Date: 2010-03-09

A Taste of Harmony, March 15–21


Australians will celebrate the many cultures that make Australia great by getting involved in Harmony Day activities on March 21, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.

‘Harmony Day is a chance for everyone to come together and join in local activities through action, performance, fashion or food,’ Mr Ferguson said.

‘As I launch Harmony Day 2010, I encourage everyone to share a sense of community spirit and to remember that everyone belongs.

‘Hundreds of thousands of Australians will be out celebrating over the coming weeks, while sports organisations, community groups, government agencies, churches, schools and workplaces will host special events.

‘As Harmony Day celebrations kick off, I am also thrilled to launch the Australian Multicultural Foundation' Managing Cultural Diversity training resource which was funded under the Australian Government's Diverse Australia Program.

‘This resource will help Australian businesses to make the most of their multicultural workplaces.

‘Australia's diversity is a source of national strength and I congratulate Dr Hass Dellal and the foundation for this latest contribution in a long line of energetic and often visionary work.

‘I would also like to acknowledge Peter Scanlon for his work in support of cultural diversity in Australian industry and for his A Taste of Harmony campaign.

‘A Taste of Harmony, March 15–21, is about celebrating the multicultural nature of Australian workplaces through sharing food.

‘Organisations such as the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Scanlon Foundation are crucial in helping to remind all Australians about the benefits of a diverse workforce.’

Since Harmony Day began in 1999, thousands of schools, community groups and organisations have hosted celebrations.

‘I encourage all Australians to start planning Harmony Day 2010 events and to register them at the Harmony Day website,’ Mr Ferguson said.
See: http://www.harmony.gov.au

‘People can also request some of the one million free Harmony Day promotional products such as balloons and badges at the same site.’