We’ve never been a monoculture: One group of Australians knows this

July 5, 2026 — 7:30pm

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The current political debate about what Australia should look like frames diversity as a problem. First Nations cultures teach something very different.

This continent has never been a monoculture. My mob have been practising diversity, belonging and inclusion for a very long time. For tens of thousands of years, First Nations peoples lived across hundreds of nations and language groups. Yet diversity did not mean disconnection. We remained connected through our love of Country and kinship with shared values of belonging, respect and responsibility.

First Nations peoples are again offering Australia something generous: an invitation to celebrate, listen, learn and walk together. It’s an opportunity to ask what First Nations wisdom can teach us about living well with diversity, rather than fearing it.

One First Nations teaching that speaks powerfully to........

© Brisbane Times