Shoalhaven unites to celebrate Harmony Week

Published on 12 March 2021

Shoalhaven Harmony Week Committee 2021.jpg

Shoalhaven City Council is encouraging the community to come together and celebrate its cultural diversity during Harmony Week on 15-21 March 2021.   

This year the theme for Harmony Week is “Everyone Belongs”.  

Council has joined the Shoalhaven Harmony Week Planning Committee, along with five local organisations to promote the national week and invite the community to hold their own Harmony Day events and activities. 

The Committee is also encouraging the community to take part in a list of challenges, such as decorating a mailbox with orange-coloured decorations at home or for business owners to decorate a store-front shop.  

The Shoalhaven Harmony Day Planning Committee includes Shoalhaven City Council, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services, Illawarra-Shoalhaven Local Health District, Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre, and Bay & Basin Amnesty. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is inviting the community to celebrate their own and others cultural heritage, by coming together during the national week.  

“Harmony Week is an opportunity for all communities to join together to celebrate the many cultures that make up our local community. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Clr Findley. 

“The Shoalhaven has a long history of embracing people from many cultures and recognising the richness of diversity it brings to the region,” Clr Findley said. 

“This year we are encouraging the community to hold an event or activity as part of Harmony Week, and to take part in the Shoalhaven Harmony Day competition.  

"I’m looking forward to seeing shop fronts, doors and letterboxes decorated with Harmony-themed, orange-coloured decorations as well as videos and photos of events posted on social media,” said Clr Findley.  

The Committee will also be holding a promotional stall in Jelly Bean Park during the weeklong celebrations on Thursday 18 March between 11:30am and 2:30pm.  

To find out how to participate in the Shoalhaven Harmony Day competition visit the Shoalhaven Harmony Day Public Facebook Group: bit.ly/3btiGTD  

For information about Harmony Week or to register your event visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website: harmony.gov.au

Image: Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley (centre) with members of the Shoalhaven Harmony Day Planning Committee.