Harmony Week Across Respect: Cross-cultural Fun and Festivities Unite Our Communities

Taking place in March each year, Harmony Week is an opportunity to come together and pay tribute to the diversity and inclusion we are fortunate to enjoy as Australians. And naturally, our communities love to get involved and lead the celebrations! 

For our local homes and services, the week is a chance to recognise all the wonderful cultures and backgrounds that make up our people – including staff members, volunteers, supporters, residents and clients.  

Whether it’s through special activities and festivities – or by connecting with each other and sharing our stories – we know that by embracing diverse cultures, we open the door to new experiences. This helps deepen our understanding of one another and create an environment where everyone feels valued and connected.

This year, several of our homes were lucky enough to welcome visitors from their local communities, who helped make Harmony Day so memorable for our residents.

At St Ann’s in Hobart, Tasmania, members of the local Chinese Buddhist community performed a Holy Lion Dance, which is believed to usher in peace and good health. Residents and staff eagerly joined in on the rituals where they could, with some loving the opportunity to get involved with the traditional eye dotting ceremony. 

Across the state, our Tyler Village community in Prospect Vale excitedly said hello to local Nikki, who created beautiful henna tattoos for residents and staff to proudly show off! While everyone was getting inked up, they enjoyed music, dance performances, and delicious food from across the globe.

At Cooinda in Lithgow, New South Wales – residents and staff explored cultures through creativity and movement. They immersed themselves in traditional artforms, including Aboriginal dot paintings, played soccer (one of Vietnam’s most popular sports), and engaged in some gentle exercise to Filipino music. A big shout-out to the home’s staff too, who joined in on the fun – dressing in bright colours and performing some Bollywood dancing! 

Across Respect’s 27 homes, social care teams curate a wide range of regular events and activities to inspire participation, promote inclusion, and give residents an opportunity to stay connected with each other, as well as the community, in a fun and positive way. To keep across everything taking place at our homes—and more—check out our Facebook page.