New Australians welcomed at Harmony Day Festival
15 March 2009
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, will today welcome 10 new Australian citizens at a ceremony to kick off Harmony Day celebrations, with thousands of spectators looking on.
‘Australia has been enriched by the cultures and values of people from more than 200 countries who chose to call this nation home. The 10 people becoming citizens today come from 10 different countries, representing Australia’s great tradition of cultural diversity,’ Mr Ferguson said.
The Harmony Day Festival at Belmore Sports Ground is a combined initiative of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The festival is being staged in the lead-up to Harmony Day on March 21.
‘Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive nature of Australian communities and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity. This year’s key message is “everyone belongs”. It's about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone,’
Mr Ferguson said.
Schools, community groups and organisations across Australia will play host to some 3500 Harmony Day celebrations.
The festival at Belmore Sports Ground is a free public event, which will feature a recreational AFL competition, Auskick clinics for young footballers, face painting, cultural dances and an indigenous hip-hop demonstration.
Harmony Day 2009 has special significance. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Australian citizenship, a milestone which provides the opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity which has shaped our nation’s history.
‘It is exciting to celebrate Harmony Day at a special time in Australia’s history. I would like to invite Australians everywhere to get behind Harmony Day 2009 and make it the best celebration yet,’ Mr Ferguson said.
Harmony Day is part of the Diverse Australia Program which helps local communities to address cultural, racial and religious intolerance.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09013.htm
Last update: 16 March 2009 at 10:27 AEST