Harmony Day 2021 – svatko pripada Australiji

Manifestacija Harmony Day 2021 – Everyone belongs biti će održana 21. ožujka, a njen je cilj promocija kulturnih razlika useljeničkih zajednica kao bogatstva Australije. Ako ih imate, ponesite karte za briškulu, trešetu ili belu, i neki naš specijalitet…

Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 March with some Australian states acknowledging it as a week-long event from 15-19 March.  In celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity, it is fitting that the theme for 2021 is ‘everyone belongs’.  For me this means inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or language.

With almost half of Australians born overseas – or with at least one parent who was – Harmony Week has always been a popular way for Croatian cultural groups to showcase our dynamic and vibrant culture.  Wider than this, it creates an opportunity for all of us to think, talk about and recognise how our differences and our similarities make our nation stronger.

Croatia has been a source of migrants to Australia for many, many decades, particularly so since the 1960s and 1970s (and certainly earlier).  We have contributed significantly to the diversity and success of Australia, making it one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world.  Whilst Covid-19 restrictions have held many of us back from hosting large zabavas and showcasing our heritage in public events, we can still celebrate and bring our culture to life in our communities.

Here are some ideas of what you can do as an individual to bring our culture into our neighbourhoods during Harmony week:

• Introduce your neighbour to a game of bocce on your front lawn
• Share a recipe of a Croatian cake with a colleague at work
• Teach a person how to play a game of briškula, trešeta or bela
• Bring a jar of Ajvar to an Aussie BBQ
• Shout a shot of rakija to a non-Croatian
• Bring an Aussie to your local Croatian club

Let’s celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of Croatian migrants into the Australian community with our friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Social media.

#harmonyweek.

#everyonebelongs.