May 14, 2020

There have been numerous reports about racist abuse fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic. At a time when we should be coming together as a community, it has been disheartening to watch our friends, colleagues, and members of the public be treated this way. We want our Chinese-Australian and Asian-Australian neighbours to know that we stand with them.

The Centre for Stories remains a safe and inclusive space for everyone who walks through our doors, especially diverse, marginalised and vulnerable people.We might remind you to check in on your Asian-Australian mates and since we’re all online now more than ever you can use your voice to contribute to campaigns like #IStandWithAsianAustralians, #IAmNotAVirus, #WashTheHate and #UnityOverFear.

For those of us who are at the receiving end of this abuse, the Asian Australian Alliance, Diversity Arts Australia, and Democracy in Colour have joined forces to collaborate on the COVID-19 Coronavirus Racism Incident Report Survey. They’re also encouraging you to report to the police, to state and territory bodies, and to national organisations like The Australian Human Rights Commission. You can also access a rang of support and counselling services. Beyond Blue has a coronavirus mental wellbeing support service, Lifeline offers a free interpreting service for people who do not speak English, and Multicultural Futures provides free phone counselling for migrants and refugees.

At a time when Asian-Australians are targeted, we want to encourage you to support each other in whatever way you can. That is what community means. That is the measure of our selves and our time. That is why we must continue to share stories as though our lives and wellbeing depend on it.

With love,

The Centre for Stories team

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