Burmese Australians

For much of its post-colonial history, Myanmar (Burma) has been ruled by the Tatmadaw, its armed forces, which has exacerbated domestic political instability, especially in regions inhabited by ethnic minorities, such as the Karen, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, Chin and others. Unresolved political issues and grievances by ethnic armed organizations have fomented significant tensions and conflict with the military government.[2] Consequently, the ordinary Burmese have endured subjugation for decades under a series of military governments.[3] Many Burmese people were internally displaced in 2002 as a result.[3] Burmese people were either being forced to relocate or relocating by their own will.[3] Over a half million Burmese had escaped to neighbouring countries for safety. The government was accused of engaging in various many human rights violations, such as forced labour, forced displacement and persecution.[3]

Prior to Burmese arrival in Australia, this group of refugees were living in camps on the border between Burma and Thailand.[3] During their time in these camps Burmese refugees had experienced health problems and diseases, women in camps were exposed to violence, a lack of income and food security.[3]

It was reported that a great number of the Burmese community have experienced certain health difficulties upon migrating to Australia.[4] Mental health conditions of the Burmese community in Australia upon migration has been examined and associated with factors of pre and post migration.[4] A study that was conducted indicated that a high number of participants reported various mental health distress this includes: PTSD (9%), anxiety (20%), depression (36%), and somatisation (37%).[4] This mental health factors were related to pre migration trauma and post migration difficulties.[4] It was reported that pre migration traumas linked to traumatisation symptoms whereas post migration had escalated symptoms of depression and anxiety.[4] Burmese migrants were greatly concerned about the difficulties of communication in Australia, and this hindering their ability to obtain job security and/or access to the right health services.[4] Furthermore, more worry was accentuated to educational opportunities and being away from family.[4]

A number of Burmese migrants who have settled in Australia have demonstrated Vitamin D deficiency as well as a number of infectious diseases.[5] Oral health is also not seen as a priority by many Burmese refugees in Australia due to the lack of oral health services in Burma.[5] It is also reported that the oral health of Burmese Australians is prone to further impacts if there is a rapid consumption of snacks and sugar in Australia.[5] Burmese migrants to Australia are also prone to chronic diseases.[5] Many refugees who were at the Thai-Burmese border camps before migrating to Australia have reported suffering from depression, and PTSD. Further members of the Burmese community are at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and weight gain.[6]

Burmese Australians adhere to different religions including Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Religion is usually determined based on the ethnic group.[7] There are various religious organisations where Burmese Australians observe their religion and foster connectedness with the community.[7] Upon an influx of Burmans migrating to Australia, Buddhist monasteries were established. Burmese people also congregated in existing churches and there is a developing Burmese Muslim population in Southeast Melbourne.[7]

According to the 2016 census the main languages spoken at home by Myanmar-born people in Australia is Burmese 40.5%, Karen languages 16.3%, English 12.3%, Hakha Chin 9.9%, other languages 20.5%.[9]

At the 2016 census the major religious affiliations for Myanmar-born were Baptist 31.0%, Buddhist 25.0%, Catholic 14.2%, Islam 10.7%, other religion 14.1%, no religion 2.9%.[9]

The Burmese population in Australia live in the major cities of Western Australia, Sydney, and Melbourne. In New South Wales, most Burmese Australians were reported to reside in the Western Sydney council areas of Cumberland 0.36% and Canterbury Bankstown 0.29%.[10] Sydney is also the home of the Australian Shan Community.[11] There is also a fast-growing community of Burmese Australians in Adelaide, South Australia.[12] Karen is considered to be the second most-spoken language in Mount Gambier.[13]

The Burmese association of Western Australia is one of the oldest organisations that was formed in 1965.[14] It originally was created to assist and support Burmese migrants but has moved to foster a broader purpose of creating understanding and relationships among other Australian communities through different programs and activities.[15] Burmese Australians frequently continue to consume traditional meals.[16] Food is considered an integral part of Burmese-Myanmar culture.[16] The Burmese association of Western Australia holds a monthly food fete that raises charity through the community and volunteer cooks.[15] This food fete enables people to try different types of the traditional cuisine by bringing the community together and celebrating multiculturalism.[15]

Gender roles in a Burmese Australian family is typically like that in their homeland.[5] Both men and women are involved in household tasks such as making food and shopping.[17] However, when larger festivities or gatherings are to take place, men are more typically responsible of cooking for these events.[5]

Burmese Australians are affiliated to various ethnic groups. These ethnic groups influence their religious and cultural and food practices. The Rohingya people who are primarily Muslim consume much more seafood and chilli.[18] They observe Islamic festivals of Ramadan and Eid.[5] The ethnic groups of Zomi and Chin have reported of eating a specific type of meat, whereas the Karenni group of people in Australia have reported eating vegetables.[5] In October the Buddhists celebrate their period of fasting with a festival in which many foods are consumed.[5] A harvest festival takes place in February whereby the Burmese community use the harvest food to make a festive glutinous rice dish called htamane.[5]

The common foods of Burmese Australians are rice, curry, soups, stir fries and salads.[5] Many Burmese Australians have also reported consuming more meat and less vegetables in Australia.[5] Cooking techniques in the Burmese community include boiling, frying, fermentation[5] Young Burmese Australians have reported drinking soft drinks, juices as well as sweetened milk teas with jelly pieces have become popular.[5]

The military takeover in Myanmar and the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi has shocked and dismayed the Burmese Australian community.[19] For some it brought back memories of military dictatorship and the experiences they had faced with the government before migration.[19] Many have also expressed their concerns and fears of their homeland going backwards, whilst others felt helpless for those in Myanmar and pray for the peace of their people and country.[19]

• Asian Australians
• Burmese diaspora
• Burmese Americans
• Burmese people in the United Kingdom
• Burmese people in Japan
• Burmese New Zealanders
• Burmese community in India
• Burmese in Malaysia
• Burmese in Thailand