Historically Australia is a country of profound mystery. People have always yearned for Australia. It has been a place of dreams. It is believed that the Chinese first discovered Australia. Then came the Dutch, French, Russians and finally the English. What should be remembered, is that the history of Australia as a European dream is recent-given that the indigenous population has lived on the land for more than 60,000 years.
     In the 20^th century the Commonwealth Government attracted many European immigrants to Australia. Slowly Australia became an important destination for migrant populations from Europe. However, because of the existence of a white Australia Policy it was made much harder for non-whites, including Asians to migrate here. After 1970, diverse races, started to migrate to Australia. While welcomed by most people, migration and the consequent multiculturalism this engendered, has continued to cause division in the community. This has been exploited by the current Commonwealth Government, which began to out the number of immigrants, especially from Asia, several years ago.
     In order to deter refugees arriving by boat Australia now has put in place, a punitively tight security system around its borders.

 Despite this, leaky, dangerously overloaded boats bring hundreds of refugees from South East Asia. These people dream of participating in a life that is rich in possibility for both themselves and their children.   
     Two Journeys, features a large map. On one side is Captain Cook discovering Australia followed by the fleet that began Australia’s migration history. On the other side of the mural are refugee boats sailing to Australia and sailing towards the dream of a new home. The four screens show images cut from ABC TV programs Four Corners and Captain James Cook.
     Two Journeys emphasizes the contrasts between history and current issues. I believe that the way we live today is influenced by our history. In today’s society there are issues between the colonizer and colonized, Indigenous people, migrants and refugees, eastern and Western cultures. Today we live in the shadows of antiterrorism. People do not trust each other any more. I hope that Two Journeys can encourage people to remember our nation’s history and to face today’s issues with bravery and unite as one, to create a wonderful tomorrow.