Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
In 2019, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harmony Day by making it a week of celebrations to recognise diversity and inclusion in Australia – particularly poignant given recent events.
CareSouth will celebrate Harmony Day on Thursday 21 March – which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Our cultural diversity
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our First Nations to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.
Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.
An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
How to celebrate?
Wear orange! Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
Organise a group lunch and bring something from your culture, hello Dumplings, Lasagne or some other delicacy.
Share a song on Yammer that reminds you of your cultural background.
Go for a walk with your team and let the conversation flow. You spend the most amount of time with your colleagues each week so walk and talk and see what happens.
Facts and figures*
More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia
49% of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was​
We identify with over 300 ancestries
Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
85% of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia
Apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi
*ABS 2016 Census Data.​
