Victoria's Enduring Connection with Sudan

Australia and Victoria's Enduring Connection with Sudan: Nurtured Bonds, Shared Commitments, and Pioneering Sacrifices

Australia, particularly the state of Victoria, has woven a unique and enduring connection with Sudan, evident not only in the cultural exchange and community ties but also in the very streets and monuments that grace the landscape of this diverse region.

Victoria's strong ties to Sudan are beautifully reflected in the nomenclature of its streets. Multiple thoroughfares bear the name "Khartoum Street," a homage to Sudan's capital city. This gesture not only symbolizes the geographical connection but also serves as a daily reminder of the bond shared between the two regions. Additionally, the naming of streets as "Soudan" further deepens the ties, demonstrating a commitment to recognising and celebrating Sudanese heritage within the local community.

A notable landmark in this connection is the Charles George Gordon Memorial located in East Melbourne, Victoria. Gordon Reserve, situated at the corner of Spring and Macarthur Streets, pays tribute to Charles Gordon, a historical figure whose influence stretched far beyond Sudan's borders. Gordon met his demise in 1885, serving as the governor-general of the Sudan, where he valiantly refused to evacuate Egyptian forces from Khartoum, deeming it unsafe. His death resonated deeply throughout the British Empire, prompting a significant response from the Australian public.

In an extraordinary manifestation of this sentiment, a fund was established to commission a bronze statue in East Melbourne, replicating Thornycroft's London monument. The response to this initiative was overwhelming, with contributions exceeding expectations. Thornycroft, responding to the oversubscription, produced four reliefs for the limestone base, unique to the Melbourne statue and not found on its London counterpart. Despite Gordon never setting foot on Australian soil, the monument holds immense historical significance.

Unveiled on June 26, 1889, the Charles George Gordon Memorial played a pivotal role in Australian history. It marked a poignant moment as the statue memorialized Gordon's sacrifice, prompting the dispatch of the first Australian troops overseas, a regiment from New South Wales. This historical detail highlights the pioneering sacrifices made by Australian servicemen in Sudan, establishing a legacy of international service that would continue in the years to come. This connection serves as a perpetual symbol of the enduring connection between Victoria and Sudan, transcending both time and distance.

The naming of streets and the commemoration of historical figures in Victoria underscore the deep and multifaceted connection with Sudan. Beyond the cultural exchange and community integration, these physical markers stand as testaments to the shared history and the mutual respect that binds Australia and Sudan together.

Moreover, Victoria's commitment to humanitarian values shines through its actions during the 1990s when it became one of the first states in Australia to welcome asylum seekers from Sudan for protection and resettlement. This compassionate initiative continued throughout the 90s and early 2000s, leading to the establishment of a diverse Sudanese community from all parts of the country now living in harmony and peace within Victoria.

The Victorian census first recorded Sudan-born residents in 1991, when 184 were counted. By 2001 this number had grown to almost 1000 since Sudan gained independence from the joint British-Egyptian administration in 1956. The largest population of Sudanese Australians reside in Victoria estimated at 8,000.

As the current war in Sudan adds a layer of complexity, it calls upon Victorians to stand once again with the Sudanese people, advocating for peace and working towards putting an end to the conflict that commenced in April 2023. The shared history, ongoing solidarity, and the pioneering sacrifices made by Australian troops in Sudan collectively weave a narrative of connection and commitment that paves the way for a united effort in the pursuit of lasting peace.