Harmony Week was celebrated across Australia this week, with Griffith City Council holding a Citizenship Ceremony to welcome new citizens to Griffith community on Monday, 21 March 2022.
Harmony Week is celebrated across the nation each March, and is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community.
Eight countries were represented with conferees from Afghanistan, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Ireland, Philippines and the United States.
Mayor Doug Curran said the ceremony was an opportunity to come together to acknowledge what’s great about being Australian.
“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship – it’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect,” said Councillor Curran.
“We are a thriving multicultural community, and each year we are excited to welcome new Australians to our growing City.
“It is an honour to be able to preside over these Ceremonies which mean so much to the conferees,” he added.
Meanwhile, Harmony Week celebrations kicked off last weekend when Council partnered with the Multicultural Council of Griffith to host an event at City Park Griffith.
The event welcomed residents from different cultures to share their traditions and foods.
Carmel La Rocca, President of the Multicultural Council of Griffith said the day epitomised the meaning of Harmony Day ‘of everyone belongs’.
Council also supported local services including Centrecare and the Multicultural Interagency with their Harmony Week event held on Thursday. The event welcomed community members from a variety of backgrounds for a picnic in City Park.