One of the key concepts according ACARA  addresses the nature of past and ongoing links between Australia and Asia, and develops the knowledge, understanding and skills, which make it possible to engage actively and effectively with peoples of the Asia region (2013). The gold rush that occurred in the 1850 had a huge effect on the Australian economy and our development as a nation (Wells, 2007).  Because of the discovery of Gold many new immigrants migrated to Australia for a brighter future (Wells, 2007). This was the start to the relationship between Australia and Asia (Wells,2007).

Chinese gold digger, starting for work, with his tools suspended from a yoke on his shoulders. (Creator: R. Daintree, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Image number 60526)

The above image represents a Chinese immigrant working in the gold mines. The technique they used to find gold was completely different compared to the Europeans (The Original Gold Rush Colony, 2013).  

“On those occasions when the Chinese did dig for gold, it is commonly believed that they constructed round shafts rather than square or rectangular ones. This is both sound engineering, as a cylindrical shaft has better structural integrity than a square one which needs a great deal of shoring-up, and a likely deference to the Chinese superstition that evil spirits hide in corners, and they would not want to turn their back on such spirits” (The Original Gold Rush Colony, 2013).  

With the introduction of new techniques from the past by the Chinese, the relationship that is between Asia and Australia continues to develop highlighting the diversity  within and between the countries of the Asia region, from their cultures, societies and traditions through to their diverse environments and the effects of these on the lives of people (ACARA, 2013).

Reference

ACARA. 2011. Cross-Curriculum Priorities. Retrieved  4 June 2013, from http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/cross_curriculum_priorities.html.

Making Multicultural Australia. (2013). The gold fields, 1860s [image]. Retrieved 4 June 2013, from http://www.multiculturalaustralia.edu.au/library/media/Image/id/973. 

The Original Gold rush Colony. (n.d.). Australian Gold, History & Culture Info. from http://www.goldrushcolony.com.au/australian-gold-history-culture-info.

 

Wells,K. (2007). The Australian gold rush. Retrieved 4 June 2013, from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/austn-gold-rush.