Harmony Day celebrations
Published on 20 March 2017
HARMONY DAY CELEBRATIONS
Media Release
Gannawarra Shire Council is celebrating Harmony Day this week with two community events in Kerang and Cohuna.
“March 21 is the national Harmony Day, a day for everyone – individuals, schools, workplaces and the wider community - to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. Gannawarra will celebrate with our community on Monday and Friday this week, and I would love to see community members come along to join us,” said Council Mayor Brian Gibson.
In addition to the community celebrations, Gannawarra will be taking part in the Lights Up initiative.
Council’s Director Community Wellbeing Mandy Hutchinson explains that Lights Up sees iconic buildings lit up in orange as a way of engaging Australian communities to start conversations that embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.
“Council will ‘light up’ our Council Chambers building and the Clock Tower in Kerang as a way to signify our support and spark a conversation amongst our community about cultural diversity,” Ms Hutchinson said.
Since 1999 orange has been the Harmony Day colour. It traditionally relates to social communication and stimulating two-way conversations. It aids in the development of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves. At the same time the colour orange encourages self-respect and respect of others.
“Council’s Harmony Day events are happening in Kerang and Cohuna. Kerang’s event on Monday was with the New Mum’s group in Atkinson Park and Cohuna’s event is on Friday 24 March from 11.30am in Garden Park.”
“In addition to our Harmony Day celebrations, we are hosting a plaque unveiling at the Gannawarra Children’s Centre on Wednesday at 4pm in remembrance of the Stolen Generation,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“We encourage the community to come along and join us; it will be a special occasion and an event which Council is pleased to support.”
For more information on Harmony Day visit www.harmony.gov.au
For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website
www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au
…ENDS…
Date: 20 March 2017
Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627