Naracoorte celebrates Harmony Day

The Naracoorte Town Square will be a spectacle of singing, dancing and bright colours on Friday 22 March when the Harmony Day Children’s Festival comes alive at 10am.  Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity, and is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for everyone.  Australia’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths, is at the heart of who we are.  It makes Australia a great place to live.

“Australia is vibrant and culturally diverse – from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.  The ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day speaks to respect, inclusiveness and belonging for all Australians” Mayor Vickery said.

“Since 1999 more than 70,000 Harmony Day events have been held across Australia. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own culture and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions enrich our nation.” Mayor Vickery said.

At 10.00am on Friday 22 March around 1000 children will come together at the Naracoorte Town Square to celebrate our cultural diversity by performing a song or dance. 

The program kicks off with a performance by the Naracoorte South Primary School students followed by Frances Primary School, Michelle DeGaris Memorial Kindergarten, Sunrise Christian School, Naracoorte North Kindergarten, Naracoorte Child Day Care Centre, Naracoorte High School and Naracoorte Primary School.

The morning activities culminate with all children dancing together to “High Hopes”. 

“Everyone is welcome to come along to the Naracoorte Town Square and celebrate the different nationalities that make up our community and celebrate Harmony Day with the children” Mayor Vickery said.

In the evening celebrations move to the Naracoorte Swimming Lake for the Wish Festival from 6.00-9.00pm.  Entertainment commences at 6.00pm with a variety of local performers including Lilly McGuire-Marr and Oscar McGuire-Marr, the Naracoorte Highland Pipe Band and an encore performance of the “High Hopes” children's combined dance.  

At 8.00pm when the sun is setting float a lantern on the Lake to show that “Everyone is Welcome”.  Bring your own picnic and rug or chairs to sit on.  Complimentary food tastings provided by local cultural groups and a traditional BBQ provided by Teys Australia will be available in the evening at the Naracoorte Swimming Lake.

“Thanks to local business Teys Australia partnering with Council the lanterns will be available free of charge” Mayor Erika Vickery said. 

Everyone is welcome to attend both the day and evening events.

Harmony Day celebrations is an initiative of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council in partnership with the Naracoorte Migrant Centre, schools, kindergartens and child care centres, major sponsor Teys and the wider community to celebrate our cultural diversity and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Show your support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia by wearing something orange on Friday 22 March.