HARMONY DAY 2011
As Minister for Immigration & Multicultural Affairs in 1999, Federal Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock was involved with the establishment of the initial Harmony Day.
‘I am pleased that the initiative continues to carve out a special place in Australia’s cultural calendar, focussing our attention as it does on the harmonious aspects of our diversity.’
This year, the theme for Harmony Day, which occurs on 21st March is ‘belonging’.
‘As Australians we have a proud history of accepting newcomers from all over the world, indeed people from over 200 countries now call this land home.’
Aware of the variety of views on the topic, Mr Ruddock is urging his fellow Australians to think about ‘inclusion’ on Harmony Day.
‘Whether you were born here – or have chosen to come to this country – it is important to recognise that to belong to a group, a community or indeed a nation, one needs to participate and be inclusive.’
‘We should perhaps be encouraging everyone to focus on the values we share, rather than our cultural differences.’
‘Rather than being a divisive and confronting subject, such an approach could be a uniting and beneficial way forward.’
So, if a family from another part of the world has recently moved into your street, why not invite them over for a cup of tea and a chat? And, if you are that new family in the street, why not knock on a neighbour’s door and say ‘hello’.
Simple, inclusive acts which could make for an even more harmonious Australia.
As Minister for Immigration & Multicultural Affairs in 1999, Federal Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock was involved with the establishment of the initial Harmony Day.
‘I am pleased that the initiative continues to carve out a special place in Australia’s cultural calendar, focussing our attention as it does on the harmonious aspects of our diversity.’
This year, the theme for Harmony Day, which occurs on 21st March is ‘belonging’.
‘As Australians we have a proud history of accepting newcomers from all over the world, indeed people from over 200 countries now call this land home.’
Aware of the variety of views on the topic, Mr Ruddock is urging his fellow Australians to think about ‘inclusion’ on Harmony Day.
‘Whether you were born here – or have chosen to come to this country – it is important to recognise that to belong to a group, a community or indeed a nation, one needs to participate and be inclusive.’
‘We should perhaps be encouraging everyone to focus on the values we share, rather than our cultural differences.’
‘Rather than being a divisive and confronting subject, such an approach could be a uniting and beneficial way forward.’
So, if a family from another part of the world has recently moved into your street, why not invite them over for a cup of tea and a chat? And, if you are that new family in the street, why not knock on a neighbour’s door and say ‘hello’.
Simple, inclusive acts which could make for an even more harmonious Australia.