AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Australia celebrates national harmony

Thursday, 22 March 2007

The Australian Government encouraged its citizens and residents to get together on 21 March 2007 and acknowledge the nation’s cultural diversity.

Australians have always been and continue to be a diverse mix of people. Since 1945 more than six million people have settled in Australia and in 60 years of post-war migration, Australia's population has jumped from 6 million to approximately 20 million.

Migrants have been crucial to building Australia's strong economy – helping to create its national infrastructure; contributing new ideas and technology; and fostering local knowledge of other cultures, languages, foods and lifestyles.

Over time, Australia has become home to more than 200 different languages, including 45 indigenous languages. English, Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin are reported to be the most commonly spoken languages.

This years Harmony Day had a special focus on sport in schools and how it encourages young Australians to understand teamwork, rights and responsibilities. As Harmony Day partners, the Australian Football League, Cricket Australia and the National Rugby League supported Harmony Day through their on-line educational resources.

Prior to the day, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Teresa Gambaro MP, said students, teachers and parents would take to sporting fields, playgrounds and backyards to play cricket and reinforce the Living in Harmony message celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion.

‘The Australian Football League, the National Rugby League and Surf Life Saving Australia have joined Cricket Australia in supporting Harmony Day 2007 through education programmes,’ Ms Gambaro said.

‘Harmony Day is part of the Australian Government’s Living in Harmony programme and brings people together to promote Australian values and celebrate the Australian way of life.

‘It celebrates life in a country that embraces respect, fairness, participation, acceptance and a fair go for all,’ the Parliamentary Secretary added.

What is Harmony Day?

Harmony Day was first introduced by the Australian Government in March 1999 to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Now in its ninth year, Harmony Day has grown to be a nationally recognised event that is celebrated by schools, community organisations, businesses, local governments and other groups across Australia.