Celebrate Harmony Day with SSI!

Settlement Services International (SSI) is celebrating Harmony Day with member organisations and community groups at events that offer a variety of activities that uphold inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Diversity is one of SSI’s core values and one of its greatest assets. It’s what makes the SSI community so welcoming and collaborative, leading to more innovative outcomes and solutions for the people we serve.

When people from different cultures come together, the benefits aren’t restricted to the more obvious rewards like new food, music and art.

Diversity helps us to value new perspectives — to celebrate our differences and share what we have in common.

SSI wholeheartedly endorses the Harmony Day message “everyone belongs”. 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.

Multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity.

Hundreds of Harmony Day events can be found on the Harmony Day website.

But here are some wonderful options showcasing the talented and diverse SSI community working together to celebrate inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for all.

The SSI community exemplifies the Harmony Day message 365 days a year!

1. Community Kitchen

Community Kitchen’s Nowruz celebrations, March 21 from 11am to 2pm, Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn.
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and a celebration of the renewal of nature. It’s celebrated by more than 300 million people across the world … and many here in Australia. This is a perfect intercultural way to celebrate Australia’s diversity.

2. Community Info Expo

Celebrate cultural diversity, harmony and social inclusion in the City of Ryde with Ability Links and Community Migrant Resource Centre at the Harmony Day Community Info Expo, March 22, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Eastwood Plaza, Rowe Street, Eastwood. 

3. Member and partner events

Western Sydney MRC’s Harmony Day bake off will celebrate the flavours of Western Sydney. Prepare and bring in your favourite family sweet or savoury dish for the chance to win one of three exciting prizes. March 21 from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Western Sydney MRC, 108 Moore St, Liverpool. Call 8778 1200 or email nadia@wsmrc.org.au.

Community Migrant Resource Centre and the Multicultural Services Network are hosting a day of multicultural exchange — fun, entertainment and multicultural activities — on March 22, 10am to 1pm, at Centenary Square, Parramatta.

Advance Diversity Services’ Settlement and Community Services staff will coordinate a ‘messages of welcome’ activity – inviting people to offer greetings of inclusivity, diversity and hope at Georges River Council’s Harmony Day celebration in Hurstville on March 21.

SydWest Multicultural Services will be participating in the Blacktown and Penrith Harmony Day celebrations. In Blacktown, Harmony Day is being celebrated at Bowman Hall, Campbell Street Blacktown, from 10am to 2pm, with a program of cultural entertainment, information stalls, fun activities, a free barbecue lunch and more. In Penrith, Nepean Multicultural Access and SydWest Multicultural Services are part of celebrations happening from 11.30am to 2pm, in Mondo (between The Joan and Westfield), High Street, Penrith. Activities on the day will include speeches, henna tattooing, storytelling and a special visit by Western Sydney Wanderers. Refreshments and light lunch will be provided to all participants. Contact info@sydwestms.org.au or laura@nma.org.au.

Manning Valley Neighbourhood Centre’s Migrant Settlement project is partnering with Taree Library on March 20 from 10.30am with performances including the Wingsong Choir (international songs) and a multicultural morning tea. There will be two films being shown on the day, Charlie’s Country and Constance on the Edge (bookings through midcoastlibraries.com.au).

Coffee with a Cop, March 21, 10am to 11am at Franky & Co., Neeta City Shopping Centre, 54 Smart Street, Fairfield. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know your local police.