- Harmony Day and Harmony Week celebrations (March 21) have kicked off across the state
- The day is a uniquely Australian celebration which promotes unity among all cultures
- Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Queenslanders are celebrating the state’s rich cultural diversity during Harmony Day and Harmony Week 2024.
Harmony Day is a uniquely Australian celebration that recognises the enormous social and economic benefits of multiculturalism and the valuable contribution of those who have chosen to call Queensland home.
It is also a reminder that Queensland communities are stronger when they are united, respectful and inclusive of all cultures.
Held on 21 March each year during Harmony Week, the celebration coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Racism has no place in Queensland.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Queenslanders will mark Harmony Day across the state with events, including fairs and festivals.
In the south-east corner, events such as the Redland Museum’s Heritage and Harmony Fiesta will delight families with an interactive Thomas the Tank Engine train set, pony rides and a petting zoo, multicultural entertainers, and food from around the world.
In Cairns, TAFE Queensland students will showcase their diverse heritage with a National Costume Fashion Parade and demonstrations, including martial arts and traditional craftmaking.
And in Roma, Harmony Day parades will see multicultural performances energise the town, with a photobooth set up to capture the fun.
The events reflect Queensland’s Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 and Multicultural Policy, which promote a united, inclusive and harmonious state where cultural diversity is celebrated as one of its greatest strengths.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:
“Harmony Day is about respect, inclusiveness and creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
“These celebrations help build understanding and acceptance.
“I’m thrilled to see Queenslanders mark the occasion with events that bring the whole community together to recognise the incredible value of our state’s rich cultural diversity.
“Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and Queenslanders say no to racism.
“Harmony Week is also a great opportunity to recognise outstanding Queenslanders who contribute to a more inclusive society, and you can do that by nominating them for the 2024 Multicultural Queensland Awards.
“With less than two weeks until nominations close on 7 April, I’d like to encourage you to consider Queenslanders who are helping others find belonging, or those wonderful multicultural sector efforts that are inclusive and innovative.”
