Next week we will see and experience many harmonious events and activities and perhaps on the news and in social media we will hear the topic discussed. There will be plenty of cultural food shared and music and dance in workplaces and communities and plenty of Orange. Traditionally the colour orange relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations. It aids in the development of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves. At the same time it encourages self-respect and respect of others.
Visit these sites for more information or to find out about events in your area:
https://www.harmony.gov.au/events/harmony-day-events
Harmony Day itself is celebrated annually on 21 March in Australia. It is a government-declared observance day that began in 1999, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The United Nations Day is the lesser known part of the week but perhaps the most significant.
Whilst we wish for a more Harmonious Australia – facing racism and discrimination is a longer journey.
Things to consider after Harmony week finishes:
- Continue to host cultural lunches and inviting lived experiences of culture to be shared.
- Visit this website to place to learn more about racism and take action to create change.
- Research your organisations policy on racism and discrimination and reflect on your own personal stance.
- By taking a stand on racism we can build a fairer Australia – check this video out and discuss with colleagues
- Consider how your team reflects the makeup of the local community- especially when it comes to in home support or services that would benefit from multiculturalism.
- Host a Cultural Awareness session – or contact us to discuss what would suit your workplace.
- If you work in Aged care… pop over to this site to contribute to some research in the workplace. The Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance has created a new resource which will provide information and strategies on how to have a cohesive working environment, without racism or discrimination. Workforce Mosaic – talking racism and discrimination in Aged Care. To take the survey click here. This survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete, and should you have any questions regarding the survey or the resource they are developing, please feel free to reach out to Heba or Gail via email admin@mcci.org.au
