Our Different Cultures
Australia's Northern Territory is one of the most culturally diverse parts of the nation. More than 100 nationalities are represented in the Northern Territory's population, including more than 50 organisations representing different ethnic groups.
Inhabited by Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years, the Northern Territory was probably first visited by Macassan sailors in the 14th century. Waves of migration from different parts of the world have occurred in more recent times. In the 1880s, gold attracted a large influx of Chinese migrant workers.
The pearling industry employed Malay, Filipino and Japanese workers, while the pastoral industry relied mainly on European and Aboriginal labour. Migrants from Greece, particularly the island of Kalymnos, arrived in Darwin's early days and, along with the Chinese and others from South East Asia, have helped make it the thriving city it is today.
There are many cultural and religious organisations in the Northern Territory community, with several mosques, Buddhist and Chinese temples and a variety of Christian denominations offering religious instruction. The community celebrates the religious and national festivals of many cultures, from the Greek Glenti to the Chinese New Year. SBS Radio broadcasts programs in 68 languages throughout the Northern Territory and SBS TV provides subtitled programs covering news, sport, movies and entertainment from all over the world.
More information on Chinese culture in the Northern Territory
Last updated on the Tuesday 06 Jan 2009
