Harmony Day

Harmony Day History

Harmony Day celebrates multiculturalism and promotes inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. This day of observance provides an opportunity for people across the country to embrace and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make Australia such a vibrant place. Harmony Day encourages people to participate in various cultural and community events, fostering an environment of unity and shared understanding among diverse communities.

The observance of Harmony Day began in Australia in 1999, led by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Since its inception, Harmony Day has become a significant event in Australia, highlighting the importance of our multicultural society and the benefits that diversity brings to our nation. The day plays a crucial role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, and by acknowledging the rich tapestry of cultures present in Australia, it helps to dismantle barriers and promote dialogue between different communities.

Many activities and events take place across Australia on Harmony Day, ranging from community gatherings to cultural performances and educational workshops. Schools, workplaces, and community groups often host events that showcase different cultural traditions, such as traditional dances, music, and culinary experiences. This allows participants to engage with and learn about various cultures in a positive and enriching environment. Harmony Day is observed annually on the 21st of March, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Top facts about Harmony Day

• The theme for Harmony Day in 2024 was Everyone Belongs.
  In 2023, the theme for Harmony Day was Living in Harmony.
• Over 60 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia. This doesn't even include the myriad of languages spoken by immigrants in recent decades.
• The top five languages spoken in Australia are English, Mandarin, Italian, Arabic and Cantonese.
• The top 5 countries from which people have immigrated to Australia are England, New Zealand, China, India and Italy.
• Once people come to Australia, they join the team. - Tony Abbott, Former Australian Prime Minister

In the News and Trending for Harmony Day

Top things to do for Harmony Day

• Host a food festival in your school, workplace or home. Invite your friends, family and colleagues and have everyone bring a food dish from their cultural background.
• Wear orange, the colour of anti-discrimination and inclusiveness worn on the coinciding United Nations Day.
• Raise awareness for the day on social media by using hashtags #HarmonyDay, #Inclusiveness and #EveryoneBelongs.
• Watch a documentary about discrimination to further understand the meaning of the day and the impact of its message, inclusiveness. Some of our recommendations: A Matter of Place, DiscrimiNation and A Class Divided.
• Track down your lineage. Since Australia was relatively unpopulated 200 years ago, some recent ancestors must be immigrants. Several online sites and online government documents such as census data and ship records can help you locate your ancestors.