For the second year running, All Together Now was proud to be a supporter of the New South Wales Premier’s Harmony Dinner, held on 10 April.
The event was even bigger and better than in previous years with around 1,000 guests celebrating the success of multiculturalism in NSW, which is one of the most multicultural states in the world.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Prime Minister Tony Abbot spoke early in the evening by videoconference from China. They both acknowledged Australia as a successfully multicultural nation.
An engaging and heartfelt speech by NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello followed. The Minister reminded us that as Australians we have many shared values, but the one to top them all is a shared understanding that racism is unacceptable in our society. We couldn’t agree more.
Federal Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull followed this up by reiterating racism and bigotry is unacceptable in all forms.
Later in the evening it was fascinating to hear from Vic Alhadeff, who is the new Chairperson of the Community Relations Commission. Vic spoke of his experience living during apartheid in South Africa. This experience has compelled him to be an advocate for antiracism throughout his career.
Not only was there some outstanding entertainment (the Maori dancers were a particular favourite) and delicious food from around the world, but it was a great opportunity to meet new people and hear about their work in advancing respect for cultural diversity in NSW.
I hope you’ll join me next year at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner. Given its popularity tickets are expected to sell out within weeks so sign up to the mailing list now to ensure you won’t miss out!
