ALGA President Promotes Community Harmony
March 11, 2009
The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Geoff Lake, is calling on councils across Australia to support Harmony Day on 21 March 2009.
Cr Lake said promoting community harmony was a key role for local government and should be an important goal in every Australian community.
"Councils will celebrate Harmony Day in a range of different ways. The City of Kalgoorlie Boulder in WA has organised a multicultural food festival, the Gold Coast City Council will showcase bollywood dancing and the City of Sydney will host a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Darling Harbour," he said.
"Harmony Day is a celebration of the diversity of the Australian community and presents councils with an ideal opportunity to showcase their services to residents who are recent arrivals to Australia.
"Councils have an important role to play in encouraging community togetherness and fostering resilient neighbourhoods. Harmony Day is an occasion to highlight this work and to promote community harmony as a fixture of community life throughout the year."
Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of Australia while promoting the benefits of cultural diversity.
"Events such as Harmony Day are an opportunity for people to join together in a spirit of friendship and celebrate the unique Australian multicultural way of life," Cr Lake said.
Further information and details of local events can be obtained from www.harmony.gov.au
- Contact
- Cr Geoff Lake, ALGA President - 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434
