Australia celebrates Harmony Day 2009
Friday, 20 March 2009
Australians of all backgrounds will celebrate the diversity of the nation's cultural heritage on Harmony Day, March 21.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Harmony Day is an opportunity for people across the nation to showcase their cultural diversity.
‘Harmony Day is an opportunity to celebrate the cohesiveness of Australia's communities and promote the benefits of a multicultural society,’ Senator Evans said.
‘This year is particularly significant as it marks 60 years of Australian citizenship which is the unifying force behind our varied ethnic, religious and linguistic heritage.
‘It is an opportunity for all Australians to understand the role citizenship plays in building a strong and unified nation.’
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said 2009 marked a decade of Harmony Day celebrations.
‘The theme for Harmony Day 2009 is ‘Everyone belongs’ which reflects the importance of community participation, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘Thousands of community groups, businesses, schools, government agencies and councils throughout Australia have registered Harmony Day events. Altogether they will play host to more than 4200 events.’
Harmony Day supporters include such iconic Australian organisations as the Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, Girl Guides Australia and Scouts Australia. The Australian Tax Office, the Australian Federal Police, Centrelink, Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics are among the many government agencies taking part.
Harmony Day is part of the Diverse Australia Program, which helps local communities address cultural, racial and religious intolerance and works with different levels of government and community organisations to empower grassroots action.
For more information on events, visit harmony.gov.au or telephone. Broadcast quality vision and audio is also available online at newsroom.immi.gov.au.
Telephone: 1800 331 100
See:
harmony.gov.au
newsroom.immi.gov.au
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09032.htm
Last update: 20 March 2009 at 14:37 AEST