Everyone Belongs In Griffith

Harmony Week is celebrated within the community, schools and businesses, taking place until Sunday. ‘Everyone Belongs’ is this year’s message, and the initiative is centered around the concept of celebrating cultural diversity, building unity, breaking down barriers and building inclusive communities.

Harmony Day is always a special occasion in Griffith, given the acceptance of our multi-cultural nature. The extent of our city’s diversity appears through the extent of languages other than English spoken and the unique array of celebrations we observe.

Griffith’s Multicultural Council is hosting a Harmony Day lunch at city park on Sunday with a sharing of food from 1pm.

The Griffith Community Centre chose Harmony Week to officially open its community garden with a celebration yesterday.

The centre has been assisted by Red Cross, CentaCare, Interreach, Multicultural Disability Accommodation Association and Rural Australian Agencies for Refugees have helped to established services and the green space.

It was originally to be a space for men from other backgrounds who are feeling socially isolated to gather, make friends and even practice their English. The idea has developed as time has gone on, with the space to now reflect the multicultural and accessibility of the Centre’s visitors.

Griffith Community Centre Coordinator Peta Dummett said the values of Harmony Week and the vision for the garden complement each other.

“The celebration will be of the garden and the diversity of pepole attending. It will be a presentation of where the idea came from and where we’re going,” Ms Dummett said.

She said it’s important to recognise the various cultures that exist as one in our area.

“Griffith is such a diverse community. Celebrating Harmony Day in our community is really important.”

“The community centre always welcomes people of all cultures and backgrounds. We encourage everyone from any background to come into the centre, whether they attend agencies or programs we offer.”

She said Harmony Week celebrations in-creases social engagement and develops acceptance by sharing food and culture to grow conntections with each other.

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