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Harmony Day 21st March 2015 is a day to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity. It is about respecting one another and creating a sense of belonging for everyone!
Despite just four weeks preparation here at Wollongong TAFE we always celebrate Harmony day with crowds of people from different cultures coming together for a feed, a dance, a smile and a sharing of the love.
Last Tuesday was no exception and an estimated 400 enthusiastic people joined in the celebration with everyone involved declaring this years Harmony Day to be the best one yet!
In a day overflowing with positive vibes, vibrant costumes and delicious food, smiles filled the atmosphere. All around the canteen people of different nationalities had tables arranged to present their varied cultures. All were proud of their heritage and were keen to share with others and encourage them to learn, touch and taste all that was special about their particular heritage.
There were tables where you could have your name written in Arabic, Vietnamese or Chinese, chopstick challenges, flag drawing and cultural handicraft lessons, to name a few activities on the day.
And in an inspiring day one of the things that stood out was seeing students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds coming together to work as a team. They offered assistance when not necessary, and were willing to help in every other way they possibly could to just make this day a day to remember.
While it was raining on the day, everyone felt as though the rain was a blessing, a blessing to bring everyone closer. Amanda Hall and her students put together a variety of food for everyone to enjoy. In a word it was 'sensational' - freshly baked rolls, bread with different and interesting spreads, tasty nachos, noodles boxes and wraps to name a few of the choices. And for those with "white bread taste" the Vegemite stand was extremely popular as it served up traditional 'Aussie' cuisine. For those who had never tried Vegemite before it was clearly a life changing experience!
'Life changing', it is one of the wonderful things that can be said about Harmony day, and there is nothing more life changing than hearing voices singing together. As Sheryl, one of the participants, said said, "If we can sing together, we can work together as a team."
Helping with this harmonious music was TAFE teacher Alfredo, who along with the help of his fellow band members upped the vibe to an awesome level. Their Latino beat was contagious and soon had a crowd of enthusiastic people all enjoying one another, dancing together. When they took a well earned break the hypnotic sounds and dance moves of the middle east filled the room.
Overall Harmony Day 2015 was extremely successful with staff and students not just willing to help, but also putting their heart and soul into this event. We belong here, you belong here. I believe everyday we should treat one another the way everyone treats each other on Harmony day. To live in harmony and peace is important to our well being and to life.
Despite just four weeks preparation here at Wollongong TAFE we always celebrate Harmony day with crowds of people from different cultures coming together for a feed, a dance, a smile and a sharing of the love.
Last Tuesday was no exception and an estimated 400 enthusiastic people joined in the celebration with everyone involved declaring this years Harmony Day to be the best one yet!
In a day overflowing with positive vibes, vibrant costumes and delicious food, smiles filled the atmosphere. All around the canteen people of different nationalities had tables arranged to present their varied cultures. All were proud of their heritage and were keen to share with others and encourage them to learn, touch and taste all that was special about their particular heritage.
There were tables where you could have your name written in Arabic, Vietnamese or Chinese, chopstick challenges, flag drawing and cultural handicraft lessons, to name a few activities on the day.
And in an inspiring day one of the things that stood out was seeing students from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds coming together to work as a team. They offered assistance when not necessary, and were willing to help in every other way they possibly could to just make this day a day to remember.
While it was raining on the day, everyone felt as though the rain was a blessing, a blessing to bring everyone closer. Amanda Hall and her students put together a variety of food for everyone to enjoy. In a word it was 'sensational' - freshly baked rolls, bread with different and interesting spreads, tasty nachos, noodles boxes and wraps to name a few of the choices. And for those with "white bread taste" the Vegemite stand was extremely popular as it served up traditional 'Aussie' cuisine. For those who had never tried Vegemite before it was clearly a life changing experience!
'Life changing', it is one of the wonderful things that can be said about Harmony day, and there is nothing more life changing than hearing voices singing together. As Sheryl, one of the participants, said said, "If we can sing together, we can work together as a team."
Helping with this harmonious music was TAFE teacher Alfredo, who along with the help of his fellow band members upped the vibe to an awesome level. Their Latino beat was contagious and soon had a crowd of enthusiastic people all enjoying one another, dancing together. When they took a well earned break the hypnotic sounds and dance moves of the middle east filled the room.
Overall Harmony Day 2015 was extremely successful with staff and students not just willing to help, but also putting their heart and soul into this event. We belong here, you belong here. I believe everyday we should treat one another the way everyone treats each other on Harmony day. To live in harmony and peace is important to our well being and to life.