Harmony Week celebrations underway across the Shoalhaven
Published on 17 March 2025
Harmony Week celebrations are officially underway across the city following an event in Nowra this morning.
The national week is held annually to recognise and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity with a particular focus on inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
This year, Council has partnered with Multicultural Communities Council of the Illawarra (MCCI) Shoalhaven, the Yila Healing Trail and leaders from our multicultural community to unite the community, celebrate cultural diversity and promote respect, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for all.
A Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and barefoot walk to acknowledge a shared connection to Country, were held in Harry Sawkins Park this morning, to mark the start of celebrations.
Attendees, including local multicultural leaders and Aboriginal Elders also took part in a community yarn, sharing personal stories and experiences of belonging in the Shoalhaven.
Mayor Patricia White encouraged the community to embrace diversity in all aspects of life.
“Harmony Week presents an important opportunity for us to reflect on our cultural heritage, connect with friends and family, neighbours and colleagues to celebrate the many different cultures that make up our community,” Cr White said.
“I encourage you to wear orange throughout the week to show support for the cultural diversity we can be proud of in our city,” she said.
Uncle Paul McLeod urged the community to reflect on the meaning of this year’s Harmony Week theme, Everyone belongs.
"Everyone belongs. Your human existence will only last for a short space of time, and from there you go back to the spiritual essence where everyone is equal,” Mr McLeod said.
“There is no ‘you're greater than me’ or ‘I'm greater than you’. You just are,” he said.
MCCI CEO Chris Lacey said there would be a variety of activities on offer for the community to enjoy throughout the week.
"MCCI Shoalhaven Multicultural Hub is pleased to support the local launch of Harmony Week in the lead up to the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that occurs each year on 21 March,” Mr Lacey said.
“Shoalhaven's diverse communities have developed a great program of activities for the wider community to get to know their new neighbours and to experience a range of cultural activities, and we encourage everyone to get involved," he said.
Harmony Week will culminate with Harmony Day on 21 March, which coincides with the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in commemoration of the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960.