Everyone is welcome in Franklin Square as the City of Hobart celebrates Harmony Week with a daily program of food, music and dance.
Welcoming and Inclusive City Portfolio Chair Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock said it was a time to reflect on the benefits cultural diversity brings to our community.
“Harmony Week coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.
“We can all play a part in making our city more inclusive and welcoming by embracing our city’s diversity and calling out racism when we see it.
“The message of Harmony Week is ‘everyone belongs’. I encourage you to think about what you can do to support others and make them feel included.
“The City of Hobart aspires to be the most inclusive city in the world, a city that welcomes all.
“We believe that no matter what your background or life experience, and regardless of whether you were born here or arrived as an immigrant, refugee or international student, you should feel that you are valued and able to participate fully in our community.”
Tasmanian Australian of the Year 2023 John Kamara wished everyone a happy Harmony Week.
Mr Kamara escaped war-torn Sierra Leone 19 years ago and started a new life in Tasmania in 2004. He now does all he can to assist migrants, refugees and people from culturally diverse communities.
“I hope we begin to think of harmony in a dynamic way that embraces a change in our world, and our words, and our actions,” Mr Kamara said.
“What makes a harmony is bringing all the different parts together, someone sings the soprano, someone sings the baritone, someone sings the alto, and it’s the differences that make the music.
“As we celebrate the unique diversity of our communities, who we are and our different ways of life, let’s make the active decision to value one another, create harmonies, and live in peace,” he said.
Harmonious Hobart 2023 is a free event with activations in Franklin Square from 12-2pm Monday 20 to Thursday 23 March.
The event will offer free tastes from the Migrant Resource Centre kitchen, with music and dance from cultures including Argentina, Zimbabwe, Japan, Israel, Africa, Chile, India, Nepal, Korea, Sri Lanka and China.
From Tuesday to Thursday the International Wall of Friendship will host ‘Diversity Discussions’, a panel conversation event exploring three topics over three days with a variety of speakers.
HARMONIOUS HOBART – Music and Dance Date: Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March 2023 Time: 12 pm – 2 pm Venue: Franklin Square, 70 Macquarie Street, Hobart
DIVERSITY DISCUSSIONS – Panel Conversations Date: Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March 2023 Time: 1 pm – 2 pm Venue: International Wall of Friendship, Sunken Garden, 188 Collins Street, Hobart.
