Australia’s Muslim Cameleers: Pioneers of the Inland 1860s – 1930s
This exhibition reveals the remarkable contribution that Australia’s first Muslim community, from Afghanistan and British India, made to the exploration and settlement of Australia’s arid interior. Cameleers assisted all major expeditions into Australia’s uncharted interior starting with the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860 and have contributed significantly to Australia’s economic and cultural development. Exhibits include fascinating photographs, camel saddles, historic clothing, textiles and original documents.
Date: Until 19 September 2010 – LAST DAYS
Spring school holidays
Learn about the world’s youngest nation, Timor Leste, at the Immigration Museum these school holidays. Join in and try the East Timorese tradition of weaving Tais or make your own traditional kite. Explore stories from Victoria’s East Timorese community and discover the ritual called Se Matebian in the new exhibition, Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering Timor Leste.
Date: 18 September – 3 October 2010
Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering Timor Leste
This exhibition explores a ritual called Se Matebian, which takes place each year on All Souls Day and honours East Timorese ancestors. It looks at how the East Timorese community in Australia continue to practise this ritual today. Personal stories and reflections of people from the East Timorese community are shared and featured objects include a silver breast plate and head piece worn by elders during ceremonial peace, a silver jewellery box with an ancestral worship home on top, jewellery associated with ancestors, timber statues representing ancestors, hand woven baskets and East Timorese fabrics.
Date: From 19 September 2010
Fighting for Equality: People with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds speak out
In 1981 the International Year of the Disabled Persons inspired carers and people with disabilities in Melbourne to create a unique service called ADEC. Its name stands for Advocacy Disability Ethnicity Community. Today it continues to empower people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, their carers and families to fully participate as members of the Victorian community. Fighting for Equality explores the challenges and experiences of people with disabilities from ethnic backgrounds, their carers and their families and offers hope and advice to others in similar situations.
Date: 25 October 2010 – 2 May 2011
West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit
From spiritual beliefs to daily life, masks to music, cloth to carving, West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit features over 200 objects from 28 different contemporary West African cultures expressing the diversity and dynamism of this unique and fascinating region. Bordered by the Sahara Desert to the north, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, West Africa is an area of tradition and change. The collection featured in this exhibition, including masks, carved figures, musical instruments, furniture, weavings and dyed textiles, as well as photographs and film, express the identity and creativity of the diverse cultural groups of West Africa, reflecting the everyday life of West African communities.
Date: 12 November 2010 to 29 May 2011
Brazilian Festival
Join in on fun Brazilian festivities as the Immigration Museum celebrates the Brazilian community in Victoria. Experience Brazilian culture through traditional music, dance and capoeira; a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance. Watch films, taste delicious Brazilian food and participate in family activities at this one day festival.
Date: 11am – 4pm, Sunday 14 November 2010
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, child/concession FREE. More info 13 11 02 or museumvictoria.com.au/immigration museum