In 2010, LGMA has partnered with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to support and promote the 2010 Harmony Day, which falls on 21 March each year. In 2011, LGMA continued its support of this important and dynamic concept.
View Harmony Day video
Harmony Day promotes an environment in which all people see a place for themselves in Australia’s future. Harmony Day began in 1999 and each year has grown in popularity. Last year there were 4000 events in communities across the country.
Local government is ideally placed to take a leadership role in building a cohesive, multicultural society. We therefore invite your council to use Harmony Day to profile the cultural and linguistic diversity in your area, highlight the programs that help to develop successful communities and recognise residents who contribute to community harmony.
The 2011 Harmony Day follows the theme Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.
This program, funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Diverse Australia Program, provides councils with ideas and materials to help youth organisations run activities that reinforce respect and acceptance of other cultures.
Details of Harmony Day events throughout Australia will be available at www.harmony.gov.au. This website is also a good resource for local government speeches and media releases, and suggestions on how you might promote your involvement in Harmony Day through your publications and website.
For more information on Harmony Day please contact the Diverse Australia Program:
Telephone: 1800 33 11 00
Email: harmonyday@immi.gov.au
Website: www.harmony.gov.au