Everyone belongs.
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That is the message being spread ahead of Harmony Day this week.
Launceston has already held some of its Harmony Day celebrations, on Saturday, with a variety of food, music, language and dance at Inveresk.
Harmony Day is celebrated every year on March 21, to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It is a day to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into this country’s communities.
The aim is to celebrate what we have in common as well as celebrating each other’s cultures, and reinforcing how important inclusiveness is within our communities.
Our Australian values are built on inclusiveness, respect and belonging, regardless of cultural background.
Our culture and communities are all the richer for having a dynamic and varied population. Harmony Day and what it represents is a wonderful reminder and celebration of those values we hold, but it is even more important to carry them throughout the year.
Every now and then, racism and intolerance rear their ugly heads across the nation, including in Launceston.
Most would agree, the vast majority of Tasmanians are very welcoming and inclusive, and the isolated incidents of intolerance are few and far between.
However, no act of racism or discrimination is acceptable, and that’s why it is important to highlight and condemn them when they do occur.
The Examiner has spoken with victims of alleged discrimination and told their stories in the past.
People have told our journalists about being attacked because of their skin colour, their accent, or their clothes.
They have described feeling fear, shame and worthlessness – none of which they should ever have to feel.
When we have shared these stories, the vast majority of readers have responded, rightly condemning acts of discrimination.
It’s a message we need to make louder and clearer – as a community, we do not accept racism and discrimination. That message can be spread by continuing to share and celebrate our diversity.
Let’s celebrate our vibrant multicultural community this Harmony Day, but also remember to carry that celebration on long after March 21.