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.