Queenslanders set to celebrate Harmony Day 2023

• Harmony Day on 21 March is a uniquely Australian celebration which promotes harmony and unity among all cultures.
• Celebrations are set to take place in communities across the state.
• The Palaszczuk Government has backed Harmony Day with funding for events across the state.

From the tip of Cape York to Coolangatta, Queenslanders are getting ready to celebrate the state’s rich cultural diversity during Harmony Day 2023.

Harmony Day is a time for everyone to celebrate the enormous benefits of multiculturalism.

The day recognises the importance of cultural respect, participation, and inclusiveness for everyone who calls Australia home, and is held each year on 21 March during Harmony Week.

Harmony Day is a reminder that we are all stronger when we are united. It also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to acting against racism. Its Multicultural Policy and Action Plan supports an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland where the strength of our cultural diversity is recognised and celebrated.

Queenslanders are set to mark the occasion with events including fairs and festivals in cities and regional areas across the state.

The Palaszczuk Government is supporting a number of Harmony Day events with funding from the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard:

“The message behind Harmony Week is ‘everyone belongs’ and Queensland is a place where everyone should feel a sense of belonging.

“Harmony Week is reminder for us to continue finding common ground and to recognise the shared values we can all connect over and celebrate.

“It’s also an opportunity to recognise outstanding Queenslanders who contribute to an inclusive society and one way you can do that is by nominating them for the 2023 Multicultural Queensland Awards.

“With less than two weeks left until nominations close on 5 April, I’d like to encourage you to consider the Queenslanders who help others find belonging, or those exceptional multicultural sector efforts that are innovative and intercultural.

“As Queenslanders, I’m sure we can all agree – we are at our best when we are inclusive, when we respect each other, and when we celebrate our unity.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

For more information about Harmony Day events happening near you visit: https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/events/event-calendar

For more information about Queensland’s Multicultural Policy and Action plan visit:  https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/policy-governance/multicultural-policy-action-plan

For more information about the Multicultural Queensland Awards 2023 and how to nominate visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/events-awards-honours/awards/queensland-multicultural-awards

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler (07) 3719 7339