Harmony Week begins March 16 to 22 this year, and is a national week that celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity, encouraging acceptance all around the nation. The aim of the week is to promote intercultural understanding and peace, with the slogan ‘Everybody Belongs’ embodying the message of Harmony Week.
Such festivities allow us to recognise the importance of tolerance and Harmony Week acts as a reminder of the many advantages of multiculturalism that have shaped our nation. It is about community participation, inclusiveness, diversity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony Week is a way to build understanding and acceptance, which are stepping-stones to an Australia without discrimination.
Each year, there are a number of activities you can participate in during Harmony Week. These include:
1. Taste of Harmony
Taste of Harmony is a delicious way to celebrate diversity in Australian workplaces. Through this initiative, colleagues are encouraged to bring food to share, along with stories from different cultural backgrounds.
There’s no fundraising or fee involved – simply register online, choose a date within Harmony Week and ask your workmates to bring a dish to share!
2. Recipes for Harmony
Similar to Taste of Harmony, Recipes for Harmony encourages groups to bring together cultural recipes and dishes – but this time, for children!
This program is both interactive and educational, and brings together for children a range of online resources featuring recipes, personal stories and cultural profiles. Children are introduced to a world – literally, a world – of stories and recipes. Again, make sure you register online in order to receive the resources and promotional products.
3. ‘Living in Harmony Festival’ – Sydney
Held from March 1 to March 31, the Living in Harmony Festival is an annual festival that promotes cross-cultural understanding and celebrates diversity within Sydney. Ranging from afternoon tea events to talent shows and to film screenings, the festival acknowledges the multiculturalism that abounds within Sydney.
There are activities for people of all ages, so be sure to check it out! The full guide is available for download here.
4. Harmony Day
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Harmony Day, and is typically celebrated on March 21. Harmony Day is a chance for you to bring people together. If you would like to participate, you must plan an event, register it and then share it on social media, using the #harmonyday. Each year, Harmony Day is marked by people coming together and participating in local activities, ranging from a small morning tea or a huge community event. Don’t be afraid to be creative!
Will you be celebrating Harmony Week this year? And if so, how? Let us know in the comments below!
