This free, family friendly event will be held in conjunction with the weekly Farmers' Market. There will be multicultural food stalls, as well as kids' activities, school performances, cultural performances, face painting, henna art, hair braiding and a variety of other stalls. A community story telling tent with stories and songs from around the world will be happening throughout the day and the Association is interested in hearing from anyone who'd like to take part.

There will be a parade of nations as part of the day's events where everyone is invited to parade behind the flag of their country of origin. Traditional dress is encouraged to make the day as colourful as possible, or people can wear orange which traditionally is the colour that relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations, and a symbol of self-respect and respect of others.

If you're interested in having a stall, sharing a song or story in the story telling tent, or becoming a member of the Midwest Multicultural Association, please email us on admin@midwestmulticultural.org or join us on Facebook.

When is Harmony Day celebrated?

Harmony Day is celebrated throughout Australia on 21 March. It has become a significant day of the year when Australians are encouraged to celebrate the cultural diversity of our country. It is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

What is Harmony Day?

• Harmony Day is a day for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.
• Harmony Day is a community celebration. Since 1999, more than 60 000 Harmony Day events have been staged in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.
• Multiculturalism is in Australia’s national interest and speaks to fairness and inclusion – it enhances respect and support for cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
• Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. Multicultural Australia is an integral part of our nation’s history and character.

What colour represents the day?

• Orange has been the Harmony Day colour since the first day was held in 1999.
• Traditionally the colour orange relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations. It aids in the development of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be ourselves. At the same time it encourages self-respect and respect of others.