Harmony Day celebrations return to Belmont
As politicians mindlessly debated over 18C and which ways we can legally or illegally insult each other, the community got back to doing what most people do – living together, and living in harmony.
Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live. More than 45 per cent of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was, and Harmony Day helps recognise this. It is held nationally on 21 March (in conjunction with United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) and is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.
The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
Since 1999, more than 70, 000 Harmony Day events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia. In Western Australia we not only have Harmony Day, but also Harmony Week!
As one of Perth’s most diverse regions Belmont always has a wonderful Harmony Day event at Tomato Lake. The free family outdoor concert is a celebration of the city’s cultural diversity.
With face painting, henna art, hair beading, balloon twisting and a visit from of the peace torch from the Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run, the event was blessed by great weather and colourful families and individuals from right around the globe.
Events like this remind us that there is far more that unites us than divides us and really encourage more oneness and peace in the community.
I look forward to next year’s Harmony Week.
