Australians have always been uncomfortable with their nation's geography.

Ever since Europeans invaded and began to colonize the Antipodean continent in the second half of the 18th century, settlers — whether there of their own accord or sent by force as convicts — have viewed their new country as an Anglo-Celtic enclave in a region populated by assorted Asian hordes. Enclave, fortress and haven all apply to the way white Australians viewed their country with guarded exclusivity — while regarding their northerly neighbors with suspicion and racist disdain.

But that all began to change in the early 1970s, when Australia started opening its doors to Asian migration and embarked on a multicultural journey. While the political and corporate establishment was still largely Anglo-biased, the popular consciousness was gradually shifting as people traveled in Asia, particularly young backpackers, and Asian migrants began to arrive in Australia.