Released 21/03/2022
Today marks the start of Harmony Week 2022, an important occasion to highlight inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds and faiths.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne said “I am proud of the ACT’s diversity and the value Canberrans place on having a culturally and linguistically diverse community. Harmony Week brings a welcome opportunity to celebrate this rich cultural diversity and highlight some of the work being done to ensure Canberra is a welcoming and inclusive for everyone.”
“This Harmony Week the ACT will join the UNHCR Cities #withrefugees Campaign. By signing the statement of solidarity we will join more than 250 cities worldwide who are committed to embrace refugees and support their settlement in their new home.”
UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency’s Regional Representative Adrian Edward has congratulated Canberra, “And all Canberrans for stepping forward in support of the world’s refugees by joining the UNHCR global Cities #WithRefugees campaign. For the nation’s capital to be doing so at this moment in time, when we are witnessing so much conflict and suffering in Ukraine, Afghanistan and elsewhere sends an especially timely and meaningful message of compassion from Australia to the world.”
On Harmony Day in 2019, the ACT joined the Welcoming Cities Network - a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities who are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong; and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.
Last November, the ACT achieved the ‘Established’ level of the Welcoming Cities Standard and we are now working towards attaining the ‘Advanced’ level accreditation.
“I am also pleased to announce that 50 community organisations will be sharing in $180,000 funding for a range of projects, programs and initiatives which promote community inclusion and build better social connection under the Participation Multicultural Grants Program. I’m delighted by the breadth of projects which are receiving funding this year with projects that really show the diversity of initiatives from the Canberra community to build social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging in our great city,” said Minister Cheyne
“This is in addition to National Multicultural Festival Grants with over $170,000 having recently been provided to multicultural communities participate in or host events in 2022.”
Grant recipient Geoff Wallace from ACT Maori Performing Arts said, “We are thrilled to be receiving a grant to allow us to share our culture with the Canberra community. The project builds friendships and connection while teaching participants about the harvesting, care and uses of native plants and caring for the environment.”
There will be many opportunities to celebrate Harmony Week across the community. On the evening of 21 March monuments around Canberra will light up in Harmony Week’s official colour orange. Canberrans are also encouraged to wear orange during this week.
To find out more about Harmony Week and to find out how you can get involved visit www.harmony.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases