Celebrating our vibrant cultural diversity this Harmony Week
If there’s anything the past few months have taught us about community, it’s that harmony amongst cultures is more important than ever.
Harmony Week is an opportunity for all Western Australians to celebrate our vibrant multicultural State in order to foster a truly inclusive society. Each year it represents a reminder of the strength of Australia’s diversity, the benefits of it and the contributions of our multicultural community.
What better time to hear from Australian of the Year- 2021 Local Hero recipient Rosemary Kariuki, whose migrant background has compelled her to help many other refugees and migrant women in similar circumstance. Ms Kariuki is the multicultural community liaison officer for the Parramatta Police. She specialises in helping migrants who are facing domestic violence, language barriers and financial distress.
Streaming live from New South Wales for our annual Lunch with Leaders event on March 18, Ms Kariuki will share her inspiring life work starting the African Village Market– a program to help migrants and refugees start their own businesses.
Ms Kariuki said she was grateful to live in Australia.
“I’m very proud that Australia accepted me in their country, to be able to educate my boys and also to fill those gaps that services do not understand through my volunteering with women and the migrant community.
“I would love to see more Australians, those born here, refugees, migrants, anyone who calls Australia home, [to] open their doors to their neighbours.
“Be open and not scared of any perceived differences because, as humans, we have more similarities than differences.
Get involved this Harmony Week 15–21 March
You may be a Local Government Council, a business, a local community group, a school or even just a household, but together, you can play a part in fostering a stronger sense of harmony and inclusivity.
Here are some ideas on how you can get involved:
- Book a group together and book a ticket to attend the Online Lunch with Leaders event with Rosemary Kariuki (link to eventbrite)
- Check out the Harmony Week Kit or download various resources for ideas on how you can get people together to help celebrate Harmony Week
- Post on your Social Media page to tell others about Harmony Week. Click to download the Facebook and Instagram Social Media tiles
- Check the events calendar page for Harmony Week community events around your area
- Share your Harmony Week events and we’ll publicise them on the events calendar
- Send your photos to the Office of Multicultural Interests by email or tag them with #WAHarmony
For more information, visit the Harmony Week webpage here.