Burwood Council is currently running a unique competition, engaging young students and residents of Sydney’s inner west by asking them what values or human rights we should all share as Australians.
Can or should all Australians identify with ideas such as ‘A fair go’ or ‘Mateship’? Are these ‘Australianisms’ still relevant today? Does patriotism only come into play on the cricket, football or rugby field? Is being an Australian something that defines us and how will live our life every day?
The ‘Think Rights’ initiative is the first of its kind in Sydney’s inner west and is aimed at taking the debate on identity, values and human rights to the grassroots level – to the young residents who will be leaders in the near future.
Council engaged 85 schools in the area and several universities. The task required of entrants is an essay on the theme of basic rights and shared values.
The ideas the participants generate will form a framework for Council policy to foster a community within Burwood which promotes values and respect.
The entries will be selected by an extraordinary judging panel made of Burwood Mayor Councillor John Sidoti, Federal Member for Lowe John Murphy, New South Wales Member for Strathfield and Minister for Arts and Fair Trading Virginia Judge, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Catherine Branson, and respected author and Human Rights and Public Law expert Professor George Williams (UNSW).
The competition closes May 31.
Log on to www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/events for more information.
