Community
22 March, 2025
We should all live in harmony
Previously in the ‘Goss’ we have celebrated the amazing diversity in our local communities, not only in the Douglas Shire, but across Far North Queensland and generally around Australia.
Harmony Week is an annual acknowledgement of the country’s variety of culture and the benefits it brings to the Australian community.
Held just last week, the occasion also included the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD).
To celebrate Harmony Week, the many colours and aromas of cuisine from Europe to Asia, the Americas to Africa, Oceania and beyond were experienced last week at the Mossman Support Services pot luck lunch.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist popping along to see what was on offer.
As expected, a great time was had by all.
Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held across Australia in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies.
Harmony Week is taken as an opportunity to celebrate the fact that Australia is one of the most successfully multicultural societies in the world.
It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity.
All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, while taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
Our region, including the Douglas Shire, is no exception, with local residents originating from many different parts of the world. Interestingly, countrywide, more than half (51.5 per cent) of Australian residents were born overseas or have at least one parent who was. Since 1945, more than 7.6 million people have migrated to Australia.
More amazingly, nearly every single country from around the world was represented in Australia’s population count, back in 2020.
Apart from English, more than 150 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander languages are spoken in Australia. Other most common languages spoken across the country are Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Punjabi.
Orange is the chosen colour to represent Harmony Week as it traditionally signifies social communication and meaningful conversations.
It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians often choose to wear something orange during the week to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.
Another great representation of cultural diversity, across the globe, is the countless varieties of tasty food options available.
I’m off to enjoy some of this fine cultural cuisine, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
