A topic that unfortunately rears its ugly head throughout the country too often.

Racism.

Following a week when the City of Ballarat mayor took a stance on the issue, and Ballarat heard of the effects it had on a young Indian restaurant owner, The Courier took the chance to investigate Ballarat’s diverse range of people and the benefits they bring to this community. 

“Ballarat makes me very happy. Too happy.”

These words came from Mohammad Rezaie, an Afghani refugee and one of Ballarat’s newest residents. 

Born into the Hazara people, Mr Rezaie fled Taliban persecution in 2010. 

He came via boat, and after almost two years in detention, made his new home in Ballarat. 

He could have easily slipped into Dandenong’s strong Hazara community to live a life with his people.

But he chose this city. 

“Here it is beautiful and I have already made so many friends,” Mr Rezaie said. 

“If I was to go to Dandenong I could be with my people, but I would never learn the Australian way of life.”

He said he had been welcomed into the community and already had locals in his life whom he considered family.

Dark skinned and Asian in appearance, Mr Rezaie said he hadn’t experienced any form of racism in Ballarat. 

Lucky. One can only imagine how the Iranian world champion in Kyokushin Karate might respond.

Welcomed to Ballarat by his coach and now close friend Steve Hardy, it’s not only Mr Rezaie experiencing the teachings of another culture. 

“Mohammad has taught myself and our family so much,” Mr Hardy said. 

“Here is a man who has experienced so much pain and anger throughout his life, and he is the biggest gentleman one could meet.”

Mr Hardy admits he knew little of the Hazara people, or “boat people” for that matter, before Mohammad came into his life. 

“The things these people have been through, it’s baffling to think what their home is like,” he said.

“And he’s one of the lucky ones, his boat got here before sinking.”

Ballarat is a city booming with different cultures and nationalities. 

According to recent census information, more than 13.5 per cent of the population are born in a country other than Australia. 

There are people from more than 25 different nationalities that call Ballarat home. 

Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council acting chairman David Vendy said the city was steadily moving forward and celebrated its diverse culture. 

“We are extremely lucky in Ballarat to have the range of cultures and nationalities that we do,” he said. 

“There are people from all around the world who are doing great things for this city and contributing for the greater good.”

Mr Vendy said Ballarat was a caring community and one that encouraged all, regardless of race or religion, to get involved.

Curry Star, a renowned Indian restaurant in Dana Street, has been in operation for more than five years and its owner, Goldy Brar, said Ballarat was the best city he had ever lived in. 

“I was shocked when I moved to Ballarat just how accepting its people are,” Mr Brar said. 

“Ballarat is a great city.”

The chairperson of the Federation of India Association Victoria, Mr Brar said Ballarat’s diverse culture and its people were what made the city special. 

“The people of Ballarat appreciate our culture and know lot’s about our culture,” he said. 

“Instances of racism are rare and can happen anywhere in the world.” 

The city celebrates its multiculturalism through a number of events and forums, working to educate residents about different cultures. 

Harmony Festival is one annual event that celebrates all cultures. 

Held for the third time in March this year, the festival experienced record numbers with more than 5000 people attending. 

City of Ballarat’s Intercultural Advisory Committee chairman John Philips said the figures attending the event had doubled each year. 

“That comes down to the people of Ballarat wanting to experience different cultures and really enjoying all that different cultures have to offer,” Cr Philips said. 

This year’s festival, partnered with the Ballarat African Association, showcased everything from Bollywood dancing to Afghani pancakes.

Ballarat’s Sudanese community is another which is growing and certainly prospering in Ballarat. 

Nyanchar Deng, 30, has lived here with her four children since 2006 and said Ballarat offered freedom and a community full of “genuine people” wanting to help.

“I now run a very successful catering business which was only made possible by the kindness of Ballarat people,” she said. 

“When I thought about starting my business I was very scared and I never thought I could do it.

“But the people of Ballarat have made it possible.”

Ms Deng said her children attended Mt Pleasant Primary School and had gained beautiful friendships with other children at the school.

“Every day I give thanks that my family and I ended up in Ballarat,” she said. 

“We love this city.”

patrick.byrne@fairfaxmdia.com.au