Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The need to belong is in all of us. It's part of our human nature. It's found in all places,
in all peoples and in all cultures.
Harmony Day, celebrated on the 21st March, has shared the message that we all belong.
From our traditional owners, to those people who have come to Australia from many parts
of the world. Harmony Day is a celebration of Australia's cultural diversity.
My father came to this country in 1953. He left Italy, leaving behind not just his family,
his friends, but my mother, his fiancé.
On my first day of school, there were 75 children in the class. Only three spoke English and
I wasn't one of them. And we learnt very early on, living here in Wollongong, which was then
very culturally diverse, what community meant and what belonging to a culturally diverse
Australia was all about.
This country has given my parents so much, and that sense of community has stayed with
me.
Australia is now one of the most socially cohesive nations on Earth. Around 45 per cent
of us were born overseas or have at least one parent who was. We speak about 300 different
languages -- including Indigenous languages. Nearly four million people speak a language
other than English at home.
Harmony Day recognises this incredible diversity.
Since 1999, over 55,000 events have been held around Australia. When you participate in
Harmony Day you are helping make mutual respect and inclusiveness part of our country's DNA.
As a nation we have earned a friendly and caring reputation. As we celebrate what unites
us, we should think about how we can do better. We should be ever vigilant about acts of intolerance
or racism. Success will only come by putting our commitment to Australia first. The Australian
Government is working with you to build a prosperous, cohesive nation.
Belonging makes you want to be part of something greater than yourself. My story, and that
of my family, is a snapshot of millions of other journeys to this country.
So what does belonging mean to you, to your family, to your friends and to your community?
Let's find out. Go to www.harmony.gov.au to learn how you can share your views.