In harmony with one another
Harmony Week began on Monday, coincidentally, on the same day we celebrated Saint Patrick and the wonderful influence the Irish have had on Australia.
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all backgrounds. It is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone but also about the importance of combatting racism. So, as part of Harmony Week, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) will be held on Friday.
The Governor-General Sam Mostyn says living, working and learning in vibrant, vital and diverse communities is harmony in practice. “We do it so well in Australia and it’s truly one of the greatest facets of our nation,” she says.
“In the beauty of our arts and culture, and the genius of our scientists and entrepreneurs, on our sports fields, and in our centres of faith and community, in the integrity of our democratic institutions and systems of government. We find the diversity of Australia stirring, thriving and enduring and I see it every week in the 25,000 school children who visit Government House in Canberra to learn about the role of the Governor-General in the life of our nation.
“The vibrancy of multicultural Australia is present in children from every background and walk of life, who are rushing towards the future with enthusiasm and energy and their visits fill me with optimism and great joy.
“Over half a century of immigration and refugee arrivals. More than 7.5 million migrants and one million refugees. Everyone is part of our story, and each one is welcome to tell their story and add it to the story of our nation.”
The CEO of Multicultural Australia, Christine Castley, says she arrived in Australia as a migrant at the age of fifteen. “Every day, as I go about my life, as I listen to the news on the radio and as I walk down the street, I am struck by the many different cultures, faiths, and ethnicities that shape who we are as Australians,” she says.
“I count myself extremely lucky to be a part of a country which has at its heart the world’s oldest continuous living culture, and which has over the years absorbed many different cultures from all over the world to create a version of multiculturalism that is built on hope and resilience. For me, celebrating multiculturalism is a way of life.”
Orange is the official colour of Harmony Week which runs until Sunday. Further details at: Harmony Week – Everyone belongs
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