Coober Pedy is a living breathing working example of a very successful multi-cultural society. Since its very beginnings 100 years ago, it has attracted miners from every race and culture. Its modest population of 1600 is drawn from 45 different nations and cultures and many have their own churches and clubs. Peoples who in other parts of the world are constantaly at each others throats, mix freely and attend each others events.
I guess that the apparent differences in cultures suddenly become very irrelevant when you are in a constant battle with the elements. I reckon the rest of the world could learn a lot from Coober Pedy.
The Eastern European nations are heavily represented and this Serbian Orthodox Church which was dedicated in 2012 was constructed with the assistance of the local Croation and Bosnian communities. Imagine that happening elsewhere. And why eastern European? Prior to the discovery of opals in Coober Pedy, Hungary was the leading supplier of the worlds opals.
( I was going to post some shots from the cemetery to highlight the different cultures but at the rate I'm going, I'll never get to leave Coober Pedy.)
Amazing. Don't feel you have to rush. This is so interesting with all the different aspects of this amazing town you are showing us and your excellent commentary.
I love the design of this building. So nice to hear of people living along side each other and getting on so well. I am finding your story of Coober Pedy really interesting.
Many years ago, when we passed through Coober Pedy, tensions were running high between the Aborigines and the Italian communities. The caravan park we stayed at had a shotgun behind the counter to deter trouble. An interesting stay and short lived. We moved along before any shit went down so I am glad to hear that over the years things have settled. This building is fairly impressive. Love those outback colours.
@terryliv wow that really is amazing! This is all new to me! Now don't laugh I was watching Home and Away a while ago and they did go out into the outback and there were homes built into the rock and there were tunnels - I wonder if that was an opal mine? Yes I am afraid most of my Aussie knowledge comes from Neighbours and Home and Away! Lol!
PS I once watched AN episode of Neighbours but have NEVER watched one of Home and Away. :-)