harmony day Archives

2010 Changeover Evening for the Rotary Club of Ringwood

Posted on 25 June 2010 by alex

The Rotary Club of Ringwood is one of two Rotary Clubs based in Maroondah and this evening I attended the Club’s Changeover Dinner. I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Ringwood since 2008 and each year Rotary Clubs hold a changeover event to commemorate the appointment of the new Club President.

The Changeover Dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the activities of the past year, including the involvement of the Club in supporting Maroondah’s emerging communities. The Rotary Club of Ringwood assisted with Harmony Day and the launch of Refugee Week, as well as supporting other events throughout the year. These community events demonstrates the Club’s commitment Service Above Self, which is a foundation principle of Rotary.

For further information on the Rotary Club of Ringwood please visit www.ringwoodrotary.org.au.

Delegates’ Report: Annual General Meetings, Promoting Harmony and Recognising Achievements

Posted on 22 March 2010 by alex

February and March have both been busy months with the opening of new facilities, annual general meetings and awards.

On the 19th of February I had the pleasure of opening the revamped Keystone Hall, located in Croydon. The project, which received Council and Federal funding, is a multi-purpose facility that houses several groups, including Croydon Little Athletics and the Croydon U3A. The facility includes accessibility improvements, as well as sustainability initiatives, through the installation of water tanks.

On the 4th of March, the City of Maroondah was officially presented an Award for achieving the Highest Level of Community Engagement during Walktober. Walktober is an event held each October, whereby Councils, community groups and organisations are encouraged to organise walks to promote sustainable transport and community wellbeing.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Maroondah’s Leisure Services Department for working collaboratively with community groups and registering 55 walks during Walktober.

Further details will be presented during tonight’s agenda.

On the 9th of March I had the pleasure of opening Maroondah City Council’s International Women’s Day Breakfast. 2010 marks the Centenary of the Girl Guides and we had the privilege of hearing from two speakers from Girl Guides Victoria, including local Guide leader Billee Henry who spoke passionately about the organisation and the opportunities to provides its members.

On the 16th of March I had the honour of opening the Lighthouse Foundation’s Home for Mums and Bubs in Heathmont. The Home will provide a home for two homeless young mothers and their babies, providing a nurturing environment, combined with holistic support, counselling and education. I look forward to welcoming the residents of the home into the Maroondah community.

On the 17th of March I assisted in the preparations of the Ride2School program at Croydon West Primary. Ride2School is a program that aims to encourage walking and cycling and it was great to see so many students participating in the program.

The 18th of March saw the coming together of many organisations, including Maroondah Council, Eastern Regional Libraries, Centrelink, Department of Justice, Maroondah Police and Mission Australia to hold a festival marking Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day.

The event was held at the front of the Ringwood Library and saw the space come alive with songs, dance, story telling and face painting. Many members of our community participated in the festivities and it was fantastic to demonstrate the key message of Harmony Day, by showing that Everyone Belongs in Maroondah.

Lastly, on the 16th of March I attended the Central Ringwood Community Centre’s Annual General Meeting and the Annual General Meeting of Yarrunga Community Centre on the 17th. Both Community Centres, are overseen by a voluntary committee of management and it is great to see that they are both continuing to meet the needs of the wider community, through social groups, adult education and child services.

2010 Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day

Posted on 18 March 2010 by alex

Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to recognise multicultural ism and to promote inclusiveness within our community. Harmony Day marks the final day of Cultural Diversity Week with its message of Everyone Belongs.

Alex with members of the Sudanese community during the Harmony Day Festivities at the Ringwood Library

Throughout the day Centrelink, Eastern Regional Libraries, Maroondah City Council, Department of Justice, Mission Australia, Migrant Information Centre and Ringwood Police organised a Festival outside the Ringwood Library to promote Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week.

The theme for this year’s Harmony Day is Express Yourself and the festivities included face painting, music, dance and story telling. It was great to see such a strong interest in the event and the participation of many members of our community.

Alex with an organiser of the Harmony Day Festivities

I was invited to officially launch the event and the opening speech is included below:

Continue reading “2010 Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day”

Media Release: Everyone Belongs

Posted on 10 March 2010 by alex

Harmony Day, held each year on 21 March, provides a unique occasion for schools, community groups and organisations to celebrate our cultural diversity and show that everyone belongs.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Alex Makin said Maroondah City Council has joined together with Eastern Regional Libraries, Mission Australia, Centrelink and the Department of Justice to provide a program of events at Ringwood Library on Thursday 18 March to celebrate Harmony Day.

“I invite the Maroondah community to come along to the Ringwood Library and take part in the range of activities that have been organised by the working party,” said Cr Makin.

“Children will be able to enjoy story-time, while everyone will enjoy the dancing and entertainment provided by members of the Sudanese, Chin and Karen communities,” said Cr Makin.

“There will also be an information expo in the Ringwood Room of the library, with representatives from Council, Centrelink, Mission Australia and the Department of Justice available to answer questions and offer a range of information and advice,” said Cr Makin.

Harmony Day, along with Cultural Diversity Week, will be celebrated at Ringwood Library on Thursday 18 March from 11am to 5pm.

For further information and a schedule of activities visit Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au or Ringwood Library at www.erl.vic.gov.au

About Harmony Day

Managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity.

The continuing message of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’. It’s about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The 2010 theme is ‘Express yourself’, through action, performance, fashion and food.

Since Harmony Day began in 1999, thousands of schools, community groups and organisations across Australia have celebrated Harmony Day in a range of different activities and events.