University shows support for Harmony Day

Southern Cross University staff and students will be sharing the flavours of international food to celebrate national Harmony Day this Monday, March 21.

Held annually, Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and is aimed at highlighting the importance of cultural diversity.

Students and staff at campuses from the Gold Coast and Tweed, to Lismore and Coffs Harbour are inviting members of the community to join in the colourful celebrations at all University locations on Monday by wearing the Harmony Day colour of orange and taking part in activities with the theme ‘everyone belongs’.

At the Lismore campus, the Fusion Committee is holding a 'Taste of Harmony' morning tea with traditional gypsy/folk music performed by Nissan Elgin in the Plaza from 11.45-12.15pm NSW time.

At the Gold Coast, celebrations will be held simultaneously between 11am-noon Qld time at the Gold Coast campus and at SCU Riverside in Brett Street and SCU Lakeside in Caloola Drive. Staff and students will enjoy an orange-themed morning tea, featuring an orange cake and orange drinks.

Attendees to celebrations at the Gold Coast and Lismore will also be invited to sign their name on orange banners that will be given as a gift to students and staff of Tohoku University in the Sendai region of Japan as a sign of support and solidarity following the recent devastating events.

Celebrations at the Coffs Harbour campus will run from 11am-1pm outside the D block theatre and will include an International Food Exchange and activities such as Chinese dancing and henna painting led by international students. Students will also be invited to design and decorate their own ‘diversity cup cake’.

Equity and Diversity manager Rachel Callahan said Harmony Day encouraged respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

“Harmony Day provides an opportunity for the Southern Cross University community to celebrate our culturally diverse society,” said Ms Callahan.

“We will be wearing the Harmony Day colour of orange to say ‘no’ to racism and show our commitment to community harmony.

“Each year, the key message is ‘everyone belongs’. It’s aimed at getting people of all cultural backgrounds together to promote respect and to celebrate the importance and benefits of a rich and diverse community.”

Photo: Bachelor of Business student Marta Machava and SCU staff member Sri Edelheim are looking forward to Harmony Day on Monday (high resolution image available on request)