Aspire to Harmony in Green Square (March 19) – in conjunction with the Green Square Markets – saw communities from Redfern, Waterloo, Zetland, Beaconsfield, Alexandria and Rosebery gather at Joynton Park to share cultural traditions and aspirations through a variety of engaging and fun activities, including origami, dance and slam poetry.
Organised by the Rotary Club of South Sydney, the day had something for everyone. Aunty Millie Ingram gave the Welcome to Country. The main stage hosted Animal Tai Chi, Owlkeyme Arts (dancing and singing), performers from South Sydney Community Aid (SSCA), Belly Dancers and the Suara Indonesia Dance Group from Dulwich Hill.
Bill Yan, EO of SSCA, said: “Our Lok Wan Cantonese Opera and Dancing Group entertained the crowd in their beautiful costumes … they performed a Chinese New Year song and a Welcoming the Spring dance … we were also happy to see all other communities celebrating the day. What a great diverse community we have!”
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world and most Australians think multiculturalism has been good for us. Red Cross took the occasion of Harmony Day (March 21) as an opportunity to make five practical suggestions toward welcoming migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum: (1) Read up on the facts – help dispel some of the myths about refugees and people seeking asylum; (2) Invite a guest speaker – ask a refugee or migrant to share their story with your school or community group. In many states/territories, organisations like Red Cross offer resources or speakers to help you organise this; (3) Be a workplace mentor – offer mentoring or volunteer opportunities to a refugee or person seeking asylum who is struggling to find a job; (4) Help someone get an education – ask a school or university to support a refugee or person seeking asylum who wants to study but has limited financial resources. Support could include fees, uniforms, or books; (5) Volunteer – offer your skills to an organisation that is helping refugees, people seeking asylum and other vulnerable migrants.
Judy Slatyer, CEO of Australian Red Cross, said: “Each of us has a responsibility to help create a more harmonious and accepting society. Our communities are stronger when we understand the stories, motivations and hopes of those we live alongside; when we recognise what connects us, not what separates us. This is what Harmony Day is all about. We think it should be Harmony Day every day.”
