Another traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory illnesses is an herbal cough syrup known as Pei Pa Koa. It relieves coughs and sore throats, aids in the removal of mucus and has anti-inflammatory effects (Li et. al., 1994; Nin Jiom, 2020).

Li, Z. L., Dai, B. Q., Liang, A. H., Li, G. Q., Yang, Q., & Xue, B. Y. (1994). Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, 19(6), 362–384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7945885/

Nin Jiom. (2020). Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa Series. https://au.ninjiom.com/pages/nin-jiom-pei-pa-koa-series

Perrigo Australia Pty Ltd. (2023). Tiger Balm: Unique Herbal Relief. https://tigerbalm.com.au/

Despite durian’s pungent smell, the fruit has been found to help reduce cancer risk and cholesterol levels, fight infection and lower blood sugar (Jennings, 2023).

Asian Inspirations. (2023). The Origins of Chinese Takeaway Favourites. https://asianinspirations.com.au/food-knowledge/the-origins-of-chinese-takeaway-favourites/

Jennings, K-A. (2023). Durian Fruit: Potent smell but Incredibly Nutritious. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/durian-fruit/

ChinaWhisper. (2023). Top 10 Renowned Chinese Actors in Hollywood. ChinaWhisper. https://www.chinawhisper.com/top-10-renowned-chinese-actors-in-hollywood/

IMDB. (2023). Rush Hour. IMDB. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120812/

Marvel. (2023). Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Marvel. https://www.marvel.com/movies/shang-chi-and-the-legend-of-the-ten-rings/

ABS. (2018). ABS reveals insights into Australia’s Chinese population on Chinese New Year. https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbytitle/D8CAE4F74B82D446CA258235000F2BDE/

ABS. (2016). 2016 Census. https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/2016/

ABS. (2023). Australia: 2021 Census All persons QuickStats. https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/AUS/

SBS. (2023). What is Lunar New Year and how is it celebrated in Australia? https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/en/article/what-is-lunar-new-year-and-how-is-it-celebrated-in-australia/djui9tex3

Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds. Competency standards framework for clinicians. January 2019. Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership.

Intestinal parasite infections such as hookworm, round worm and whipworm are common in tropical and subtropical areas like China. People from such areas should be checked for eosinophilia. Stool microscopy can verify infections which can be treated with albendazole, mebendazole or tinidazole depending on age or if the person is pregnant (Foundation House, 2023).

In China, schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic infection, can be found in people from areas along the Yangtze River. In Australia, screening for schistosomiasis can be performed using serology. Positive serology tests are followed by stool and urine testing and treated by praziquantel (Foundation House, 2023).

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects a person’s lungs but can also affect other organs. People born in China are among a group that makes up over 50% of active overseas-born Australian cases. Screening and testing can minimise the risk of spread. Cases of latent tuberculosis infection are treated with isoniazid and pyridoxine if necessary (Foundation House, 2023).

Foundation House. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Common health concerns – all ages. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Statistics on people seeking asylum in the community. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/asylum-community/3/

Education for migrants and refugees in Australia can be difficult due to language barriers or lack of education in their home country. Intensive English programs, bilingual and counselling support, and targeted funding are available to help people integrate into Australia’s education system (NSW Department of Education, 2020).

Social inclusion and non-discrimination of migrants and refugees is important as Australia is a culturally diverse country. Community Capacity Building through the promotion of work placement programs, a comprehensive networking framework, workforce cultural training and integrated vocational training ensures that migrants and refugees are provided with opportunities to connect with community and feel supported and empowered to be involved in an inclusive society (Australian Institute of International Affairs, 2017).

Australian migrants and refugees are at risk for unemployment and poor job security due to poor literacy. The Refugee Council of Australia (2017) found that the government’s jobactive (DEWR, 2022) employment service (July 2015 to June 2022) had a negative impact to employment, with low interpreter usage and lack of translated materials resulting in migrants and refugees receiving little support with resumes and interview skills, being treated with disrespect and having to choose between learning English and finding work.

Australian Institute of International Affairs. (2017). A Path to Social Inclusion in a Multicultural Australia. https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/news-item/a-path-to-social-inclusion-in-a-multicultural-australia/

DEWR. (2022). jobactive. https://www.dewr.gov.au/jobactive/

NSW Department of Education. (2020). Supporting refugees: Education. https://www.roads-to-refuge.com.au/refugees-australia/supporting-education.html/

Refugee Council of Australia. (2017). Not Working: Experiences of refugees and migrants with Jobactive. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/jobactive-report/

WHO. (2023). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health/