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Moonah Taste of the World and Harmony Day

Did you realise that the 2016 Census showed that 5,701 people who live in Glenorchy were born overseas and 9.4% of the residents speak a language other than English at home? With figures like these we can confidently say that we live and work in a multicultural place.

Last week, Australia celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Harmony Day. This event was so successful that it has been renamed and extended to become Harmony Week. Each year activities are organised in schools, workplaces and the community that focus on inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ was no exception. We celebrated and highlighted Harmony Day in classrooms from K – 10 throughout the week and then, most enjoyably participated at the Moonah Taste of the World event on Sunday.

Moonah Taste of the World aims to highlight and celebrate Australia’s multicultural makeup through music, dance and food. The city of Glenorchy has changed over time as each successive wave of migrants has left their stamp on the streetscape – English, Irish, Scottish, German, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Dutch, Indian, Ethiopian, Nepalese and Sudanese to name a few. All of these cultures and more were on display on Sunday at Benjafield Park.

Many Dominic families stopped by the Dominic tent in between enjoying the entertainment and the great food on offer. If you missed out this year be sure to put it into your diary for next year. The event provides the perfect conversation starter for you and your child on the benefits and importance of multiculturalism to Australia. One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them develop a strong sense of personal cultural identity while respecting the values of others.

Harmony in our multicultural society is so important that the Australian Curriculum mandates a general capability which focuses on each child’s development of intercultural understanding. Taking part in events like Moonah Taste of the World allows us as parents to model appreciation of other cultures.

This in turn will make for ‘community cohesion and ensure culturally dexterous ambassadors of Australia in the future.’ (Asian Education Foundation 2015) Not only that, it is also a great day out with wonderful food and terrific entertainment. We look forward to seeing you at Moonah Taste of the World 2020!

Mrs Sue Cunningham - Coordinator of Teaching & Learning 3-6