Schools
25 March, 2025
Harmony shines in orange
HUNDREDS of schools across Australia came together to celebrate Harmony Week from March 17 to March 23, with orange taking over schools.
Harmony Week, which is marked across Australia, recognises the valuable social and economic contributions that different cultures bring to our communities.
The week also aligns with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, commonly referred to as Harmony Day.
For many schools, Harmony Week is also a chance to promote anti-bullying initiatives and encourage children to be kind to each other, regardless of their background, appearance or religion.
Queenslanders show their support for Harmony Week by wearing the colour orange, which signifies communication, freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
More than one in five Queenslanders were born overseas, hailing from more than 220 countries and territories.
Queensland Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona Simpson, said it was extremely heartening to see Queenslanders of all backgrounds come together in the spirit of shared humanity to help each other during tough times, naming the recent extreme weather events as a great example.
“During the recent North Queensland floods and ex-Tropical Cyclone in the South East, I met volunteers from diverse backgrounds reaching out to keep communities safe and connected,” she said.
“Harmony Week is a great way to recognise and respect our diversity but also champion social cohesion and shared humanity, which puts people first regardless of race.
“We must continue to foster an environment where multicultural communities want to call Queensland home and work together to build a prosperous, fair and harmonious state.
“No matter where you come from, no matter what your background, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and there is no place for racial discrimination in our State, or country.”
CEO of Multicultural Australia Christine Castley said Harmony Week was a time not just to stop and reflect, but to also take action.
“There are so many wonderful, diverse cultures, faiths and ethnicities that shape who we are as Australians, and true unity comes from embracing and celebrating our differences,” Ms Castley said.
