21 March is Harmony Day
Harmony Day happens on March 21 each year and is a time when Australians come together to reflect on and celebrate the many cultures that make up our country and to reject racism and discrimination. Since its inception in 1999, Local Governments around Australia have been vital supporters of Harmony Day, recognising the importance of the day in promoting social cohesion and community harmony.
Harmony Day is a grass roots initiative which depends on the support of local communities to make the day as successful as possible. Whether it is an international morning tea at work places or schools, a multi faith ceremony in the park or forums on cultural diversity, Harmony Day provides an engaging and innovative opportunity to learn about the benefits of cultural diversity.
What communities do on Harmony Day
For Harmony Day 2004, residents of Hervey Bay celebrated the diversity of their community with a multicultural festival, which included entertainment and international foods. The day was coordinated by Hervey Bay City Council, which worked with a range of community organisations to make it a huge success. Local businesses also showed their support by sponsoring the festivities.
Another example of grass roots support for community harmony is the Glenorchy City Council in Tasmania, which held a Migration Memoirs and Memorabilia workshop on Harmony Day last year. The workshop, organised with the help of Council’s committee on cultural diversity, presented personal pieces of memorabilia and explained the significance behind people’s reasons and experiences of migration.
This proactive commitment to community inclusiveness is assisting the recent migrants, as well as helping to increase a general understanding of cultural diversity within the local community.
How can you get involved?
Visit the official Harmony Day web site to order free Harmony Day promotional products, share your plans and check out what other groups are doing at www.harmony.gov.au
Get behind this initiative – it is an essential part of everyone’s business – you can make a difference!
