About Harmony Day

Harmony Day is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year. It's a day when all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity. The day is also the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and gives people the opportunity to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and share what we have in common.

The continuing message for Harmony Day in 2012 is that Everyone Belongs, which means all Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. It's a time to reflect on where Australia has come from, recognising the traditional owners of this land. It's also about community participation, inclusiveness and respect – celebrating the different cultures that make Australia a great place to live.

DIAC supports a range of community events and activities held to celebrate Harmony Day by providing free promotional products.

Harmony Day began in 1999 and since then, a wide variety of groups including sports organisations, community groups, local, state and federal government agencies, schools and businesses have staged more than 25 000 Harmony Day events.

Over the years, Harmony Day has grown in popularity as Australians have made the day their own.

In 2012, we will celebrate the important role that sport plays in bringing together Australians from all walks of life to share in a common passion with the message Sport — play, engage, inspire. The aim is to encourage everyone, regardless of background, to participate in a sporting activity, increase understanding and to be inspired or inspire others.
See: Harmony Day Fact Sheet ( 98KB PDF file)

Senator Kate Lundy talks about Harmony Day

Senator Kate Lundy, the Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, speaks about Harmony Day and how Australians must continue to work together to encourage participation, inclusiveness and respect for all community members.

Senator Lundy encourages all Australians to celebrate our cultural diversity this Harmony Day on 21 March.

A transcript of the message is available.
See: Harmony Day message transcript

Harmony Day funding

There is no funding available for Harmony Day events.

However, we do support Harmony Day by providing free promotional products when you register your event.
See: Register Your Event and Order Products

Harmony Day 2012 community service announcements

The Harmony Day 2012 television community service announcement features four well known Australian sportspeople who encourage all Australians to celebrate our differences and recognise what unites us as Australians. These will be released on 3 February. On 21 March wear orange, the Harmony Day colour, as a reminder that ‘everyone belongs’.

A transcript of the announcement is available.
See: Harmony Day announcement transcript

You can also view the 2011 community service announcement on the ImmiTV YouTube channel.
See: ImmiTV