Chinese in Australia
A. Read the information about the Chinese market gardens
The area is seen to have importance in the evolution of the area from a landscape occupied and modified by the area’s Aboriginal population, to an area adapted to the settlement and food production needs of the European colony.
Toomevara Lane Chinese Market Gardens
http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=5045754
Arncliffe market Gardens
http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=5045744
Kyeemagh Market Gardens
http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=5045758
1. Outline the history of their use by producing a Market Garden Timeline.
2. What was the driving force behind the continuation of these market gardens?
3. Name some of the other market gardens in the Sydney area. On a map of the Sydney region locate these gardens.
4. Using a camera record some of the sites or items in your local area that you think are of importance to your community.
5. What can these gardens tell us about the past?
6. Imagine that a development corporation wanted to build multi-storey apartments on the site of this market garden. Identify the groups that you would notify, and the action that you would take, to support your campaign to retain the gardens.
7. Consider the opposing arguments of key players in the proposed development of apartments. Outline the main arguments for and against development?
B. Read the information about the Sze Yup Temple and Joss House and the Inventory on Sze YupTemple
1. What does this building and its contents tell us about the past?
2. Investigate the god who is worshipped in this temple.
3. Consider the rituals connected to this place. What do these convey about community attitudes?
4. Develop a 10 point Fact File on the region in China from where the Chinese worshippers originated.
Big Questions
1. What can the Chinese Market Gardens and the Sze Yup Temple tell us about the changes and developments in Australian communities and the value that we should place on such items?
2. How do the influences revealed by these places contribute to our understanding of multiculturalism and cultural continuity
3. Identify the elements and symbols that help to thread a culture together over time. What can the Chinese Market Gardens and the Sze Yup Temple tell as about the experience of cultural preservation in Australia?