Karmactive Staff
Australia prepares to celebrate Harmony Day on March 21, 2025, with events across the country showcasing cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity. With over 29% of Australia’s population born overseas and more than one in five Australians speaking a language other than English at home, the celebrations aim to foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
Educational Focus on Peace and Unity
Schools are taking active roles in Harmony Day celebrations. Blackfriars School will have students from ELC to Year 12 creating “Pinwheels for Peace,” a project that began 20 years ago in Florida and has since spread globally.
“Peace is the foundation upon which harmony is built,” said Angela Collins, Blackfriars Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission. “Without peace—both within ourselves and in our communities—discord and division take hold, making true unity impossible.”
Blackfriars, home to students from almost 50 cultural backgrounds, will also share food from around the world during their celebrations.
International Student Captain Reach Chay from Cambodia emphasized the importance of the day: “Harmony Day is a pivotal opportunity for our school community to stand together to celebrate the richness of our diverse backgrounds. By coming together, I want to send a strong message that every individual’s unique identity is valued.”
Community Events in Mildura
Mildura Rural City Council will host a free Harmony Day community celebration on Friday, March 21. The event at Powerhouse Place (122 Hugh King Drive) will run from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and feature the movie ‘Migration’ at 8:00 pm, along with music and dance performances from around the world. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, chair, or blanket.
New Children’s Book Released for Harmony Week
Australian publisher Big Little Sky is releasing “Parrot Palace,” a new children’s novel for Harmony Week. Written by educational consultant and award-winning author Susanne Gervay OAM, with Pooja Mathur and illustrations by Sarah Tabassum, the book features three 11-year-old heroes from diverse backgrounds who champion collaboration, cultural acceptance, and fun.
Gervay, who has won international literature and humanitarian awards, says the book is “light-hearted and serious at the same time, interweaving cultures and customs with the fears and delights of young people finding acceptance without question.”
Professor Menakshi Bharat from the University of Delhi describes the book as “an open invitation from the heart to step into an inclusive world, where difference is celebrated.”
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Political Support for Multiculturalism
Australia’s political leaders have expressed support for multicultural initiatives:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated: “It’s important that we value our multiculturalism, that we celebrate it and that we cherish it, because it is a part of what is modern Australia.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has said: “The entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of our multicultural communities are at the heart of Australia’s success—challenges are turned into opportunities and build a stronger, more unified nation…every story…adds to the cultural richness and shared prosperity of our great country.”
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull noted: “At a time of growing global tensions and rising uncertainty, Australia remains a steadfast example of a harmonious, egalitarian and enterprising nation, embracing its diversity.”
International Festival of Understanding
Susanne Gervay will be speaking at the International Festival of Understanding in Cowra for Harmony Day. Her trip to Outback Australia to speak about harmony was described as “powerful” as families and kids shared their Dreamtime stories with her.
FAQs About Harmony Day
What is Harmony Day and when is it celebrated?
Harmony Day is an Australian celebration that promotes cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and respect for all people. It is celebrated on March 21st each year, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
What are some common activities during Harmony Day celebrations?
Common Harmony Day activities include cultural dress parades, sharing traditional foods, music and dance performances, creating Pinwheels for Peace, storytelling sessions, and community gatherings. Schools often organize educational activities that promote understanding of different cultures.
How diverse is Australia’s population?
Australia has significant cultural diversity with over 29% of the population born overseas. More than 1 in 5 Australians speak a language other than English at home, and 75% of Australians identify with an ancestry within Australian culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 2% of the population.
What is the theme of Harmony Day in Australia?
The theme for Harmony Day in Australia is “Everybody Belongs,” emphasizing that Australia is a culturally dynamic nation where all people, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, should feel a sense of belonging.
What is the International Festival of Understanding?
The International Festival of Understanding is an event held in Cowra, Australia, that brings together community leaders, academics, and activists to discuss pathways to achieving lasting peace. It aligns with Harmony Day celebrations and focuses on promoting dialogue among different communities.
What are Pinwheels for Peace?
Pinwheels for Peace is a project that began 20 years ago in Florida as a school art project. It allows students to express their feelings about peace and harmony by creating pinwheels. Now, millions of pinwheels are created across the globe annually as a visual statement about peace, tolerance, cooperation, and unity.
