Harmony Week, we all need this

Currently, the world is in chaos. Health warnings are circulating every corner of the media, racial tension is heightened and many people aren’t being the best versions of themselves. A level of uncertainty reigns.

That’s why this year’s annual Harmony Week, culminating in World Harmony Day on Saturday 21 March, is arguably the most important one yet.

Harmony Week celebrates cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Since its inception in 1999, there have been more than 80,000 Harmony Week events that have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia alone.

To us Aussies, Harmony Week is a celebration of our multiculturalism and the strong unity between migrants and their cultures with our community and way of life.

Harmony Day is often symbolic of the colour orange. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

A lot of schools, centres, and communities choose to wear orange during Harmony Week to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive world.

Taken from the ABS 2016 Census Data, here are some interesting statistics about these traditions which have enriched our nation:

• Nearly half of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was.
• We identify with more than 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.

Australia is a vibrant and multicultural place — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from all over the world. It is a country where people can experience living in a modern nation.

Australia may not have an extensive history like other countries, but it has stars in its eyes for a sparkling future. Its lifestyle is one of the most known and envied in terms of carefree living. We enjoy striking a healthy balance between work, family and leisure time.

This balance makes it possible to spend a majority of time engaging in outdoor activities rather than on work or deadlines. Whether it’s a barbecue in the sun or a surf in the ocean, Australian culture leaves you with a smile and doesn’t discriminate