Australian community champions cohesion
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Australians around the country are demonstrating their support for cultural diversity and cohesion in their neighbourhoods as they plan to celebrate Harmony Day.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today he was heartened by the level of community support for cultural diversity in Australia.
'People from organisations large and small have been contacting my office and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to talk about their plans to celebrate their culturally diverse communities,' Mr Ferguson said.
'It’s wonderful to see so many people taking the initiative to build understanding and acceptance in their local communities.
'Schools, business, local government, sporting and community groups have all indicated their continuing support for Harmony Day as we work to find ways to reach a broader audience and make the program even more effective.'
Mr Ferguson said it was time to take a fresh look at strategies for bringing Australians from all backgrounds together to build a strong and cohesive country, and to ensure Australia was not destabilised by intolerance and exclusion.
'We want an Australia in which everyone benefits from the diversity in our society and in which people work towards a socially progressive, fair and united country,' the parliamentary secretary said.
'A revitalised Living in Harmony program that is relevant to a greater number of Australians is one way to help achieve this result,' Mr Ferguson added.
Harmony Day has been held in Australia on March 21 since 1999, but this year, as it falls on Good Friday, many organisations have chosen an alternative date for their activities.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08012.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST