Australia Day Parade-Participation by the Pakistani Community

People from Pakistan have been in Australia since the 1860s. Many came from Baluchistan and the Northern frontier region. They brought Camels with them. They have been mentioned in the Australian history as people who helped open up the country.These people worked as camel drivers, trainers and breeders, wool and water carriers, hawkers and mail carriers. They were cosidered hard working and honest people. They established the first Mosque in Australia.

The Museum of Victoria decided to send a camel to join the Pakistani contingent in this years Australia Day Parade. It was a sort of reminder for the Australian public of the important role these Pakistani Cameleers played in the building of this country.

Yasmin Sayed joined the parade and has interviewed the Pakistani participants including the owner of the Camel.