Darkinjung Barker and Ngarralingayil Barker will celebrate Harmony Day on Monday March 14. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

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.

At recent Assemblies, Mr Martin Lubrano has shared some facts about Australia’s diverse population with the children: 

• Nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was.

• As a country we identify with over 300 ancestries.

• Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia. 

• 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia. 

• More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.

The wonderful foods available in Australia as a result of the migration of different cultural groups to Australia was also spoken about.

A Harmony Day key concept is Respect. This is also a core Barker value. Respecting each other is critical to building community.

All students are encouraged to come dressed in something that they make a connection to culturally, such as traditional dress on Harmony Day. Alternatively, students can dress in something orange. Why orange? Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Students will have an opportunity to participate in activities and cultural discussions on this day.