;jcif;/ rD;yGifh wdk;csJ hwyfqifjcif;/ rdef;cvkyf/ rD;cdk;tcsufay;pepf (Smoke Alarm) wyfqifay;jcif;/ avylavat;pufrsm; wyfqifay;jcif; 29 Ù SUN SHINE STAR Ù qef;&Sdkif; pwm; (,cif jrefrmhyHk&dyf) 2 Vaughan Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Ù ADG'D,dk wdyfacGrsm; Ù Video Tapes Ù pmtkyfrsdK;pHk iSm;&rf;jcif; Ù Fiction Books Burmese Movies VCD & DVD Ù jrefrm&kyf&Sif Zwfvrf;rsm; Ù Ù jrefrmoDcsif; CD "mwfjym;rsm; Ù Burmese Songs CD BN 98227898 Contact Person Jack Chime Mob: 0432 607 582 a':cifat; (Annora Lim) Tel/Fax (02) 9749 2408 Mob: 0432 276 916 Selective Finance Australia A Member of ACA Group (ABN: 58 138 955 968) We help you to pick up the best product from one of the following banks. Commonwealth Bank St.George Bank Homeside Lending Westpac Bank ANZ Bank Bankwest ING Bank AMP Banking Macquarie Bank Citibank Suncorp HSBC * Home Loan and Investment Loans * Residential and Commercial * 100% Home Loan and Low Doc Loan * Car,Truck and Equipment Loan * Personal Loan Contact Person Tony Zhou (J.P.) Lending Manager Tel: (02) 9579 1909 Fax: (02) 9594 4385 Mob: 0402 799 098 Head Office: Level 9, Pitt St. Sydney NSW 2000 Branch Office: 85 Carrington Ave. Hurstville NSW 2220 30 Social and Welfare Groups jrefrmvlrsdK;pk vlrSka&;tzGJ h Burmese Community Welfare Group (BCWG) 7/169 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, North Ryde NSW 2113 Dr.Thann Naing (Chair Person) M.Sc.(Hons),Rgn .Ph.D (Macquarie University) Tel / Fax: (02) 9887 4156 Mobile 0412 863 495 E-mail: [email protected] Website www.zipworld.com.au/-tnaing Regardless of race, religion or political background, provides support to Burmese in areas of welfare, culture, language, health and settlement support to new arrivals and their children. jrefrmhrdwfo[m,toif; Burmese Friendship Association Inc. Level 2, Suite 10 33 McMahon Street Hurstville NSW 2220 President Dr.Kyaw-Myint Malia (02) 9896 8966 Fax: (02) 9896 8966 Secretary Philip E Smyth Tel: (02) 9586 4979 Fax: (02) 9568 3938 (Non profit Social Group) Community Organisations NSW Australia Burma Council (ABC) 5/20 Stanberry Place Quakers Hill NSW Contact Person: Terrell Oung Tel: (02) 9837 7142 Mobile: 0410 510 664 Burma Office Suite 6, Level 8, NSW Labor Council Bldg. 377-383 Sussex Street, Sydney 2000 Director: Dr.Myint Cho Contact Day Thursday & Friday Tel: / Fax (02) 9264 7694 E-mail: [email protected] 31 Community Organisations NSW ABSDF (Australia Branch) 2/65-67, The Avenue Granville NSW 2142 Tel: (02) 9682 6953 Mobile 0413 335 629 E-mail [email protected] Website http://www.geocities.com/absdf_au Australian Karen Organisation Inc. (AKO) (NSW Branch) PO Box 58, Guildford NSW 2161 Chairman Saw Toke Han Tel: (02) 9681 5219 Fax: (02) 9788 7633 Mobile 0402 295 954 Email:[email protected] All Young Burmese League Inc. (AYBL) P O Box 405 Sydney Markets NSW 2129 E-mail: [email protected] Secretary: Kenneth Oo Tel: (02) 9889 019 (Culture and Arts promotions.Social welfare for Refugees and Migrants.) Committee for Democracy in Burma (CDB) Secretary: Maung Maung Myint Tel/Fax (02) 9726 7756 Mobile: 0437 470 464 E-mail [email protected] G-mail [email protected] Sydney Rakhine Culture & Welfare Association Contact Person: Ko Ko Zaw (Information & communication) Tel: (02) 9631 8625 E-mail [email protected] Website www.sydneyrakhine.org Community Support Including IT related service 32 Community Organisations NSW Burmese Social Support Organisation Inc: (BSSO) PO Box 1090, Merrylands NSW 2160 Public Officer Naing Aung Tel/Fax (02) 9682 3959 Mobile 0413 341 725 E-mail [email protected] Cooperating with other organisations in Community (To Sponsor Burmese Refugee. To support Children Community School and Public Library) Karen Culture Group 131 Woodville Rd. Chester Hill NSW 2162 Saw Ta Kaw Wah (Chair Person) Tel:Fax (02) 8720 2342 Mahn Kyaw San Tel: (02) 9487 1002 The KCG aims to preserve,expose and promote Karen culture to the wider Australian Society;to establish unity among ethnic groups to accomplish democracy and humanrights for Karen people. EDUCATION CONSULTING NSW Education (Consulting) Maisie Warburton Educational consultant Sydney, NSW Mobile: 0407 784 843 E-mail [email protected] Joy Unger (Teacher) Winmalee High School High School Drive Winmalee NSW 2777 Tel: (02) 4754 2822 Fax: (02) 4754 3280 E-mail [email protected] 33 Community Organisations ACT Aus Mon Association Inc. GPO Box 1274 Canberra City ACT 2601 Secretary: Hongsor Channaibanya Tel: 6255 5437 Fax: 6242 7604 Mobile: 0404 330 924 NT Australia Burma Friendship Association (ABFA) PO Box 40243 Casuarina Darwin NT 0810 President: Dr.Paul Webb Tel/Fax (08) 8927 6084 E-mail: [email protected] Sports and Entertainment NSW GOLF Thiha Social Golf Club (Australia) Secretary: William Lal Mobile: 0405 765 583 Contact Person Fred Yee Mobile: 0411 097 149 CANE BALL qpf'eDjrefrmh jcif;vHk;tzGJ h Sydney Burmese Chinlone Association (SBCA) 3/23 The Crescent Berala NSW 2141 President Danny Bwin Mobile: 0414 850 644 Technical Adviser Dr.Myint Cho (Karen State selected-National “Chinlone” Tournament in Burma) Tel: (02) 9646 1211 Mobile: 0402 135 767 E-mail: [email protected] 34 Community Directory People From Burma/Myanmar in New Zealand 2006 Reprint RELIGIOUS NEW ZEALAND Buddhism ZrŠLat; Ak' Auckland, New Zealand Traditional Theravada (Burmese) Chief Abbot Ven. Ashin Obhasa t&Sif OD;=obmo Phone/Fax (64 9) 521 051 Christianity Burmese Christian Fellowship 2 Taurus Crescent, Beach Haven 1310 Auckland, NZ Naw Hsar Htoo (aemfqmxl;) Co-ordinator < Phone/Fax (64 9) 482 3010 E-mail [email protected] MEDIA Publication Newsletter Burmese New Zealand Friendship Association Editors: Dr. Koung Nyunt U Aye Zaw Peacock Library (B.NZ.F.A.T.) cGyfa'gif; pm=u!hfwdkuf 7B Concord Place, Glen Innes 1006 Auckland, NZ Librarian Myint Thu Han (OD;jrifhol[ef) Phone (64 9) 578 2938 Mobile 6421 1702775 E-mail [email protected] 36 Education and Training NZ Burmese Buddhist School jrefrm Ak' Peacock-Burmese Language School (BNZ. F.A.T) cGyfa'gif; jrefrmpmoifausmif; 3 Marino Place, Glen Innes 1006 Auckland, NZ Co-ordinator San San Oo (a':pef;pef;OD;) Tel: (64 9) 528 3025 E-mail [email protected] Social and Welfare Groups The Burmese-New Zealand Friendship Association Trust Inc. 105 Concord Rd, Mangere Bridge 1710 Auckland, NZ President Dr. Koung Nyunt Tel / Fax (649) 636 5835 E-mail [email protected] (Friendship and Social Activities) New Zealand Karen Association (NZKA) 2 Taurus Crescent, Beach Haven 1310 Auckland, NZ Contact: Nie Ni (EdkifeD) Tel: (649) 482 3010 37 BURMA/MYANMAR Geography Burma, referred to as Myanmar since 1989, is situated in south-east Asia between the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal with a coastline of 1,930 kms. The whole land area covers 676,577 sq kms. Burma has boundaries with neighbouring countries: to the west with Bangladesh (271 kms), northeast with China (2,204 kms) south east with Thailand (2,107 kms), northwest with India (1,338 kms) and east with Laos (238 kms) making a total border length of 6158 kms. 38 The country lies between the north latitude 28’ 31” and 9’ 32” and east longitude 92’ 10” and 101’ 11”. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the country just above Mogok in the Mandalay Division. Capital city Rangoon (Yangon) is situated on the crossing of east longitude 96’ 13” and north latitude 16’ 45”. Standard Time The east longitude 97’ 30” is Burma Standard Mean Time, which is 6 hours 30 minutes earlier than Greenwich Mean Time. Mountains Burma is enclosed within the western mountains range (Patkai, Naga, Chin Hills and the Arakan-Yoma mountain ranges). The eastern mountain system extends from Kachin State through the Shan and Karenni Plateau. In the lower part of the central region is Pegu (Bago) Yoma. Hkakabo Razi is the highest (cgumbdk&mZD) mountain in South-East Asia,(5,889 metres high) and lies on the border of Burma and the Tibet region of China. Rivers The Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) is navigable all the year round for at least 1500 kms. Chindwin is navigable for 792 kms and Salween (Thanlwin) is hard to navigate and has tributaries between its source in the Himalayas and its exit to the Andaman Sea at Moulmein. The Sittang river is a relatively short stream, which exits to the Andaman Sea near Kyaikto. The mountains and barriers have created Irrawaddy’s flat land and the Chindwin and Sittang river valleys making up most of the country’s agricultural land and population. Climate The location and topography generate a diversity of climate conditions. Seasonal changes in the direction of the monsoon wind create summer, rainy and winter seasons. Extremes of temperature are rare in Burma. Fauna & Flora Burma has a rich diversity of habitats. The unusual ecological diversity has roughly 300 species of mammals, 300 species of reptiles, with an estimated 1000 resident migrating birds of 100 bird species and also over 25,000 flowering plants in 7000 species flora. Burma holds 75% of the world’s reserves known as” Teak” “Tectona grandis” (“Kyun” in Burmese) which is a dense, hardy timber, highly resistant to salt water and in great demand by the west. The most popular mammal species in the western world is the “Burmese Cat” which is clever and easy to train, more so than other types of cats in the world. 39 Burma is also well known for its minerals and gemstones such as “Ruby” which is of the best quality and colour. “Jade” is of two types: nephrite and jadeite . Burma produce the best jadite. Primate origin Geological evidence has found primate teeth and bits of jaw “Bahinia Pondaungensis”, which are 40-33 million years old, and probably the ancestors of modern apes, monkeys and humans. A team of researchers from France, Japan and Burma suggest these primates may have originated in Asia (Burma) not in Africa. The remains of excavations from Bahin Village, Budalin Township (Sagaing Division) suggest that the most ancient primate existed 10 million years earlier than the ancient primates of Egypt. HISTORY Early human settlement found in the valleys of the central plain of Upper Burma classify the people who lived in Burma as evacuees of the Pleistocene age. A continuous culture sequence of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic “Anyathian culture” existed 50,000 -10,000 years BP (Before Present) and in the Shan State, Palaeolithic and Proto-Neolithic cave-dwelling settlements are also found. Although cultural giants such as India and China and India have influenced Burma, over the centuries, it has in time assimilated them to produce a unique Burmese culture. Buddhism, which originated in India shows no traces of Indian physical features. An old tribe called Nancho acted as a buffer against Chinese power to the north and allowed the infant Burmese Kingdom to grow and to learn much from Pyu and Mon about 1300-1000 years B P. The first Kingdom State founded by King Anawratha and his successors emerged in AD 1044 to AD 1369, and are referred to as the Pagan (Bagan) Dynasty. The second Kingdom State of unity was established by Bayin Naung AD 1551-1581 and the third Kingdom State was founded by Alaung Phayar and his successors (Konbon Dynasty) in AD 1752- 1825. In 1826 King Bagyidaw (5th successor of Konbon Dynasty) engaged in conflict during the 1st Anglo-Burmese War and lost the part of Konbon Empire. Throughout its 2,500 year history, Burma has only city states; but it managed to achieve unity four times. The last unified state came into existance after Independence. 40 Colony and Freedom After three Anglo-Burmese wars with the British in 1826, 1852 and 1886, Burma lost its sovereignty and fell under the yoke of the British Empire. From 1942-1945, the Japanese occupied the country. However the struggle for freedom was continuous and only after the Second World War did Burma gain Independence from Britain on 4th January 1948. Population The population stood at 53.22 million (2003) The population growth rate is 2.0% made up of Burmese 68%, Chin 2%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Karen 7%, Kaya 0.05%, Mon 2%, Rakhine 3%, Shan 9% and Others 5%. (Ref: CIA The World Factbook.) Dialect and Script The Burmese, Karen, Mon, Rakhine and Shan have their own dialect and their own script which look similar to the Burmese script (which is derived from Sanskrit, Brahmi, Pyu and Mon). The system of writing is constructed with consonants, consonant clusters and consonant combination symbols using semi-circles or circle forms. The Chin and Kachin have their own dialects but the writings are based on the Roman script. Ethnic Groups Burma is composed of 135 ethnic groups (Burmese Socialist Program Party Survey) with their own dialect, beliefs and customs. Development Human Development Index (HDI) rates as 0.551 on a scale of 10. In 1970-1980 Burma’s development status placed it among the world’s 10 poorest countries. Human Development Index Burma ranks 131 on the UNDP’s 2003 Human Development Index, out of 175 countries in terms of quality of life. GDP 2004 10.4 billion US dollars GDP per capita 2004 206 $US dollars (US$) Real GDP growth (% changeYOY) 2004 - 0.9 Current account balance 2004 - 237 million US dollars Inflation (% change YOY) 2004 25.5% Unemployment rate (%) 2004 4.7% Burma‘s Export destination 2003 Australia 0.4% (Rank 25) Burma’s Import sources 2003 Australia 0.2% (Rank 19) (Ref: Compiled by Market Information and Analysis Section DFAT. 41 State There are seven States in Burma (marked clockwise in numbers) 1 Kachin, 2 Shan, 4 Kayah, 5 Karen, 7 Mon, 11 Rakhine, 13 Chin. The ethnic groups are mainly concentrated in their own states. Divisions There are seven Divisions (numerically marked clockwise) 3 Mandalay, 6 Tenasserim 8 Rangoon, 9 Irrawaddy, 10 Pegu, 12 Magwe, 14 Sagaing Ethnic Map of Burma / Myanmar 1 14 2 13 12 3 4 11 10 4 5 9 6 7 8 42 Burma versus Myanmar The following table includes names before and after 1989. Objects Old Name New Name Burmese Script Official Name The Union of the - jynfaxmifpk (1948-1973) Republic of Burma jrefrmEdkifiHawmf Official Name The Socialist Union of jynfaxmifpk (1974-1988) Republic of Union Myanmar of Burma jrefrmEdkifiHawmf Country Burma Myanmar jrefrmEdkifiH People Burmese Myanmar jrefrmvlrsdK; State Arakan Rakhine &cdkif Division Tenasserim Taninthayi weoFm&D Capital(2005) Rangoon Yangon &efukef Capital(2006) Pyinmana Naypyidaw aejynfawmf Town Akyab Sittwe ppfawG Amherst Kyaikkami usdKuQrD Ava Inwa tif;0 Bassein Pathein ykodrf Martaban Mottama rkwWr Maymyo Pyin Oo Lwin jyifOD;vGif Mergui Myeik(a) Beik jrdwf (bdwf) Moulmein Mawlamyaing armfvjrdKif Myohaung Mrauk U ajrmufOD; Pagan Bagan yk*H Pegu Pago yJcl; Prome Pyay jynf Sandoway Thandwe oHwGJ Syriam Thanlyin oHvsif Tavoy Dawei xm;0,f Rivers Irrawaddy Ayeyawaddy {&m0wD Sittang Sittoung ppfawmif; Salween Thanlwin oHvGif Sea (Gulf) Martaban Mottama rkwWr 43 Burmese Title MALE U (pronounced as Oo), Ko and Maung (Mg in short form) are same as Mister (Mr.) of different grades according to rank and age. U Aung San when addressed formally or by a subordinate. Ko Aung San when addressed by friends or person of the same age. Maung Aung San when addressed by parents or an elderly person. FEMALE Daw and Ma perform the same function for addressing women which are same as Mrs, Miss, Ms. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when addressed formally or by her subordinates. Ma Aung San Suu Kyi, when addressed by her friends or same age. Bo normally means military officer which also used in civilian life as supreme. Bo Aung San, Bo Hmu Aung. During the colonial period, Bo referred to white westerners. The Guest House is also referred to as Bo de’. (Adkvf wJ) Thakin is a title used by nationalist who started using in 1930’s: It means master. Thakin Ko Daw Hmine, Thakin Nu Saya The term saya is used when addressing your teacher or boss. Burmese Name Traditionally Burmese do not have to carry on their family name or surname. The majority of Burmese are named shortly after birth at a naming ceremony and the name can be based on astrology or supernatural knowledge. Perhaps a monk or spiritual medium will select the name. A Burmese can change his name as often as he likes. If he feels he can bring success to a new enterprise or change his fortune by doing so, he will change his name. Day Numerical Burmese English Value Script (Not in Phonetic Symbol) Sunday 1 t { =o Ah, Aye, Aw Monday 2 u c * C i Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha, Nga Tuesday 3 p q Z ps n Sa, Tsa, Za, Zha, Nya Wednesday 4 Ya, Ra, La, Wa , & v 0 Thursday 5 y z A b r Pa, Pha, Ba, Bha, Ma Friday 6 o [ Tha, Ha Saturday 7 w x ' " e Ta, Hta, Da, Dha, Na Example U Aye Cho, Ko Aw Ba, Maung Aung Min indicate Sunday born. Daw Khin May, Daw Nyein, Ma Kay Thi indicate Monday born. 44 Genealogy Even though the family names not preserved, Burmese have a system of referring to (7 Ancestors & 7 Generations) makes14. Ancestor 7 G-G–G-G-Grand Pa/Ma abm Baw Ancestor 6 G–G-G-Grand Pa/Ma Baun abmif Ancestor 5 G-G-G-Grand Pa/Ma bif Bin Ancestor 4 G –G-Grand Pa/Ma bD Be Ancestor 3 Great Grand Pa/Ma ab; Bay Ancestor 2 Grand Pa/Ma bdk;-bGm; Boe Ancestor 1 Father/Mother Ba tab-tar YOU oif (usm;-r) Generation 1 Son-Daughter om;-orD; Tha Generation 2 Grand Son-Daughter ajr; Mye Generation 3 Great Grand Son/D jrpf Myit Generation 4 G-G-Grand Son/D wD Ti Generation 5 G-G-G-Grand Son/D Tut wGwf Generation 6 G-G-G-G-Grand Son/D u|wf Kyut Generation 7 G-G-G-G-G--Grand Son/D quf Set (Ref: Burmese Encyclopedia and Myanmar to Myanmar Dictionary) Titles (Family Circle) Within the family circle there are different titles used in Burmese daily life. Wives often address their husbands as “Eing Ga Lu” tdrfuvl/ or “Ein Thar” tdrfom;/ meaning “Good man of the house”. Uncle & Aunt English Relation Burmese Uncle Elder than Father Ba Gyi b=uD; Uncle Younger than Father Ba Dwe ba'G; (baxG;) Uncle Elder than Mother U Gyi OD;=uD; Uncle Younger than Mother U Lay OD;av; Aunty Elder than Father Dwe Gyi a'G;=uD; (axG;=uD;) Aunty Younger than Father Dwe Lay a'G;av; (axG;av;) Aunty Elder than Mother Daw Gyi a':=uD; Kyee Kyee =uD;;=uD; Aunty Younger than Mother Daw Lay a':av; 45 Siblings English Relation Burmese (Male use) Brother Elder than you Ah Ko tudk (tpfudk) (Male use) Brother Younger than you Nyi lay* nDav; (Female use) Brother Elder than you Ah Ko tudk (tpfudk) (Female use) Brother Younger than you Maung lay* armifav; (Male use) Sister Elder than you Ah Ma tr (tpfr) (Male use) Sister Younger than you Hha Ma* ESr (Female use) Sister Elder than you Ah Ma tr (tpfr) (Female use) Sister Younger than you Nyi Ma** nDr Manner and behaviour Burmese are simple and cheerful in nature but can become emotional when upset or stressed. A Burmese is known to make a clicking sound with the tongue when upset. (awmufacgufoH) Some Burmese find it hard to keep an appointment on exact time. Dress Males and females both use the sarongs but they are different in design. For the men it is called a pasoe (ykqdk;) and for the women it is called the htamain. (xrD) Usually female wear different pattern to pattern with a black band at the top. Don’t Slapping or touching someone on the head is an insult to a Burmese. Pointing at any body or anything with one’s feet is considered very impolite. Foot Wear Footwear and socks must be taken off at the entrance of pagodas, monasteries or places of Buddhist worship or places of Nat shrines (Spiritual dwellings). It is deemed respectful to take off one’s footwear when entering a home or house of the Burmese people. 46 Religion The majority of the people of Burma(89%) practise Theravada Buddhism. The other religions are Christianity 5%, Islam 5.0%, Hinduism 0.5% and others 1.3%. In Burma, there is freedom of religion. Monks Theravada Buddhism is strict especially for the monks who are not allowed to shake hands, embrace, hug or body touch with a person of the opposite sex or of the same sex. When a boy reaches his teens or earlier, a boy can become a novice during his leisure time. Custom & Tradition Buddha, his teaching (literature) and monks are highly respected as the 3 Gems / 3-Ratana. (&wem oHk;yg;)/ Buddhist monks have a very strong influence on the people who rarely argue with them. Teachers and parents are also important in Burmese culture almost at the level as 3 Gems. Buddhism teaches a non-violence towards all creatures and tolerance towards all religions. Burmese people are often quite forgiving in their attitude towards others and generally prefer a non- violent change. 31 Planes of Existence (31-bHk) According to Theravada Buddhism, there are 31 planes of existence. 20 planes of Brahmans (Higher spiritual beings) jA[RmbHk 20 6 planes of Nats or Devas (Lower spiritual beings) ewfbHk 6 Human existence * vl hbHk 1 4 planes of lower beings tyg,fbHk 4 47 37 Nats (or Spirits) 37 Nats (or spirits) remain an important dimension of some Burmese life. Nat pwe (spirits festival) are held everywhere with traditional musical performances to attract the audience. The most famous festivals are Taungbyone & Yadana-gu near Mandalay. Mythical animals In Burmese culture, the use of mythical figures or creatures with both animal and human forms are seen everywhere such as pagodas, monasteries, in dances, on musical instruments, in operas and on some ethnic flags. They are: 1 Galon/Garuda (*VKef) A combination of the human body with bird legs. 2 Naga (e*g;)Dragon without leg, a snake with a crest of hair on head. 3 Manotethiha (rEk\D[) Half human, half lion (like Sphinx of Egypt) 4 Kinnari /Kein naji (udEM&D) for male and Kinnaya (udEM&m) is for female in human head and torso with bird legs. 5 Toenaya (wdk;e,m;) Fabulous creature inhabit in Himalayan regions. 6 Pyinsayupa (y^P&ly) 5 different animals combined. 7 Hintha ([oFm) A type of duck with head and torso. 8 Magan Sea serpent with torso. (ruef;) 9 Balu (bDvl;) Ogre with torso head and human body. Official Language The official language is Burmese and 80% of the population can speak Burmese. From primary to middle school, many of the subjects are taught in Burmese. After1985, high school students are taught Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics in English. Literacy The overall literacy rate is 84.5% but 27% of the general population complete primary school. Approximately 1500 Buddhist monasteries around the country offer free primary education, which keeps the literacy rate down in Burma. National Holidays 4th January Independence Day th 12 February Union Day 2nd March Peasant’s Day th 27 March Revolutionary Day 1st May Worker’s Day 19th July Martyr’s Day 3rd December National Day 48 Religious Holidays 13th to 17th April Thin Gyan & New Year May Kason Festival (Visac Day) July Full Moon of Warso October Abhidamma Day (On Announcement) Hindu Devapali (On Announcement) Muslim Id Numerical Counting Burmese have a 1-8 digit counting name system based on the Indian culture. To go over eight, add ten, hundred, thousand, like the English system. Counting Unit English Burmese (Not in Phonetic) 1 One ck (Khu) 10 Ten q,f (Sai’) 100 Hundred &m (Yar) 1,000 Thousand axmif (Htaung) 10,000 Ten+Thousand* aomif; (Thaung) 100,000 Hundred+Thousand* (Thane) odef; 1,000,000 Million oef; (Than) 10,000,000 Ten+Million* ukaË (Kaday) 100,000,000 Hundred+Million* q,fukaË* (Sai’ kaday) 1,000,000,000 Billion ukaËwpf&m* (Kaday taya) 1,000,000,000,000 Trillion ukaËwpfodef;*(Kaday tathein) Past & Future English Burmese Burmese Script (Not shown phonetically) - Phein nwe kha zdef;E$J cg Day after tomorrow Tha bet kha ozuf cg Tomorrow Manet phan kha reufjzef cg Today De’ nai’ (Ya nai’) 'Dae h (,ae h) Yesterday Ma nai’ ka rae hu Day before yesterday Ta myan nai’ ka wjrefae hu 49 Marriage Marriage ties are social more than religious. The Buddhist religion, the predominant religion in Burma, lends its powerful voice to the social regulation of marriage. Public living together as husband and wife can constitute a valid marriage. In traditional Burmese society, common law marriage was the only form of marriage available. Burmese do not carry on their family name and women do not need to give up their name after marriage. They can maintain and keep their maiden name throughout their life if they so desire. Taste In Burmese, there is an additional non-western 6th taste classification, which is known as astringent taste. (tzef) Superstitions The following are some examples of Burmese superstitions: Don’t eat food and drinks discarded after offerings to Buddha or Pagoda. You will lose your will power. Don’t go underneath a staircase. You will lose your will power. Don’t go under a pole or rope where women hang-dry their htamain (xrD) (skirt). You will lose your will power. Don’t leave a shoe or a slipper (thong) upside down. It will bring bad luck. Don’t wash your hair within a week after a funeral in the neighbourhood. It will bring bad luck. Carry some hairs of elephant tail. It will avoid evil. 50 NATIONAL ANTHEM EdkifiHawmf oDcsif; ajcqif; w&m;r#w vGyfvyfcsif;eJ hraoG wdk hjynf- wdk hajr rsm;vlcyfodrf; jidrf;csrf;apzdk h cGifhwl nDr# 0g' jzLpifwJhjynf 'dk hjynf 'dk hajr jynfaxmifpktarG tjrJwnfwef hap t"dXmef jyKay xdef;odrf;pdk hav 51 NATIONAL FLAG (1948-1974) The Flag is designed to perpetuate the emergence of the Union of the Republic of Burma out of the Anti-Fascist resistance movement. The flag has a red background with a canton of dark blue. In the canton is a five-pointed white star surrounded by five smaller white stars between the points. The large star symbolises the union of Burma and the small five stars represent the Kachins, Kayahs, Karens, Chins and Shans who built the Republic on the foundations laid by the resistance movement. Standard and proportionate measurements for the flag are 9 feet in length and 5 feet in width, with the canton 4 feet by 2½ feet. Diametrical measurement for the large and small stars is 1½ feet and 9 inches respectively. The stars indicate progress. The white colour signifies purity, truth and steadfastness; the dark blue denotes the goal of peace while red indicates courage, determination and unity. STATE SEAL (1948-1974) This State Seal using 1948 (After Independence) has ancient significance as well as a symbolic significance directly applicable to the present national aspiration. The motto “Thamagganam Tapo Thukho” in Pali which means-happy is a disciplined life in harmony. Three heraldic lions of classical Burmese design guarding the country of Burma. The Union of the Republic of Burma is inscribed in the scrollwork in the base. 52 Burma/Myanmar NATIONAL FLAG (Since 1974) The current National Flag is rectangular in shape measuring 9’x5’. The colour is predominantly red. The upper left hand is a dark blue rectangular on which is the picture of a round white disk with 14 cogs (pinion) and 14 white five points stars near the tip of each cog. On the white disk are two ears of paddy with 34 grains. Red is for courage, white for purity and blue for peace. STATE SEAL (1974–1988) The centrepiece is a map of Myanmar on a disk with 34 cogs (pinions) encircled by two ears of paddy. Outside this circle and beneath on the right and left are two classical Burmese design called chinthe (lion) facing outward. Beneath the circle and between the two chinthes are the words “The Socialist Republic of Union of Burma” is inscribes in the scrollwork in the base. On the top centre is a five- point star. 53 STATE SEAL (Since 1989) A new state seal in 1989 made little changes to the 1974-1988 state seal. The centerpiece is a map of Myanmar on a disk with 34 cogs (pinions) encircled by two ears of paddy. Outside this circle on the bottom right and left are two classical Burmese designs called chinthe (lion) facing outward. The words on the scrollwork state the “ Union of Myanmar” instead of the “Socialist Republic of Union of Burma”. Engraved at the sides of the star and the centerpiece are classical Burmese designs, convoluted lotus stem and buds. BURMESE EMBASSIES ABROAD Australia Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 22 Arkana Street, Yarralumla Canberra, ACT 2600 Phone: (95 1) 6273 3811 Fax: (95 1) 6273 4357 China Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 6 Dong Zhi Men Wai Street Chaoyang District Beijing 100600 Phone: (86 10) 6532 1584/6 India Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 3/50F Nyaya Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021 Phone: (91 11) 688 9007/8 54 BURMESE EMBASSIES ABROAD Indonesia Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 109 Jalan Haji Augus Salim Jakata Pusat Phone: (62 21) 327 684 (or) (62 21) 314 040 Japan Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 8-26 , 4-chome, Kita-Shinagawa Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0001 Phone: (81 3) 3441 9291 Malaysia Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 10 Jalan Mengkuang 55000 Kuala Lumpur Phone: (60 3) 456 0380 Singapore Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 15 St Martin’s Dr Singapore 257996 Phone: (65) 6735 0209 Thailand Embassy of The Union of Myanmar 132 Thanon Sathon Neua Bangkok 10500 Phone: (66 2) 337 250 55 AUSTRALIAN EMBASSIES ABROAD Burma / Myanmar Australian Embassy 88 Strand Road Rangoon, Burma Telephone (95 1) 251 810 or (95 1) 251 809 Fax 95 1 246 159 Website Australian Embassy in Burma website Time (Eastern Australia) -3.5(CBR winter), -4.5(CBR summer) Indonesia Australian Embassy Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16 Jakarta Selatan 12940 Indonesia Phone (62 21) 2550 5555 Fax (62 21) 522 7101, 2550 5467 E-mail General enquiries: [email protected] Website Australian Embassy in Indonesia website Japan Australian Embassy 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-Ku Tokyo 108-8361, Japan Phone (81 3) 5232 4111 Fax (81 3) 5232 4149 Website Australian Embassy in Japan website Korea Australian Embassy 11th Fl, Kyobo Building 1 Jongro-1-Ga, Jongro-Gu Seoul 110-714 KPO Box 562 Seoul 110-605, Korea Phone (82 2) 2003 0100 Fax: (82 2) 735 6601 Website Australian Embassy in Korea (Republic of) website 56 AUSTRALIAN EMBASSIES ABROAD Malaysia Australian High Commission 6, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng Kuala Lumpur 50450 Malaysia Phone (60 3) 2146 5555 Fax (60 3) 2141 4323 E-mail General enquiries: [email protected] Website Australian High Commission in Malaysia website Singapore Australian High Commission 25 Napier Road Singapore 258507 PO Box 470, Tanglin Singapore 912416 Phone (65) 6836 4100 Fax (65) 6737 5481 E-mail General enquiries: [email protected] Website Australian High Commission in Singapore website Thailand Australian Embassy 37 South Sathorn Road Bangkok 10120 Thailand Phone (66 2) 287 2680 Fax (66 2) 287 2029 E-mail [email protected] Website Australian Embassy in Thailand website Time (Eastern Australia) -3 (CBR winter) -4 (CBR summer) 57 WEBSITES FOR BURMA UN Website UNDCP www..undcp.org/index.html UN HUMAN RIGHTS www.unhchr.ch/HCHR UN.HTM UNHCR www.unhcr.ch/ UNICEF www.unicef.org/ ILO www.ilo.org/ IMF www.imf.org/external/ ADB www.asiandevbank.org/index.html WORLD BANK www.worldbank.org/ Audio News Program VOA (Burmese) www.voa.gov/burmese/ BBC (Burmese) www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/burmese/ RFA (Burmese) www.fra.org/burmese.html DVB www.dvb.no Myanmar Radio radio.burmeseonline.org:443/ http//www.khitpyaing.org Burmese Songs www.myanmarmp3.net Burma Video http://sunsite.unc.edu/freeburma/inanaloginfo.html BurmaNet http://www.burma.net 58 WEBSITES FOR BURMA ONE WORLD HOMEPAGE http://www.oneworld.org/partnerslist/index.html BURMA LIBRARY http://www.burmalibrary.org US Website US State Dept http://www.state.gov/ USIA http://www.usia.gov/regional/ea/burma/html US CONGRESS http://www.clark.net/pub/burmaus/ Australia Website Australian Government International News on Burma http://www.geocities.com/Capitolhill/4474 Australia Radio SBS (Burmese Program) http://www BCBG (Burmese Program) http://www.bcbgaust.net Burma Project Open Society Institute’s Burma Project Home page http://www.soros.org/burma/html ACADEMIC University of Austin, Texas http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/myanmar/ LEIDEN University Burma Virtual Library http://lias.leidenuniv.n/www/southeas/burma.html SOAS Burmese Language and Literature http://www.soas.ac.uk/SouthEastAsia/Burmese.html Northern Illinois University http://www.niu.edu/acad/burma/ 59 WEBSITES FOR BURMA Ethnic & Religious Groups Mon Language and Mon People http://www.centrain.net/honsawatoi.Monland.html Shan Resources and Information http://www.netcom.com/~burma/tai/shan.html Kanbawsa http://www.iware.com/~khai/kanbawsa Rakhine Album http://photos.yahoo.com/blessing-flowers Burmese website www.ayinepan.com www.shwenet.com Myanmar Website Myanmar Mission http://www3.itu/MISSIONS/Myanmar/ Asean Secretariat http://www.aseansec.org/ General Information Conflicts Contemporians http;//www.cfcsc.dnd.cal/links/wars/burmaf.html Map of Burma http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/cds/countries/country /mapsburma.gif Golden Land of Burma http://www.myanmar.com Bangkoknet Burma Pages http://www.bangkoknet.com/indochna/buma.html Dr Cynthia’s Homepage http://weber.u.washinton.edu/~kwangett/burma/ Burmese Refugee Project http://www.sou.uni.j.si/mp/slomsic/burma.html 60