Russell Matheson (Macarthur, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Friday was national Harmony Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of diversity in Australia and in my local electorate of Macarthur. National Harmony Day is an Australian government program that celebrates the great array of diverse cultures existing within Australia, from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. Friday was an important day for creating awareness of Australia's multicultural society and for promoting the message that 'everyone belongs'.

There are many ways that Harmony Day can be celebrated: through sport, art, film, music and sharing cultural meals. I congratulate the Macarthur local schools for having organised and participated in national harmony events, including Camden South Public School, Oakdale Public School, Mawarra Public School, Elderslie Public School and Busy Bees kindy.

Harmony Day initiatives involve using art, games and craft to teach children what Harmony Day means, to raise awareness and to discuss diversity. These activities help these children learn and understand how people from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this great nation and how diversity makes it a better place.

Harmony Day is also important for the ongoing promotion of cultural diversity. In this area I congratulate Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative. Established in 1983, the service has been committed to providing welfare and community services to those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Macarthur. Macarthur Diversity Services and National Harmony Day are important methods for building strong inclusive communities in our wonderfully diverse country.