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ConnectionTHROUGH CULTURE 2021 MULTICULTURAL

Know my culture, hear my story ABORIGINAL / ITALIAN

My name is Faustina Ludovici. I am bicultural. My mother is a Kamilaroi Elder and one of the Stolen Generation. My late father was Italian. I’m originally from Griffith, NSW and now live on the Gold Coast. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, health and wellbeing is not just physical, it is holistic and spiritual. It means closeness to family and country. There are great similarities in the cultural values of both my cultures, particularly when it comes to the importance of family. I treasure my heritage. Culture & End of Life As our Elders reach their golden , it is important to listen to their needs and wants, be particularly close to them and help them through obstacles they face with health, loneliness and their independence. Love them unconditionally and support them with great love, respect and gratitude for all they have sacrificed. I will forever remember what each Elder has taught me with their love, words of wisdom and advice on how to live life. They are my heroes and I keep them alive in my heart, mind and life each day by living by the principles they have taught me. I am grateful! Culture & Routines I don’t have a set routine, but to me, it is important to pray and meditate, get Inspired Idea... outside in nature daily and to make contact with family. I am an artist and most Questions offer an insight days I paint - my art reflects my culture and my faith. into a person’s values. Eg. “What is important to you?” “What makes you feel inspired?”

Interviewee: Faustina Ludovici Interviewer and photos: Annalise Webb Additional photos provided by interviewee 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday New ’s Day 2020 2021 (ALL STATES ) 31 (Taiwan) 1 Berchtold’s Day (International) 2 Triumph of the () Winter (Bhutan) Day of the Independent Czech (Cuba) State () (Haiti, Sudan) Incwala Day (Eswatini) Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Ancestry Day (Haiti) Republic () Mannam Jayanthi Birth Anniversary Mary, Mother of God (Catholic) Feast Day of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian) () World Day of Peace (Roman ) Takai Commission (Niue) Me-Dam-Me-Phi (India) Shogatsu / Gantan-sai (Shinto) Day (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

LAST QUARTER 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 La () (Ghana) World Braille Day (Worldwide) Iraqi Army Day (Iraq) Day of the Martyrs (DR Congo) Eve (Armenia) Devonport Cup (TAS, ) (Christian Practice) (Dominican (Christian) Bridge Day (’s Holiday) () Republic) Guru Gobind Singh Birthday (Sikh) Feast of the Epiphany (Orthodox Christian) Jinjitsu Feast of Seven Herbs () Barahimizong (India) Tucindan (Serbia, Montenegro) Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian) Martyr’s Day (Panama) (Burkina Faso) Independence Day () Bridge Day (New Year’s Holiday) (Russia) (Christian) Victory over Genocide Day () Yinekokratia, feast of all women () Republic Day (Srpska)

NEW MOON 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Traditional Day of Offering (Bhutan) New Year’s Day (Christian Orthodox) Democracy Day (Cape Verde) Day of Defenders () Missionary Day (India) () Bhogi (India) () Coming of Age Day (Japan) of the (Christian) (Sikh) Maghe () Majority Rule Day (Bahamas) Proclamation of Independence () Birthday of Swami Vivekanada (India) Kayin New Year Day (Myanmar) Birthday of the Sultan of Negeri Heroes’ Day (DR Congo) Pope Agatho Feast Day (Catholic and Thank You Day (International) (Romania) Liberation Day () Sembilan () Tusu (India) Kanuma (India) Eastern Orthodox) Republic Day () Zansibar Revolution Day () Day of Defenders of the Motherland Tamil Thai Pongal Day (India/Sri Lanka) Thiruvalluvar Day (India) National Religious Freedom Day (USA) Traditional Day (Benin) Prithvi Jayanti(Nepal) () (Uzbekistan) Revolution and Youth Day () John Chilembwe Day (Malawi) Uzhavar Tirunal (India)

FIRST QUARTER 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

World Religion Day (Worldwide) Heroes’ Day (DR Congo) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (International) Blessing of the Animals (Hispanic Catholic Week of Prayer for Christian unity Army Day () Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Christian) Begins (Christian) Timkat Guru Gobin Singh Jayanti (India) First Philippine Republic (Philippines) Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatimah () Robert E. Lee’s Birthday (USA) (Ethiopian Christian) Martyr’s Day Holiday (Azerbaijan) Errol Barrow Day (Barbados) Plurinational State Foundation Day Netaji Subhas Bose Jayanti Birthday of the Sultan of (Malaysia) Civil Rights Day (USA) Confederate Heroes’ Day (USA) National Heroes Day (Guinea Bissau) Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic) (Bolivia) (India)

Australia Day (ALL STATES) 24 Revolution Day () 25 26 27 28 29 30 Betico Croes Day (Aruba) National Heroes’ Day (Cayman Islands) Conversion of St. Paul (Christian) National Army Day (Armenia) Juan Pablo Duarte Day (Dominican International Day of Commemoration (Malaysia) Republic) in Memory of the Victims of the Mahayana New Year () ((Himachal Pradesh Region) World Customs Day (Worldwide) Holocaust (UN) Thaipoosam Cavadee () World Leprosy Day (Worldwide) India) Republic Day (India) Saint Devote’s Day () Tu B’Shevat (Jewish Holiday) Unification Day (Romania) Wellington Anniversary Day () NRM Liberation Day () St. Sava’s Day (Serbia) Duruthu Full Moon Poya (Sri Lanka)

When you are caring for a person, remember that everyone has memories and a history. They have stories waiting to be told. CHINESE

Our names are Mengwei Hua (82 years old) and Renyi Gi (83 years old) and we are both from Mainland . I came to Australia first before bringing my wife, Renyi and kids to settle here in 1990. We currently live in but we like to go back to China for a few every year if possible. Health & Wellbeing In our culture, we believe in Chinese medicine a bit. In Chinese medicine, it is believed you treat certain parts of the body for certain ailments. There was one time when mum couldn’t move her arm at all, she had 3 acupuncture treatments and she was able to move her arm again. We were very happy with that. Also, Chinese people love their vitamins! We think that the key to being healthy is you have to be happy with yourself before you can think about your physical health. Do things that make you happy and try not to worry about your children’s problems, there is a Chinese saying that “children will have their own future and life”. Culture & End of Life In our culture, not many Chinese people are religious. When a loved one passes Did You Know... away, we gather at a non-religious place with family and friends to say farewell. 93% of communication is made up of non-verbal language. There is a special festival in China called the Qingming festival, at this time we go to Remember to observe verbal where our loved one is buried or where the ashes are. Usually, people bring flowers, and non-verbal communication food or , and they clean the grave and visit with those that have passed away. and be aware that cultures often express emotions in different Culture & Routines ways. We go to bed very late, mum goes around midnight and I go to bed around 11pm, but we always have an afternoon nap. We wake up around 6 or 7 am but don’t get out of bed until around 8 am. We have a big breakfast, Chinese food for lunch and a very light dinner, usually . There is a Chinese saying, “breakfast is king, eat lunch to be full and for Interviewee: Mengwei Hua and Renyi Gi dinner, eat like a beggar”. Interviewer: Taryn Quach Photos supplied by: Mengwei Hua and Renyi Gi FEBRUARY 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday LAST QUARTER January 2021 Heroes’ Day () (Malaysia) Abolition of Slavery (Mauritius) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Constitution Day (Mexico) Auckland Anniversary Day (New Zealand) Nelson Anniverary Day (New Zealand) St. Blaise Day (Christian) World Interfaith Week (1-7) Heroes’ Day Holiday (Mozambique) (USA) Constitution Day (Philippines) Martyrs’ Day (Sao Tome and Principe) (Burundi) - Lughassad * - Wicca/Pagan Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty Day of the Virgin of Suyapa (Honduras) World Cancer Day (UN) Solidarity Day () International Day of Zero Tolerance for (Northern and Southern hemispheres) (Estonia) Four Chaplains Sunday (Interfaith) Liberation Day (Angola) Liberation Day / St. Agatha’s Day (San Female Genital Mutilation (UN) Saint Brighid of Kildare (Celtic Christian) Feast of (Christian) Setsubun (Shinto) National Day (Sri Lanka) Marino) Waitangi Day (New Zealand)

NEW MOON

7 8 9 10 11 * 12 13 Nirvana Day (Buddhism) National Day () Triodion (Orthodox Christian) Royal Hobart Regatta (State Holiday) Islamic Revolution Day (Iran) Oruro First Day of the Carnival (Bolivia) (TAS. Australia) National Foundation Day (Japan) Union Day (Myanmar) Independence Day Holiday (Grenada) Holiday (South ) Lincoln’s Birthday (USA) Preseren Day () St. Maroun Day () Lateran Treaty Day (Vatican City) Seollal Holiday () ( Thaipusam (Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Fast and Prayer Day (Liberia) Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (Malta) 11th-17th Spring Festival(China) 11-13th) Independence Day (Grenada) , India) Guru Ravida’s Birthday (India) Lunar New Year Holiday (Taiwan) Tet Eve () Darwin Day (Atheist/Humanist) 14 15 16 17 18 19 FIRST QUARTER 20

Nirvana Day (Buddhist Jain) (Hindu) Liberation Day () Restoration of the State Day () Lui-Ngai-Ni (India) Birth Day of Kim Jong Il / Day of the National Day (Serbia) Shining Star (North Korea) Beginning of Lent / Chahhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti St. Valentine’s Day (Christian) Heritage Day (Canada) Sovereignty Day of Serbia Holiday (Christian) (India) Racial Justice Sunday (UK Christian) Candlemas (Eastern Orthodox) (Serbia) Independence Day (Kosovo) Independence Day (Gambia) 19 Feb-7th March , Gay & Lesbian Transfiguration Sunday (Christian) Shrove Monday (Christian) (Christian) Revolution Day () National Democracy Day (Nepal) (Australia) World Day of Social Justice (UN) 21 22 23 24 25 26 FULL MOON 27

International Mother Language Day (UN) (Jewish) Triodion Begins (Orthodox Christian) Imam ’s Birthday () Language Movement Day () Magha Puja (, , Cambodia, Father Walter Lini Day (Vanuatu) National Day () People Power Anniversary (Philippines) Myanmar) Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King Republic Day () Launceston Cup (TAS, Australia) National Day () Lantern Festival (China) Independence Day (Dominican Republic) (Bhutan) Independence Day (Saint Lucia) The Emperor’s Birthday (Japan) Independence Day (Estonia) Revolution Day () Liberation Day (Kuwait) Shushan Purim (Jerusalem) 28 March 2021

Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan) Kalevala/Finnish Culture (Finland)

* Chinese New Year applies to Bhutan, Brunei, China, , , , , Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam. Commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, the holiday has different names -Walt Disney in different countries: Spring Festival in China, Ten in Vietnam, in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, Seollal in Korea, and in Mongolia. ZIMBABWEAN

My name is Mkhululi Sibanda. I am from Zimbabwe and I came to Australia in 2008. I currently live in Toowoomba with my family. Health & Wellbeing Zimbabwe is a multicultural country. However, there are two main tribes: Shona and Ndebele. Most of this article is about the Nbedele tribal culture. In my culture, health and wellbeing is about being mentally sound and physically fit. It also means having access to preferred food. The preferred food that keeps us healthy is “Isitshwala”, which is maize meal porridge made out of white corn. We also like eating sorghum (flowering plant) and millet (cereal grass) because they don’t contain too much fat. But mostly our diet consists of veggies and game . We value family in our culture because it is regarded as the main source of a healthy mental state. Sharing is also one of our fundamental cultural values. Culture & End of Life In my culture, visiting the sick is very important. Extended family members, relatives, friends and everyone known to the sick person must all visit them. We believe that only the immediate family should be told about the condition of the sick person. The ill person is never told, it is taboo to tell the person “you are dying”. After someone passes away, everyone is allowed to come, sometimes in the hundreds, to celebrate by singing, dancing, viewing the body, talking about the qualities of the person and saying goodbye. This lasts for a week before the burial. A after the burial, people come back and attend another ceremony in which the deceased clothes are distributed Inspired Idea... to the immediate and extended family. Other personal belongings are given to the children. If there’s a will, it goes according to the will. However, if there is no will, the Be sensitive of cultural taboos. older son takes control. Ask questions to determine what information is appropriate Culture & Routines to share with immediate family and friends. In my culture, there’s always someone around to help take care of our elderly people. However, this not be possible in Australia because people are busy with work and study. Traditionally, when people retire they go back to their where they will look after the land and animals.

Interviewee: Mkhululi Sibanda Interviewer: Anyuon Liai Photos: Anyuon Liai MARCH 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday State Holiday LAST QUARTER February 2021 (West Australia) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Zero Discrimination Day (UN) St. David of Wales (Christian) Republic Day () H. Lavity Stoutt Holiday (British Virgin World Wildlife Day (UN) Islands) Liberation Day () Foundation Day State Holiday (Australia, Independence Movement Day (South Korea, Start of 19-day (Baha’i) Hinamatsuri Day (Japan) Norfolk Island) Boznia and Herzegovina) Adwa Victory Day () Martyr’s Day (Malawi) Chief’s Day (Vanuatu) Independence Day (Ghana)

Clean Up Australia Day Canberra Day (ACT) NEW MOON (Australia) Eight Hours Day (TAS) 7 Labour Day (VIC) 8 9 10 11 12 13 Adelaide Cup (SA)

Lailat al Miraj (Islam) King Moshoeshoe I’s Day (Lesotho) Losar (India ()) International Women’s Day (UN) (Hindu) Mahara Shivarati (Hindu) Ghyalpo Losar (Nepal) Commonwealth Day (International) Tibetan Uprising Day (Tibet) Restoration of the Independence Day Independence and Republic Day Anniversary of the Election of Pope Meatfare Sunday (Orthodox Christian) Taranaki Anniversary Day (New Zealand) Holocaust Remembrance Day (Bulgaria) (Lithuania) (Mauritius) Francis (Vatican City) 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Clean Monday / Beginning of the (Orthodox Christian) Constitution Day () Cheeesefare Sunday (Orthodox Christian) Labour Day (Christmas Island) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Birthday National Close the Gap Day (Australia) International Day of Happiness (UN) Constitution Day () Benito Juarez Day (Mexico) (Bangladesh) Marien Ngouabi Day (Republic of Congo) Independence Day (Tunisia) Hari Raya (Indonesia) Revolution Day () St. Patrick’s Day (Christian) Waqf al Arafa * (Islam) St. Joseph’s Day (Christian) March Equinox (Australia)

Harmony Day FIRST QUARTER (Australia) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination(UN) International Day of (UN) Greek Independence Day (Greece) Independence Day (Namibia) Hungarian-Polish Friendship (/ Commonwealth Covenant Day (North Feast of the (Christian) Human Rights Day (South ) World Water Day (UN) Hungary) Mariana Islands) Anniversary of the “Arengo” (San Marino) Independence Day (Bangladesh) Ostra Mabon (Wicca) Divas (India) Shaheedi Diwas (India) Truth and Justice Memorial Day Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Khordad Sal (Birth of Orthodox Sunday (Orthodox Christian) (Puerto Rico) (Pakistan) (Argentina) Mary (Christian) Zaranthushtra) (Zoroastrian) Earth Hour Day (Worldwide) 28 FULL MOON 29 30 31 2021

Lailat al Bara’ah (Islam) (Hindu) Lord’s Evening Meal (Jehovah’s Witness Hola Mohalla (Sikh) Christian) Shab e-Barat (Bangladesh & India) (Christian) Boganda Day (Central African Republic) Freedom Day (Malta) First Day of (Jewish) Yaosang Day (India) Transfer Day (US Virgin Islands) Magha Puja Day (Buddhism) Martyrs’ Day (Madagascar) Land Day (Palestine) Islamic Republic Day (Iran) (Hindu) Imam Mahdi’s Birthday (Iran) Spiritual Baptist Day (Trinidad & Tobago) Culture and Traditions Day (Micronesia)

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old” -Franz Kafka SRI LANKAN My name is Sugee Kannangara. I was born in Sri Lanka. I am 68 years old. I originally immigrated to New Zealand and lived there for 7 years before coming to Australia in 1996. Health & Wellbeing In the Sri Lankan culture, a life free of debilitating physical ailments and extreme mental stress is considered as vital for wellbeing in old age. Therefore, I try to stay physically and mentally active and connected with family, friends and community. I also believe leading a life respectful of the environment I live in promotes wellbeing. Loving my birth country Sri Lanka and its rich tapestry of cultural diversity, I know, love for one’s country of origin is transferable to one’s country of migration, without diminishing, damaging or denying either. This ‘knowing’ is indeed conducive to my sense of wellbeing in retirement as it was in my younger days as a new migrant contributing to the nation of Australia (and New Zealand.) Our national greeting ‘aayubovan’ means may you live long! The elderly are considered worthy of veneration. Therefore, families wish to provide the elderly with a stress free, safe and secure environment. Culture & End of Life In my culture, death in old age is accepted as the inevitable culmination of the life cycle. There is sorrow at the loss, but death is not considered morbid.

Inspired Idea... At Sri Lankan funerals, usually, the clergy are invited to offer blessings from the divine. Good deeds done during their lifetime are remembered. Community participation Every culture has different and public declaration of the goodness of the deceased by distinguished members significant months. Never of the community are essential elements at a funeral. assume that everyone follows the same calendar you do! To remember those that have passed on, I make offerings to the clergy and the Discover what your client’s needy annually on the day of the passing away of loved ones. favourite month is, and why. Culture & Routines Routines around mealtimes, ablutions and hygiene, sleep and social times have become very important as I get older. Daily religious observances and spiritual practices are important aspects in my life. I usually have three meals a day. Breakfast Interviewee: Sugee Kannangara is the most important meal for me with , nuts, or and tea. Lunch is Interviewer: Taryn Quach Photos provided by interviewee usually traditional food such as three vegetarian with rice and dinner is very light, perhaps a few pieces of fruit or nuts and a cup of black tea. APRIL 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday March 2021 1 (ALL STATES) 2 3

April Fool’s Day (Worldwide) (Christian) World Autism and Awareness Day (UN) Day following Good Friday (ALL except Greek Cypriot National Day () Malvinas Day (Argentina) TAS & WA) Odisha Day (India) Unity Day of Peoples (Belarus/Russia) Holy Saturday (Christian) Islamic Republic Day (Iran) Sizdah Be-dar/Nature Day (Iran) Second Republic Day (Guinea)

LAST QUARTER Monday Easter Sunday (ACT, NSW, (ALL STATES) QLD, VIC) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Easter Tuesday (TAS) Self-Determination Day State Holiday ’ World Health Day (UN) (Australia (Cocos and Keeling Islands)) Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Day of National Unity () Peace Day (Angola) Easter Tuesday (Australia (Tasmania)) Rwonda Genocide (UN) Yom HaShoah/ Holocaust Rememberance Liberation Day (Iraq) Last Day of Passover (Jewish) Peace Day Holiday (Angola) President Ntaryamira Day (Burundi) National Women’s Day (Mozambique) Day (Jewish) Constitution Day (Kosovo) Ching Ming Festival(Macau) Babu Jagjivan Ram Birthday (India) Southland Anniversary Day (New Zealand) Genocide Memorial Day (Rwanda) Hana Matsuri/Flower Festival(Japan) Day of Valor (Philippines) Independence Day (Senegal) Chung Myung Day (North Korea) Chakri Day (Thailand) Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day (Tanzania) National Health Day (Kiribati) Martyr’s Day (Tunisia) 11 NEW MOON 12 13 14 15 16 17 (Sikh) Hindi New Year / (Hindu) Baisakhi (India) (India & Mauritius) Bengali New Year (Bangladesh) New Year in South and South East Tamil New Year (Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India) (Myanmar) Sinhala Aluth Avurudu (Sri Lanka) (Thailand) Khmer New Year (Cambodia) Sinhala and Tamil New Year Eve (Sri Lanka) Memorial Day / Independence Day () Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Jewish) First Day of Ridvan (Baha’i’) World Parkinson’s Day Start of (Islam) Nepali New Year (Nepal) Birth Date of Kim Il Sung (North Korea) Yom Hazikaron (Israel) Indepedence Day (AmSyria) 18 19 FIRST QUARTER 20 21 22 23 24

Lazarus Saturday (Orthodox Christian) (UN) Day (UN) Genocide Memorial Day (Armenia) Independence Day (Zimbabwe) Chinese Language Day (UN) Navami (Hindu) Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung (Bhutan) Veer Kunvar Singh Jayanti (India (Bihar)) Loktantra Diwas (Nepal) Birthday of Guru Angad Dev (Sikh) Independence Declaration Day () 20-28, Festival of Ridvan (Baha’i) Tiradentes Day () Hung Kings Temple Festival (Vietnam) St. George’s Day (Christian) Concord Day (Niger)

ANZAC Day (ALL) ANZAC Day Holiday FULL MOON 25 (SA, QLD, NT, WA) 26 27 28 29 30 May 2021

Hanuman Jayanti(Hindu) Lag B’omer (Jewish) New Year (Buddhist) General Prayer Day (, Greenland, Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian) King’s Birthday (Netherlands) Faroe Islands) Sinai Liberation Day (Egypt) Independence Day (Sierra Leone/ Togo) Rincon Day (Bonaire) Mahavir Jayanti(India) Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) Showa Day (Japan) Carnival Day (Sint Maarten) Liberation Day (Italy) Union Day (Tanzania) Freedom Day () Maundy Thursday (Orthodox Christian) Liberation/ Reunification Day (Vietnam) Freedom Day () Confederate Memorial Day (USA) Independence Day (Togo) Mujahideen Victory Day (Afghanistan) Nuzul Al-Quaran (Brunei & Malaysia) Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)

“Ageing is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” - Betty Friedan GREEK

I am Mike Friganiotis. I am a first-generation Greek-Australian currently living in Cairns. I’d like to share what I have learnt from growing up with Greek parents. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, family, freedom and fun give me a sense of health and wellbeing. are very social and we enjoy meeting friends at a cafe, drinking Greek , maybe eating a mezze, and having impassioned discussions. Family is the most important aspect of my life, I believe families must stick together. Families should get together to celebrate important occasions such as Easter (the most important celebration for Greeks), as well as Christmas, weddings, and name days. I try to follow a Mediterranean diet, which is a diet rich in plant-based food, olive oil and not too much meat. I also try to exercise to stay healthy Culture & End of Life In my culture, we would prefer to be buried, cremations are not as popular. In Greece, funerals are generally held in the Greek Orthodox Church, followed by the “Makaria” (mercy meal), where family and friends gather to celebrate the life of the deceased person. Traditionally, the widow would wear black for the rest of her life but nowadays, it is acceptable that they wear black for a much lesser time.

Generally, discussions about End of Life are open, however, I personally accept Inspired Idea... life as it is and avoid discussions about death, unless it is about someone that Social isolation can be a real no one in the household knows. problem, especially when the person is from a culture Culture & Routines that values social connection. In my culture, I would get up early and drink coffee. As a kid, it was a tradition Discuss ideas about how they to bring freshly brewed Greek coffee to my parents in bed before they would can stay connected and social. start their day.

I like to have three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner would normally be between 9 pm and 10 pm. Another important part of my Interviewee: Mike Friganiotis routine is going for long walks and being outdoors. Interviewer: Marcela Fischer Photos: Marcela Fischer MAY 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30 31 April 2021 2021 1 People’s Solidarity Day () Constitution Day () Convocation of the Constitutional Assembly (Latvia) Holy Saturday (Orthodox Christian) Day (India) Labour Day Holiday (International) Trinity Sunday (Christian) Reconciliation Day (ACT, Australia) Wicca - - (Northern and Pesta (Malaysia) Memorial Day (USA) Southern Hemispheres)

Labour Day (QLD) LAST QUARTER 2 (NT) 3 4 5 6 7 8

UN World Press Freedom Day Sham El Nessim (Egypt) (Mexico) Birth Anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Constitution Memorial Day (Japan) Orthodox Easter Tuesday (International) Patriot’s Victory Day (Ethiopia) (Bhutan) Constitution Day (Poland) USA (Interfaith) Europe Day in the European Council Martyrdom of Imam Ali (Iran) Orthodox (Orthodox Coronation Day (Thailand) African World Heritage Day (UNESCO) Victory in Europe Day Orthodox Easter / Pascha (Orthodox Christian) Declaration of Independence Day (Latvia) Constitution Day () Day (Buddhist) World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day Christian) Saints Philip and James (Christian) National Remembrance Day (Netherlands) Liberation Day (Netherlands) St. George’s Day (Bulgaria) (Tasmania, Australia) Laylat al Kadr (Islam)

Mother’s Day NEW MOON (International) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Ascension Day (Christian) Rotuma Day () Constitution Day (Micronesia) Hari Raya Puasa (Islam) National Unification Day (Liberia) Europe Day in the European Union Yom Yerushalaim Jerusalem Day (Israel) Eid Al Fitr (Islam) Kamuzu Day (Malawi) Victory Day (Former Soviet Republics) (Cambodia) 13-15th King Norodom Shiamoni’s Bday National Unification Day (Liberia) International Day of Families (UN) Liberation Day (, ) Independence Day (Romania) (Cambodia) 14-15th Independence Day (Paraguay) Culture Freedom Day (International) 16 17 18 19 FIRST QUARTER 20 21 22

International Day Against Homo/Trans/ World Day for Cultural Diversity for Biphobia Dialogue and Development (UN) Discovery Day (Cayman Islands) Birthday of the Buddha (Buddhism) Afro-Colombian Day (Colombia) Constitution Day (, Nauru) Greek Genocide Remembrance Day (Greece) Day of Culture and Art Workers International Day for Biological Diversity SPLA - Sudan People’s Liberation Army Liberation Day (Congo) Constitution Day (Turkmenistan) Remembrance Day (Sri Lanka) National Day (Cameroon) (Kazakhstan) (UN) Foundation Day (South Sudan) / (Jewish) Tich’a B’av (Jewish) Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday (Vietnam) Independence Restoration Day (East ) Independence Day (Montenegro) Unity Day (Yemen) 23 24 25 FULL MOON 26 27 28 29

Whit Monday (Christian) African Liberation Day (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Independence Day (Eritrea) Ghana, UNESCO) () Sovereign’s Day / Commonwealth day National Day (Argentina) Day of Vesak Buddha’s Day (UN) International Day of United Nations Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) (Belize) Chuquisaca Day (Bolivia) Independence Day (Georgia, Guyana) Peacekeepers (UN) Pentecost (Christian & Orthodox) Victoria Day (Canada) Independence Day (Jordan) National Sorry Day (Australia) Republic Day (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nepal) Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” - Marcus Garvey ITALIAN

I am Antonio Zaccaro. I was born in Puglia, Italy and originally migrated to with my parents and brothers in 1967. I now live in Burleigh Waters, . Health & Wellbeing In my culture, health and wellbeing means good food, good friends, good and family, family, family! To be healthy I see my doctor for a check- up at least once a year, I try to keep fit as well, I walk my dog and swim most days. Culture & End of Life My babbo (father) has passed away now but mamma is 94 and thank God, she is still living independently at home. One of my brothers lives close by too. We call or visit her every day. It is very important for her to feel close to her family and to feel loved. It took us a long time to convince her to let a nurse come to help her bathe. As men, we did not feel this was appropriate for us. We help her with cleaning her house, doing the garden and all the rest. Inspired Idea... Culture & Routines Never assume someone wants you to do something for them, In my culture, older people generally wake up rather early, the result of old ask first! Often it’s the little things habits from their working lives. They often start the day with a good coffee, like being able to make a cup of maybe a prayer, tidy up, a small walk and then perhaps a visit with friends tea, that retains that sense of or family over lunch, TV or read the newspapers or a good book. independence. I am still working four days a week – I am not retired yet! Being with my family is above all else in my life. We take good care of our beloved mamma, we take her shopping and out to lunch at the Italian Club or sometimes to a movie. Like most Italians, I am also an excellent cook and I love cooking nice meals for my family and dearest friends.

Interviewee: Antonio Zaccaro Interviewer: Annalise Webb Photos provided by interviewee JUNE 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Reconciliation Day LAST QUARTER May 2021 (Australia) 1 2 3 4 5

Madaraka Day (Kenya) Pancasila Day (Indonesia) President’s Day () World Environment Day (UN) International Children’s Day (International) Corpus Christi(Christian) Constitution Day (Denmark) Independence Day (Samoa) Mabo Day (Indigenous) President’s Day (Equatorial Guinea) Youth Day (Cape Verde) Republic Day (Italy) Martyr’s Day (Uganda) Randol Fawkes Labour Day (Bahamas) Khordad Movement Anniversary (Iran)

Western Australia Day NEW MOON 6 (WA) 7 8 9 10 11 12

Democracy Day (Nigeria) Chaco Armistice Day (Paraguay) National Day (Sweden) St. Columba of Iona (Celtic Christian) Ascension Day (Orthodox Christian) Independence Day (Philippines) Queensland Day (QLD, Australia) World Oceans Day (UN) National Heroes Day (Uganda) Reconciliation Day (Congo) Queens Official Birthday (UK) Memorial Day (South Korea) Queens Birthday (NZ, Niue, Cook Islands) Bounty Day (Norfolk Island, Australia) Autonomy Day (Aland Islands) Portugal Day (Portugal) Sacred Heart of Jesus (Chrsitian) Russia Day (Russia)

Queen’s Birthday FIRST QUARTER 13 (All except QLD & WA) 14 15 16 17 18 19

Raja Sankranti (India) Dano Festival(North Korea) King Jong-il’s entry to the WPK (North World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (UN) Korea) International Albinism Awareness Day (UN) Dragon Boat Festival (China) Saint Vladimir Day (Christian) Bday of Jose Artigas and Never Again Day Race Unity Day (Baha’i) Sacred Heart (Colombia) Day of Valdemar and Reunion Day (Uruguay) Anthony of Padua Feast Day (Portugal, (USA) (Denmark) Martin Miguel de Guemes Day (Argentina) King’s Mother’s Birthday (Cambodia) Labor Day (Trinidad & Tobago) , Brazil) Liberation Day () National Salvation Day (Azerbaijan) Independence Day (Iceland) Constitutional Day () New Church Day (Swedenborgian Christian) 20 21 22 23 24 FULL MOON 25 26

World Refugee Day (UN) Nirjala (Hindu) Refugee Week 20-26th (Australia) National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada) St. John the Baptist (Christian) National Flag Day (Argentina) World Humanist Day (Materialism) Public Service Day (UN) Battle of Day (Venezuela) Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche National Day (Greenland) Eve (Latvia) Sant Guru Jayanti (India) Midsummer Day (Sweden, Finland) (Bhutan) Solstice Litha (Pagan) National Day (Luxembourg) Jani (Latvia) Internation Day in Support of Victims of Pentecost (Orthodox Christian) Whit Monday (Orthodox Christian) Litha / Yule (Wicca) Victory Day (Estonia) Raymi / Festival of the () Independence Day (Mozambique) Torture (UN) Martyrs’ Day (Eritrea) June Solstice (Australia) Anti-fascist struggle day (Croatia) St Johns Eve Manila Day (Philippines) Statehood Day (Slovenia) Independence Day (Madagascar) 27 28 29 30 2021

Independence Day (Djibouti) Seventeenth of Tammuz (Jewish) General Prayer Day (Central African Multiculturalism/Mixed Race Day Republic) (Canada/Brazil) Feast Day of St. Peter and Paul (Christian) Revolution Day (Egypt) National Unity Day () Constitution Day () Independence Day (Seychelles) Independence Day (DR Congo)

“Culture is a basic need. A community thrives through its cultural heritage, it dies without it.” - Christine Mackenzie DUTCH

Our names are Marijka (66 years old) and David Bosma (72 years old), we are both from the Netherlands. David came to Australia in 1976 and I came in 1973. We met in the Netherlands when David went there for a holiday in 1972. Health & Wellbeing In our culture, we stay healthy by eating lots of fruits and and not too much meat. We like to get together with friends and it’s important for us to attend church. If we lived in the Netherlands we would probably cycle everywhere and that would keep us healthy but here we just walk for exercise. Culture & End of Life In our culture, when we lose a loved one, the coffin is brought to the home and the family gather there to view the body. After a few days, the coffin is taken to the chapel at the cemetery where friends along with the family gather for a church service prior to the burial. It is not too different from what is done here in Australia. Culture & Routines We like to have 3 meals a day, plus morning and afternoon tea. We also like to have tea or coffee usually about 1-2 hours before going to bed.

Inspired Idea... In the Dutch culture, birthdays are very important, it is expected that you always visit family on their birthday. So for us, celebrating our birthdays is important, David Understanding is key to always puts streamers up around the house on my birthday and we always go out communication and connection. for a meal. Reading up on your client’s cultural background prior to Another important day that we celebrate is St Nicholas Day (6th Dec). On the meeting, shows you care and eve of St Nicholas Day, we gather as a family and give each other, provides a strong platform to and especially the children, gifts in memory of the build trust and rapport. dear Saint. So no presents on Christmas Day! Christmas is a quieter event with attending church services and afterwards having a family meal together - for us, it is usually on so we don’t clash with Australian in-law families Interviewee: Marijke and David Bosma who do give gifts at Christmas. Interviewer: Taryn Quach Photo supplied by: Taryn Quach and Marijke and David Bosma JULY 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday June 2021 2021 1 LAST QUARTER 2 3

Emancipation Day(Suriname) Independence Day (Somalia/Rwanda/ Burundi) Republic Day (Ghana) Canada Day Communist Party of China Founding Independence Day (Belarus) Day (China) Alice Springs Show Day (NT, Australia) V.I. Emancipation Day (US Virgin Islands) 4 5 6 7 8 9 NEW MOON 10

St Cyril & Methodius Day (Slovakia/Czech Jan Hus Day (Czech Republic) Republic) Capital City Day (Kazakhstan) Tynwald Day (Isle of Man) Statehood Day (Lithuania) Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) Independence Day (USA) Independence Day (Cape Verde/Algeria/ Independence Day (Comoros/Malawi) Constitution Day (Australia) Liberation Day (Rwanda) Venezuela) Dalai Lama’s Birthday (Buddhist) Independence Day (Solomon Islands) Nunavut Day (Canada) NAIDOC Week 4th-11th (Australia) CARICOM Day (Guyana) Ra o te Ui Ariki (Cook Islands) Tanabata Festival(Japan) Tennant Creek Show Day (Australia (NT)) National Culture Day (Kiribati) Official Birthday of HM King Tupou (Tonga) Constitution Day (Cayman Islands, Armenia) Unity Day (Zambia) Saba Saba Day (Tanzania) Sunniva Feast Day (Norway) Independence Day (South Sudan/Argentina) Independence Day (Bahamas) 11 12 13 14 15 16 FIRST QUARTER 17

H.M. Sultan’s Birthday (Brunei) Feast of St. Rosalia (Italy) World Population Day (UN) St Vladimir the Great Day (Orthodox Gergetoba Day (Georgia) Bonalu (India) (India) Bastille Day () Christian) La Paz Day (Bolivia) King’s Birthday (Lesotho) Naadam Festival (Mongolia) Independence Day (Kiribati/ Sao Tome and Sovereignty Day of Montenegro First Sermon of Lord Buddha (Bhutan) Democracy and National Solidarity Day Katherine Show Day (Australia (NT) Independence Day (Slovakia) St. Benedict Day (Christian) Principe) (Montenegro) Republic Day (Iraq) () Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Chile) Constitution Day (South Korea) 18 19 20 21 22 23 FULL MOON 24

Darwin Show Day (NT, Australia) (Mormon Christian) Nelson Mandela Day (UN) Revolution Day (Egypt) Simon Bolivar’s Birthday (Venezuela/ Tisha B’Av/Fast of Ninth of Av (Jewish) (Islam) Day () /Colombia/Bolivia) Galla Bayramy (Turkmenistan) President’s Day (Botswana) Eid al Adha (Islam) Independence Day (Belgium) Birthday of Late King Sobhuza (Swaziland) National Remembrance Day (Papua New Asahna Bucha Day (Thailand) World Listening Day (UN) Martyr’s Day (Myanmar) Hari Raya Haji (Malaysia & Singapore) Racial Harmony Day (Singapore) Revolution Day (Gambia) Guinea) Guayaquil Day (Ecuador) Constitution Day (Uruguay) Sandinista Revolution Day (Nicaragua) Independence Day (Colombia) Liberation Day () Sarawak Day (Malaysia) Emperor Haile Selassie Birthday (Rastafaria) Day (Buddhist) 25 26 27 28 29 30 LAST QUARTER 31

Anniversary of the fall of Fascism and St. Day (Christian) Freedom Day (San Marino) Constitution Day (Puerto Rico) St. Olav’s Eve (Faroe Islands) Guanacaste Day (Costa Rica) Independence Day (Peru) International Day of Friendships (UN) Baha’i Day (Jamaica) Day of National Rebellion (Cuba) King Maha ’s Birthday Feast of the Throne (Morocco) , Buddhist Lent (Thailand) Independence Day (Liberia/Maldives) (Thailand) Territory Day (Wallis & Futuna) Martyrs Day (South Sudan) Republic Day (Tunisia) Day of Victory (North Korea) Eid al-Ghadeer (Islam) St. Olav’s Day (Faroe Islands) Independence Day (Vanuatu)

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit” - Jawaharlal Nehru PAPUA NEW GUINEAN

I am Lily Dickson (Wong), 71 years young, was born in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea (PNG), of Chinese descent and live on the Sunshine Coast. Health & Wellbeing PNG is culturally and linguistically diverse with many languages and dialects. In Chinese and PNG culture, health and wellbeing means to have family, care and respect. To be healthy and well, I maintain an active body, mind and spirit. In PNG, yam, sweet potatoes, taro and ibika are considered healthy food which are usually wrapped in leaves and cooked in milk over hot coals. It is important to have a well balanced diet of fresh produce, herbal and medicinal plants. Tonic are important to cleanse and keep the body strong. Herbs such as goji berries, ginkgo, ginseng I believe contribute to good health. Culture & End of Life In PNG culture, upon death, many rituals and ceremonies are performed. Many people are of Christian faith and priests perform the last rites. People also believe that the spirit of the dead has an influence on living family members. In , before death, the family takes care of the elderly. At the time of my father’s death, we farewelled id ou now D Y K ... and wished father a good journey to the next life. Traditionally, the body is buried after 3 days. At the funeral, In PNG culture, older people are relatives placed a white piece of material over the body symbolising purity and death. Family members wore white looked after usually by female garments with black armbands. The mourning period is between 7 – 49 days. Traditionally, the body is taken from family members. People believe home, passing the person’s favourite haunts to the cemetery and after 100 days a final ceremony is held. A shrine that spirits and sorcery could be with a photo of my late father is kept at home. The family gather annually at ‘Ching Ming’, a festival to remember and the cause of illness. A spiritual honour our ancestors to celebrate with prayers, food and the burning of incense and joss paper. healer may be sought to help the ailing person. Culture & Routines Older people in PNG start cooking in the morning with fire over hot coals and throughout the day. Later they do household chores and also plant and harvest crops. Normally, I wake up happy, have breakfast (tea and porridge), exercise, greet the garden, and sometimes have lunch with friends. I also have my dinner early and sleep early. I am of the Catholic faith and pray daily. I also volunteer Interviewee: Lily Dickson (Wong) at my Church and Volunteering Sunshine Coast. Interviewer: Thana Roysmith Photos: Thana Roysmith AUGUST 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Transfiguration of the Lord (Orthodox (Christian) Picnic Day (NT, Australia) Christian) Independence Day (Benin) (NSW, Australia) Freedom Day (Equatorial Guinea) Independence Day (Burkina Faso) Constitution Day (Anguilla/Iran) National Day (Switzerland) Our Lady of the Angels Day (Costa Rica) Janmashtami (Hindu) Constitution Day (Cook Islands) Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day Umuganura (Harvest Festival) (Rwanda) Aged Care Employee Day (Australia) Lughnassad - Imbolc (Wicca/Pagan) Republic Day () Independence Day (Niger) Founders Day (Ghana) (Croatia) Indepedence Day (Bolivia/Jamaica) Battle of Boyaca (Colombia) New Moon 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Augsberg Peace Festival () Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane, Obon 13th-15th (Japan) Vigil of Assumption Day (Vatican City) Cease Fire Day (Iraq) International Day of World’s Indigenous Independence Day (Ecuador) Australia) Nag Panchami Festival (Hindu) Independence Day (Pakistan) Mountain Day 8th-9th (Japan) People (UN) / Begins People’s Day (QLD, Australia) Women’s Day (Tunisia) Falklands Day (Falkland Islands) Nane Nane Day (Tanzania) National Day (Singapore) (Muslim) Independence Day (Chad) H.M. Queen Mother’s Birthday (Thailand) Independence Day (Central African Republic) Oued Ed-Dahab Day (Morocco) 15 First Quarter 16 17 18 19 20 21 Liberation Day (Liechtenstein, Korea) Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary (Christian) Day of (Islam) Independence Restoration Day (Estonia) Founding of Asuncion (Paraguay) World Humanitarian Day (UN) Varalakshmi Vratam (Hindu) Ninoy Aquino Day (Philppines) Constitution Day (Equatorial Guinea) Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus St Stephen’s Day (Hungary) Festival (Nepal) Independence Day (India/Congo) (Orthodox Christian) First (India) International Day of Remembrance and Dormition of the Theotokos (Orthodox Restoration Day (Dominican Republic) Gai Jatra (Nepal) Revolution Day (Morocco) Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (UN) Christian) Independence Day (Gabon) Independence Day (Indonesia) Independence Day (Afghanistan) Borroloola Show Day (NT, Australia) (Hindu) Prekmurje Union Day (Slovenia) Full Moon 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Dormition of the Mother of God (Orthodox International Day for the Remembrance of National Day of Solidarity - commemorating Christian) Spirit/ (China/Taiwan/ the Slave Trade and its Abolition(UN) Day of (North Korea) the birth of Mother Teresa (Argentina) Beheading of St. John the Bapstist Singapore/Malaysia/Vietnam) Gaijatra (Nepal) Independence Day (Ukraine) Independence Day (Uruguay) Repentance Day (Papua New Guinea) Independence Day () (Christian)

Last Quarter 29 30 31 July 2021 September 2021

Constitution Day (Kazakhstan) National Day / Hari Merdeka (Malaysia) (Hindu) Umhlanga Reed Dance (Swaziland) Santa Rosa De Lima (Peru) Independence Day (Kyrgyzstan, Trinidad Gaura Festival (Nepal) & Tobago)

“Tonic herbs, proper nutrition, adequate rest, connecting with self, and joyful exercise are our primary prescriptions for wellbeing” - Rosemary Gladstar VIETNAMESE

My name is Phung Quach. I am 70 years old. I was born in Vietnam, my family fled Vietnam as refugees after the Vietnam war. After spending some time at a refugee camp in Malaysia we were granted permission to come to Australia and arrived in 1979. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, I believe in herbal medicines. For example, in my family, when we have a cold, we mix up a combination of fragrant herbs such as , garlic, lemongrass in a pot with water, boil it and then take it off the heat. We would sit and put our head with a towel over the pot to capture the steam and smell the herbs. This would make us sweat and we would feel better afterwards. I think eating well is important to staying healthy. Vietnamese food is very healthy, it has a lot of vegetables and not much meat. As I get older I’ve become more religious than I used to be, so now as a devout Buddhist, I no longer eat meat. Culture & End of Life In my culture, at funerals, the immediate family wear white clothes and white headbands. Traditionally, a pinch of rice and a coin is placed in the mouth of the deceased because it is believed that this will prevent our loved one from leaving this world being hungry and wanting for anything. However when my mother died, we Inspired Idea... didn’t do this, instead, we put a bunch of ladyfinger on her tummy, which was for the same purpose. What may be considered normal to one person, may not When my mother passed away, I put a photo of her along with my husband’s parents be to another. Be sensitive to photos (who had already passed away) on an . I light incense and say a prayer for people’s history, we can never them every night before going to bed. On the anniversary of their death, we prepare assume what someone has been food for them and place this on the altar or bring the food to the grave if we can visit. through. Culture & Routines Being a Buddhist is important to me. I wake up early to pray and I also pray in the evenings. I like to volunteer at the temple and go there every week. I wake up early, go to bed early and I eat dinner early. I don’t like to eat anything after 5 pm, as I think Interviewee: Phung Quach it best to go to bed with a lighter body and it’s better for digestion. Interviewer: Taryn Quach Photo supplied by: Phung Quach SEPTEMBER 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday August 2021 1 2 3 4

Constitution Day (Slovakia) Eritrea (Revolution Day) Republic Day (San Marino) Religious Year Begins (Orthodox Christian) Tibet (Tibetan Democracy Day) National Flag Day (Australia) Independence Day (Uzbekistan) National Day (Vietnam) Tokehega Day (Tokelau) 5 6 New Moon 7 8 9 10 11

Victory Day (Pakistan) 6th-7th (Jewish) National Day (Andorra) World Suicide Prevention Day (UN) International Day of Charity (UN) Bonaire Flag Day (Bonaire) Independence Day (North Macedonia) National Day (North Korea) National Day (Gibraltar/Belize) Ethiopian New Year () Fathers Day (Australia) Unification Day (Bulgaria) Independence Day (Brazil) International Day (UN) Fast of Gedalia (Jewish) Samvatsari (India) Our Lady of Coromoto Day (Venezuela) Saint Teresa Canonisation Day (Albania) Independence Day (Swaziland) Constitution Day (Fiji) Nativity of Virgin Mary (Christian) Independence Day (Tajikistan) (Hindu) Paryushana Parva (Jain) 12 13 First Quarter 14 15 16 17 18

International Day for Democracy (UN) Thimphu Tsechu (Bhutan) (Jewish) (Hindu) Citizenship Day (Australia) Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Slovakia) Pchum Ben Festival (Cambodia) Constitution Day (USA) Elevation of the Life Giving Cross / Holy Independence Day (Honduras/Nicaragua/ Independence Day (Papua New Guinea/ Birthday of His Royal Highness Crown Independence Day (Chile) Mindfulness Day (UN) Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Armenia) Cross (Christian) Costa Rica/El Salvador/Guatemala) Mexico) Prince (Tonga) Oktoberfest (Germany) 19 20 Full Moon 21 22 23 24 25 International Day of Peace (UN) (North Korea & South Korea) National Day (Guinea/Bissau) Independence Day (Armenia/Belize/Malta) Constitutional Day (Cambodia) Paryushana Parva (Jain) Our Lady of Mercy Day (Dominican Kwame Nkrumah Memorla Day (Ghana) Blessed Rainy Day (Bhutan) Republic) Nativity of the Theotokos (Orthodox Autumnal Equinox Day (Japan) Republic Day (Trinidad/Tobago) Independence Day (St Kitts/Nevis) Respect for the Aged Day (Japan) Christian) Mabon (Pagan) Bisexual Pride Day Native Americans’ Day (USA) Constitution Day (Nepal) Harvest Festival Holiday (South Korea) First Day of (Jewish) Independence Day (Bulgaria/Mali) National Day () New Caledonia Day (New Caledonia) 26 27 28 Last Quarter 29 30 31 2021

Queen’s Birthday (WA) Independence Day (Turkmenistan) Statehood Day (Czech) Meskel (Ethiopian Eritrean Orthodox Arba’een (Iran) World Environment Health Day Christian) and World Heart Day Botswana Day (Botswana) European Day of Languages Queens Birthday (Australia (WA)) (Jewish) Michael and All the Ages (Christian) International Translation Day

“Connecting to another is one of the most important things in the world and you can keep expanding that connection – one person, a family, a community, a country, a society, a culture.” - Eric Fischl MALAYSIAN

My name is Chandra and I am of South Indian descent from Malaysia. I currently live on the Sunshine Coast. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, health and wellbeing means eating healthy food, practising good hygiene, breathing fresh air and enjoying nature. To be healthy, I walk, garden, sleep well, travel, read and cook which relaxes me. I believe that fresh herbs and vegetables, , rice, rice and pulses such as , mung beans and chickpeas contribute to good health. Culture & End of Life My father was a Hindu and my mother was a Catholic. According to , when a person is dying, the family members gather and pour droplets of holy water or milk into the mouth of the person who is dying in order for their soul to rest in peace. Many rituals are performed during the funeral. Family members place coins on the eyelids and oil on the forehead of the person who has passed. Widows usually wear white after their husband has passed Inspired Idea... away. When my mother died, she was buried. I have a photo of my mother where I place flowers and pray daily. Every culture has different rituals and customs. Approach every Traditionally, Indians do not tell the dying person about their imminent death. interaction with a curious mind. Personally, I believe that the dying person should be told so that their last What can you learn from this wishes could be met. person? Everyone has a story to share and wisdom to impart. After death, the mourning period is usually for one month. There isno entertainment during this time. At the end of the mourning period, family and friends gather to have food and prayers. Usually, favourite food of the person who has passed is served. Culture & Routines In my culture, older people usually start the day by waking up early, having breakfast, gardening or pursuing other interests and sleeping early. I usually wake up early, have breakfast, cook, clean, wash, water the plants, have my lunch, rest, read, watch television, have dinner and go to bed. Interviewee: Chandra Devi Interviewer: Thana Roysmith Every day, spending time with my husband is most important to me as we also share similar interests such as Photos: Thana Roysmith gardening, going for walks, watching television and travelling. I also love cooking and sharing food with everyone. OCTOBER 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 31 September 2021 2021 1 2 World Cities Day (UN) All Hallows Eve (Christian) International Day of Older Persons (International) (UN) Sardar Patel’s Birthday (India) National Day (China, Hongkong, Macau) Reformation Day (Protestant Christian) Unification Day (Cameroon) International Day of Non-violence (UN) Deep (Jain) Independence Day (Nigeria/Tuvalu/ Independence Day (Guinea) Samhain (Wicca) Palau/Cyprus) Mahatma Gandhi Birthday (India)

Labour Day (ACT, NSW & SA) New Moon 3 Queen’s Birthday (QLD) 4 5 6 7 8 9 St. Francis Day (Christian) Independence Day (Lesotho) Day of Peace and Reconciliation National Foundation Day / (Mozambique) Gaecheonjeol (South Korea) Blessing of the Animals (Christian) Ancestors’ Day (Cambodia) (TAS) International Lesbian Day Day (South Korea) Independence Day (Iraq) Territory Day (Christmas Island) Portugal Republic Day Tishren Liberation Day () and Tribe Day (Iran) National Day (Maldives) Independence Day (Uganda) Unity Day (Germany) world Habitat Day (UN) Constitution Day (Vanuatu) Mahalaya Amavasye (India) 7th-14th (Hindu) Independence Day (Croatia) Guayaquil Independence Day (Ecuador) 10 11 12 First Quarter 13 14 15 16 US Indigenous People’s Day / Native Liberation Day (Yemen) World Mental Health Day (UN) American’s Day (USA) Chung Yeung Festival(Hong Kong, Macau) White Sunday (American Samoa) (USA) Navami of Purja (India, Nepal) Festival (India) Independence Day (Cuba) Revolution Day (North Macedonia) Lady of Aparecida (Brazil) Day of Svetitskovloba (Georgia) (Bangladesh) Curacao Day (Curacao) Lotu a Tamati (Samoa) Maha Saptami (India) Chisinau City Day (Moldova) International Day of Rural Women (UN) Fiji Day (Fiji) Thanksgiving (Canada) Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea) International Day of Natural Disaster Julius Nyerere Day (Tanzania) Commemoration Day of King (North Korea) Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity Hispanic Day / National Day of Spain Reduction (UN) Intercession of the Theotokos (Russian Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (Iran) Day of Pope John Paul II (Poland) National Day (Taiwan) (Argentina) (Spain) Prince Rwagasore Day (Burundi) Orthodox) Father Norodom Sihanaouk (Cambodia) World Food Day (UN) 17 18 19 20 Full Moon 21 22 23

Revolution Day (Guatemala) Republic Day (Hungary) Constitution Day (Niue) Mashujaa Day (Kenya) St. Ursula’s Day (British Virgin Islands) Liberation Day (Libya) St Luke, Apostle and Evangelist (Christian) an Nabi (Islam) Unity Day (USA) President Ndadaye Day (Burundi) Day (Thailand) International Day for the Eradication of Independence Day (Azerbaijan) Hari Maulad Nabi (Cocos and Keeling Birth of the B’ab (Baha’I) Boun Ok Phansa (Laos) Paris Peace Agreement Day (Cambodia) Poverty (UN) (Alaska) Islands) Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth Spirit Day to support LGBT Youth Day of the Macedonian Revolution (North Dessalines Day (Haiti) National Prayer Day (Zambia) Al-Mouled Al-Nabawy (Egypt) (Sikh) (Myanmar) National Santri Day (Indonesia) Macedonia) 24 25 26 27 28 Last Quarter 29 30

United Nations Day (UN) Labour Day (New Zealand) National Day () Birth of Prophet and of Constitution Day (Lithuania) Angam Day (Nauru) Independence Day (Saint Vincent and the Milvian Bridge Day (Christian) Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (Iran) Day of Basque Country (Spain) Intersex Awareness Day Grenadines) Ochi Day (Greece) Republic Day (Turkey) Independence Day (Zambia) Thanksgiving (Grenada) Prophet’s Baptism(Mali) Descending Day of Lord Buddha (India) Independence Day (Czech Republic) King’s Coronation Day (Cambodia) (Cambodia)

“Strength lies in differences, not similarities. “ - Stephen R. Covey GERMAN

My name is Marcel Stammeier. I was born in Germany and came to Australia 14 years ago. I currently live in Cairns where I am the president of the German Club. The Club intends to preserve the German culture as well as incorporating the tropic’s lifestyle. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, meeting friends and having a sense of community isvery important to me. I grew up on a farm in a small village, so I sometimes miss the sense of a small community. In Germany, older people would stay healthy and well by going for long bush walks, having fika (afternoon tea) and they would also go to a restaurant with friends after church services on Sundays. Most restaurants would have Stammtisch for older people on Sundays. Stammtisch is a reserved area that has been set aside. Culture & End of Life In my culture, most Germans are either Protestants or Catholics and when someone is dying, it is common to call a priest. Once the person has passed Inspired Idea... away, there is a church service followed by a burial. However, cremations are becoming very popular. Germany has the most regulated laws on Sometimes there may be differing burials and cremations. We are not allowed to keep the ashes at home, and ideas between what somebody permission has to be granted before throwing the ashes in the sea. Usually, wants and what their culture (and the urn has to be buried in the cemetery and a plaque be placed there. There family) expects. Conversation are strict laws even for expatriates, and it can be complicated if you helps to uncover beliefs and want to send a body back to Germany. opinions about these matters. End of life can openly be talked about. Generally, the doctor will tell the bad news to the person. The person will then decide if they will tell the family or not. Culture & Routines I like to get up early and go for a walk. My daily walk keeps me happy and well. This must be followed by a coffee with condensed milk. I will have Interviewee: Marcel Stammeier a proper lunch between 11.30 am—1 pm and a light dinner by 6.30 pm. Interviewer : Marcela Fischer Photos: Marcela Fischer We Germans also believe sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) must accompany every meal. Sauerkraut also has many health benefits such as strengthening your immune system, improving your digestion, and reducing your risk of certain diseases. NOVEMBER 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday October 2021 1 2 3 4 NEW MOON 5 6

All Saints Day (Christian) National Day (Tonga) Guy Fawkes Night (UK) Anniversary of the Revolution (Algeria) Independence Day (Dominica/Panama/ Day of Unity (Russia) Genghis Khan’s Birthday (Mongolia) Druk Gyalpo Coronation Anniversary Micronesia) Chaturdasi (India) Puno Day (Peru) All Saints Day (Finland/Sweden) (Bhutan) (Mexico) Independence of Cuenca Day (Ecuador) Sri Shayama Puja (Bangladesh) Vikram New Year (Hindu) Green March Day (Morocco) Independence Day (Antigua and Barbuda) All Souls Day (Christian) Culture Day (Japan) Festival (Nepal) Puja (India) (India) Recreation Day (TAS, Australia) Melbourne Cup (VIC, Australia) Sigd (Jewish) Deepavali (Singapore) Colon Day (Panama) Constitution Day (Tajikistan) 7 8 9 10 FIRST QUARTER 11 12 13 Republic Day (Maldives) Independence Day (Poland, Angola) Veteran’s Day (Observed by multiple countries, under different names) Day (Belarus) Armistice Day (Belgium/France) Day of History and Commemoration of Allama (Pakistan) Remembrance Day (Commonwealth Jain New Year (Jain) Ancestors (Kyrgyzstan) Independence Day (Cambodia) Nations) Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) World Kindness Day (UN) The Day Maldives Embraced Islam Heir to the Throne’s Birthday (Tuvalu) Birth Anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyalpo National Youth Day () Feast of Hundred Thousand Martyrs of (Maldives) Remembrance Day (Cayman Islands) World Freedom Day (USA) Puja (India) (Bhutan) Constitution Day (Azerbaijan) Tbilisi (Georgia) 14 15 16 17 18 FULL MOON 19 20 Begins (Orthodox Christian) St. Leopold’s Day (Austria) International Men’s Day King’s Feast (Belgium) Independence Day (Morocco) Garifuna Settlement Day (Belize) Republic Day (Brazil) Water Festival Ceremony (Cambodia) National Day (Monaco) Independence of Cartagena (Colombia) Battle of Vertieres Day (Haiti) Guru Nanak Jayanti (India) Universal Children’s Day (UN) World Diabetes Day (UN) National Peace Day (Ivory Coast) Freedom and Democracy Day (Czech Republic) Guru Nanak’s Birthday (Nepal) Celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib (Sikh) LGBTIQ Transgender Day of Readjustment Movement Day (Guinea Shichi-go-san Festival (Japan) National Revival Day (Azerbaijan) (Myanmar) Poornima (Hindu) Remembrance Bissau) Independence Day (Palestine) International Day for Tolerance (UN) President’s Day (Marshall Islands) National Day (Oman) Discovery Day (Puerto Rico) Zumbi Dos Palmares (Brazil) 21 22 23 24 25 26 LAST QUARTER 27

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (UN) Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) Thanksgiving (USA) Feast of the Holy Family (Christian) Day of National Sovereignty (Argentina) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Badur (Sikh) Vajiravudh Day (Thailand) Constitution Day (India) Dignity and Freedom Day (Ukraine) Saint Cecilia’s Day (Mexico) Saint George’s Day (Georgia) Thanksgiving Day (Norfolk Island) Statehood Day (Bosnia/Herzegovina) Thanksgiving Day (Turks and Caicos Islands) Christ the King (Christian) Independence Day (Lebanon) Labour Thanksgiving Day (Japan) Lachit Divas (India) Independence Day (Suriname) Republic Day (Mongolia) National Pride Day (Mongolia) 28 29 30 December 2021 World Day Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) First Sunday of Advent (Christian) Independence Day (Albania/Mauritania/ Intl Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Panama) People (UN) Republic Day (Chad/Burundi/Republic of (Jewish) Congo) William Tubman’s Birthday (Liberia) St. Andrew’s Day (Christian) Proclamation of Independence Day (East Liberation Day (Albania) Independence Day (Barbados/Yemen) Timor) Unity Day (Vanuatu) Bonifacio Day (Philippines)

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes” - Frank Lloyd Wright FILIPINO

My name is Nelly Blunck. I am 72 years old and from the Philippines. I now live on the Sunshine Coast. Health & Wellbeing In my culture, being healthy and well means having strong faith, eating healthy food and being with family. To be healthy, I exercise, eat good food, be with people who have a positive outlook on life and pray every day. In the Philippines, I grew up on a farm and always ate fresh produce. I believe food such as coconut, rice, sweet potato, cassava, corn and fruits all contribute to good health. Culture & End of Life Being of the Catholic faith, when a person is at the end of their life, we pray for them. When my father died, we placed the rosary beads and ‘scapular’ (a chain made with chord or string) in the coffin. We had a wake and Novena, which is a 9 day period of prayer. After the burial, family and friends attended a gathering where food and special prayers were offered. Inspired Idea... Every year, on November 2nd we celebrate ‘All Souls Day’ where we pray We can learn so much from one for the people who had passed. We also have 9 days of Novena and Mass is another by being curious and offered. In the Philippines, a Mass is held at the cemetery. I have a shrine at asking questions. The world is home for my late husband who passed away 25 years ago. I pray at home as brought a little closer together well as offer a Mass at the church every year to mark his death anniversary. when just one more person understands a little more about Culture & Routines another person’s culture. In my culture, older people usually wake up early, pray, walk, meet friends and go to bed early. I usually wake up around 5 am, do some gardening, and then have breakfast. I then either go to Church (3 times a week) or volunteer at 3 nursing homes in Caloundra which I have been doing for the last 20 years. I also attend prayer groups, socialise with friends and help other elderly people who need transport or other assistance. Cooking is important to me. I especially like to make something for Interviewee: Nelly Ocenar Blunck morning and afternoon tea. I also love gardening. Interview: Thana Roysmith Photos: Thana Roysmith DECEMBER 2021 Sunday MondayTuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday November 2021 1 2 3 NEW MOON 4

International Day for the Abolition of World AIDS Day (UN) Slavery (UN) International Day of Persons with Republic Day (Central African Republic) National Day (Laos) Disabilities (UN) Freedom and Democracy Day (Chad) Asom Divas (India) Saba Day (Bonaire) Indigenous Faith Day (India) Constitution Day (Iran) Farmer’s Day (Ghana) King Tupou 1 Day (Tonga) Restoration of Independence (Portugal) National Day (United Arab Emirates) Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Spain) (Orthodox Christian) 5 6 7 8 9 10 FIRST QUARTER 11 Bodhi Day (Buddhism) of Mary (Catholic Christian) CARICOM Cuba Day (Cuba) St. Nicholas Day (Christian) Constitution Day () Quito Day (Ecuador) Eve of the Immaculate Conception Battle of the Falklands Day (Falklands Good Neighbourliness Day (Turkmenistan) Independence Day (Finland) (Guatemala/Colombia) Islands) Independence and Republic Day (Tanzania) Human Rights Day (UN) Republic Day (Burkina Faso) King’s Birthday (Thailand) Constitution Day (Spain) Feast of St. Ambrose (Italy) Constitution Day (Uzbekistan) National Day (Myanmar) Constitution Day (Thailand) Fourth Republic Day (Madagascar) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe (Christian) Republic Day (Malta) Independence Day (Kazakhstan/) National Day (Bhutan) International Migrants Day (UN) Jamhuri Day (Kenya) National Day of Saint Lucia (Syracuse/ Forty-Seven Ronin Remembrance Day Sankranti (Hindu) Intl Day to End Violence Against Sex Republic Day (Niger) International Day of Neutrality (UN) Finland/Scandinavia/Sweden) (Japan) Day of Reconciliation (South Africa) Workers National Day ()

FULL MOON Christmas Day 19 20 21 22 23 (ALL STATES) 24 (ALL STATES) 25

Christmas Day (Christian) Solstice Yule (Christian) Yule / (Wicca) Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian) International Human Solidarity Day (UN) Pancha Ganapati 21-25 (Hindu) Unity Day (Zimbabwe) Christmas Eve (Christian) Constitution Day (Taiwan) Saint Nicholas Day (Eastern Christian Countries) SARE Day (Macau) Sao Tome Day (Sao Tome and Principe) Sambisa Memorial Day (Nigeria) HumanLight (Secular Humanism) Independence Day (Libya) Quaid-e-Azam Day (Pakistan)

Boxing Day LAST QUARTER New Year’s Eve January 2022 (ALL STATES) 26 27 28 29 30 (ALL STATES) 31 Proclamation Day (SA)

Death of Zarathushtra (Zoroastrian) Boxing Day (Australia) Synaxis of the Mother of God (Greece) New Year’s Eve (International) Independence and Unity Day (Slovenia) Saint John - Apostle and Evangelist Holy Innocents (Christian) Constitution Day (Ireland) Holy Family (Christian) Watch Night (Christian) St. Stephen’s Day (Christian) (Christian) Proclamation Day (Australia (SA)) Independence Day (Mongolia) Rizal Day (Philippines) Restoration Day (Switzerland)

“We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we are all a part of the one human race” - Kofi Annan resources. COMMUNICATING training. Culture and Disability ACROSS CULTURES Little Book of A cross cultural training resource A CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING RESOURCE Cultural Tips contact. from the Multicultural Advisory Service (MAS) FOR THE MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICE (MAS) Multicultural Advisory Service (MAS) at your fingertips

THE DIVERSICARE 360 degree virtual tour of MAS APP IS This publication by the Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is a home visit, supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Visit the Department of based on The This publication by the Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information. Little Book of Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information. NOW AVAILABLE This publication by the Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is supported by funding Cultural Tips from the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information. TO DOWNLOAD

You can download the booklet in the app under Resources - Service MAS offers a number of publications to support service providers to deliver culturally appropriate services. MAS assists culturally and Providers - Training linguistically diverse communities to access information, informs members of the community requiring care of the options available to simply search for Diversicare MAS them, and assists all staff involved in the provision of the Commonwealth Home Support Program in providing culturally appropriate care. Contact the MAS team for assistance on 0407 045 203 KEY CONTACTS: Professional Interpreters and Translators

TIS (Translating and Interpreting Services) Australian Interpreting Service Pty Ltd Phone: 131 450 (24 hours, 7 days) Phone: 03 8838 2983 1300 655 082 Web: www.australianinterpretingservice.com (online & existing onsite booking) +613 9203 4027 (outside Australia) ONCALL Interpreters & Translators 1800 131 450 (voice interpreting) Phone: 07 3018 0333 (Brisbane) 1300 655 081 (pre-booked interpreting) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.oncallinterpreters.com Web: www.tisnational.gov.au Support with Interpreting, Translating NAATI (National Office) and Communication (SWITC) Phone: 02 6260 3036 Phone: 07 3892 8559 A/Hrs: 07 3018 0333 Email: [email protected] Web: www.naati.com.au Deaf Services Qld It is encouraged to use SWITC online Web: www.switc.org.au Absolute Translations Email: [email protected] Phone: 1800 500 791 Phone: 07 3303 8527 (Brisbane) AUSLAN Interpreters Email: [email protected] Phone: 1800 246 945 Web: www.absolutetranslations.com.au Web: nabs.org.au Ethnic Communities Council of QLD Ltd Multicultural Advisory Service (MAS) Officers (ECCQ) and Diversicare Offices MAS Team Leader M: 0407 045 203 ECCQ Head Office: Diversicare Brisbane E: [email protected] Box 5916, West End QLD 4101 49-51 Thomas Street, WEST END P: 07 3844 9166 PO Box 5199, West End QLD 4101 Cairns Peninsula Region Logan/West Moreton Rural & Remote F: 07 3846 4453 P: 1300 DIVERSE or 1300 348 377 PO Box 347 Earlville QLD 4870 PO Box 9522, Wilsonton QLD 4350 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] M: 0432 322 154 M: 0434 254 812 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Sunshine Coast Region Gold Coast Region M: 0447 721 968 PO Box 5199 West End QLD 4101 E: [email protected] M: 0431 017 943 E: [email protected] Brisbane Region PO Box 5199 West End QLD 4101 North Queensland Region M: 0413 512 967 M: 0407 045 203 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Acknowledgements Funding This publication was produced by the Multicultural Advisory Service. Diversicare The Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is supported by funding from the acknowledges with appreciation the assistance received from the various ethnic Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. communities, people and organisations who collaborated in the creation of this calendar. Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information.

Designed, edited and published by Delight Designs | www.delightdesigns.com.au Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this calendar is as accurate as possible. However, Diversicare, the Multicultural Advisory Service, Delight Designs and their staff, servants and agents, disclaim any liability for errors or omissions or their consequences. The information in this publication is provided as a guide only. While the above mentioned organisations and community members have exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained in this document, the information is provided to offer an insight into cultures and their health beliefs. The information is in no way offering professional advice. Should you be suffering from an illness or ailment, we recommend to consult your local GP to discuss options available to you.