Stockland is proud to support this year’s national Harmony Day on Tuesday 21 March 2017.
What is Harmony Day?
Harmony Day is a day to celebrate cultural diversity and is held on the 21 March each year.
The message of Harmony Day is everyone belongs. It’s about engaging people to participate in their community, respecting cultural and religious diversity and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who calls Australia home.
Since 1999, more than 65 000 events and activities have been held across the country, from the smallest childcare centres to the largest businesses.
Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year marks 50 years since the declaration of the Day.
Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange on 21 March to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.
How to Celebrate?
This is a great opportunity to celebrate with your local community and celebrate through food, music, entertainment and sport, all of which play an important role in promoting our cultural diversity.
This may take the form of cooking demonstrations of foods from across the world, cultural performances from local schools, performances from local cultural dance or music groups, music lessons (using instruments form different cultures), arts and crafts, flag decorating or hand print decorating. You may also choose to host a multicultural lunch or morning tea.
For further information, including simple ways to celebrate, you can review the Harmony Day website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Did you know?
- Around 45 per cent of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was
- We identify with about 300 ancestries
- Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
- 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia
- More than 60 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.
- Apart from English the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Vietnamese, Tagalog/Filipino, Spanish and Hindi.
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