Landmarks go Orange for Harmony Day

In a show of support for Harmony Day, 13 landmarks across Australia will be bathed in orange light on the evenings of 20 and 21 March.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, said Old Parliament House in Canberra, Melbourne’s Federation Square, Government House in Darwin, and Wollongong’s Breakwater Lighthouse are among the landmarks participating in Lights Up for Harmony Day, celebrated on 21 March.

“I am pleased that these landmarks are going orange for these two nights to help draw everybody’s attention to Harmony Day, a day for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common,” said the Senator, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services.

“Harmony Day has become a significant day of the year when Australians celebrate our cultural diversity.”

“It is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.”

“Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day, and I encourage all Australians to wear something orange on 21 March to show their support for an inclusive Australia.”

Senator Fierravanti-Wells said since 1999, more than 55,000 Harmony Day events have been staged in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, sports venues, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.

“This year is one of a number of firsts for Harmony Day. Not only is there a record number of events registered, a 30 per cent increase on last year, but for the first time all states and territories will have a landmark bathed in orange to mark the day,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“Across Australia, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity on Harmony Day to celebrate and recognise the benefits and potential that cultural diversity brings. The message of Harmony Day is that Everyone Belongs.“

For more information, including a list of all participating landmarks, visit the Harmony Day website at www.harmony.gov.au.