Australia is one of the most successful nations on earth in terms of multiculturalism - and Harmony Day is an opportunity to celebrate this and to further build on our multicultural heritage.
As evidence of this success:
- nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was
- we identify with over 300 ancestries
- since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
- 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia
- apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi
- more than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia
About Harmony Day
Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
The day is celebrated every year on 21 March and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Since 1999, more than 70,000 Harmony Day events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.
How to celebrate?
There are a variety of Harmony Day events throughout Newcastle and Hunter region that are welcome to all.
Harmony Day events are a great opportunity to meet new friends, taste new food, see traditional clothing, listen to music and learn about other cultures.
Australians can choose to wear something orange on the day to show their support for cultural diversity and for an inclusive, multicultural Australia.
Why orange?
Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day because traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
Celebrate our cultural diversity
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — which recognises that we have both the oldest continuous cultures of the first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.
All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions - and, in settling here, will take on many new traditions. Collectively, these overseas and local traditions have enriched our nation
A multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.
To celebrate our cultural diversity on Harmony Day, you can join others from around the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle by wearing orange tomorrow.