As Canberrans flock to the heart of the city this weekend to celebrate diversity with the Multicultural Festival, it's worth reminding ourselves of the need to be vigilant against racism and divisive extremist views.
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Most Australians pride themselves on being part of an inclusive society, built on the concept of a fair go for all.
A person's background or heritage has traditionally been viewed in this country as largely irrelevant, as long as they're prepared to contribute to society along the broadly accepted values held by the community.
But at the fringes of the majority, and increasingly at times like this with the threat of coronavirus having crossed the doorstep onto Australian soil, it's important to recognise those who are trying to exploit the issue and proliferate toxic views - and also to recognise and challenge the unconscious bias within each other.
While a downturn in patronage is devastating for the Chinese business community, we can be thankful that Canberra's Chinese restaurants are seeing a downturn in customers due solely to the fact that most of the regulars have remained in China, or have self-quarantined after their return from China.
In other parts of the country and the world, Chinese centres of activity are taking a hit due to virus fears. In New York City's Chinatown, there has been a significant downturn in patronage. The same has been said for Sydney's Chinatown.
As a city we must remain aware of the undercurrents of racism being experienced by the Chinese community because of something they have no control over.
The fear is hurting the pockets of employees as they lose shifts due to the dip in customers, and businesses are taking a huge hit to their bottom line.
Meanwhile, Australia has relaxed the travel ban for year 11 and 12 students enrolled in Australian schools but stuck in China - but the final decision will be up to states and territories as to whether these people will be able to return. Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said it was important to get some "normality" back into the international student market.
If the proper measures are in place, including people travelling from China committing to and adhering to self-exclusion for a time, then we should welcome the students back with open arms.
Particularly as health authorities have declared the coronavirus contained within the general Australian community, despite cases increasing across the globe to more than 77,600 with 2356 deaths.
As a city we must remain aware of the undercurrents of racism being experienced by the Chinese community because of something they have no control over. It is everyone's job to ensure we're challenging this, and to support this community that is clearly suffering. The multicultural fabric of society depends on it.
