Sights set on Schützenfest
9 January 2009
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today extended his good wishes to German-Australians as they enjoy South Australia’s Schützenfest this weekend, the largest festival of its kind outside Germany.
Dating back to medieval times, the festival combines target shooting and beer drinking. Shooters compete for the status of ‘king of the marksmen’. The focus then turns to beer drinking as well as traditional music and dancing.
‘Australia’s first Schützenfest was held in Adelaide in 1865 and is now a regular highlight of the summer events calendar, attracting Australians from many cultural backgrounds,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Germans have played a part in Australia’s history since the beginnings of European settlement, with the First Fleet’s commander and the colony’s first Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip, of German descent.
‘The contribution of 19th century German immigrants who pioneered the food and wine industries in the Barossa Valley is well known – a contribution which has benefited our country both gastronomically and economically,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘The construction industry is another area where German Australians have contributed, with German craftsmen recruited as part of the Snowy Mountains scheme. They have contributed in a practical and social sense in helping build our nation.’
Today about 812 000 Australians are of German descent – one of the largest ancestry groups in the country.
‘Like its cousin Oktoberfest, Schützenfest gives German Australians a chance to celebrate their heritage and all Australians to celebrate our great cultural diversity,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Media contact: 0434 602 382
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09001.htm
Last update: 09 January 2009 at 09:47 AEST