40 years of Turkish migration to Australia
August 9, 2007
About 30 000 people from Australia’s Turkish community are this month celebrating the contributions made during 40 years of official Turkish migration to Australia.Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro said today that Australia and Turkey had signed a bilateral agreement on assisted migration in October 1967.
‘This brought the first significant wave of migrants to Australia from outside western Europe since 1901, including Australia’s first large Muslim population,’ Ms Gambaro said.
The Assistant Minister said Turkish migrants and their children had shown great commitment to Australia with almost 90 per cent of Turkish-born migrants becoming Australian citizens.
‘Turkish Australians have contributed to our nation through the arts, sports, politics and business, and this anniversary allows all Australians to recognise their contribution,’ Ms Gambaro said.
‘The anniversary is also an opportunity to extend the goodwill and respect which has grown between our nations since both experienced significant moments in their modern histories at Gallipoli.’
Australia and Turkey now share a trade relationship worth more than $800 million a year.
Activities marking the anniversary include an exhibition starting at Macquarie University in Sydney this month and Turkfest in Sydney on October 20 and 21.
‘I send my best wishes to all Turkish Australians as we celebrate this significant anniversary of our shared journey as the Australian family,’ Ms Gambaro said.
Source: DIAC
