This week is Harmony Week, a national celebration of our ethnic diversity and inclusion, with many councils, schools and other organisations planning celebrations or encouraging people to wear orange to show their support for all people living in harmony.
Most of the celebrations will be on Thursday March 21 – Harmony Day, otherwise known as the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week, as this traditionally signifies communication and meaningful conversations.
Glen Innes Severn Council is encouraging residents to come and celebrate the region’s cultural diversity at a free Community Morning Tea on 21 March 2024 at the Glen Innes & District Services Club from 10.30am.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said the Harmony Day event is a reminder to the community, of why cultural diversity stands as one of the area’s greatest assets, and that we are a stronger community because of it.
“We want everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, to come along, have fun and appreciate that our differences make our community a great place to live,” Cr Banham said.
Meanwhile Moree Plains Shire Council is encouraging everyone to wear orange to work school or home, and join in a big community photo at 1pm on March 21 in front of the Memorial Hall in Balo Street. Schools are encouraged to take a group photo on site (if coming to the hall is not an option) and send it in to be included in the Shire wide reel.
And of course Harmony Day is always a big event at the region’s very own melting pot of the University of New England. UNE Life is planning a big free lunch and a free screening of the movie ‘In the Heights’ on campus.
Lots of schools and businesses will be getting in to the spirit, with many planning mufti days, morning teas and other events. To learn more about other ways you can get involved in this year’s Harmony Day celebrations, visit: www.harmony.gov.au
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