Queenslanders come together in Harmony

Queensland communities are being encouraged to celebrate our differences and embrace our similarities in recognition of national Harmony Day this Thursday (21 March).

Held across Australia since 1999, Harmony Day’s main message is “Everyone Belongs” and involves Australians celebrating their diversity by holding events in schools, community groups, churches, businesses and government agencies.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said this year’s theme – Many Stories – One Australia– was particularly relevant for Queensland.

“Queensland is a diverse state with a rich history to share. Our unique and inspirational residents come from more than 220 countries, speak more than 200 languages and collectively hold more than 100 religious beliefs,” Mr Elmes said.

“Harmony Day gives us a chance to celebrate our wonderful cultural diversity and embrace contemporary multicultural Australia and I encourage all Queenslanders to take part.

“It’s a simple yet powerful way to show there is no place in our community for racial intolerance and to highlight our cultural respect for one another.”

Mr Elmes will introduce a special performance by the Waterford West State School at Parliament House this afternoon. The school’s choir will perform a version of Australia’s National Anthem in Yugembah language.

Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination around the globe. It highlights the need to adopt measures to eliminate conditions that allow, cause or help perpetuate racial discrimination in our communities.

For more information on Harmony Day visit www.harmony.gov.au.

For more information on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination visit www.un.org.