The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) is encouraging people and organisations in Australia to observe and refer to the 21st of March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
In 1998, the Howard Government declared the 21st of March as ‘Harmony Day’, making Australia the only country in the world that refers to this day differently from other nations.
Harmony Day is celebrated annually on 21 March in Australia. Harmony Day began in 1999, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This year, Shepparton’s Harmony Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 20 March 2021, at African House, Poplar Road, Shepparton from 12:00pm with lunch and guest speakers. All are welcome.
Guest speakers include Chin Tan, Race Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission; Dr Judy Tang, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ali al-Battat, coordinator of Youth of Colour and Culture Program, and Paul Briggs, Executive Chair of the Kaiela Institute.
A free morning tea to celebrate Shepparton’s diverse community will be held at SPC Ardmona KidsTown next week.