City’s Harmony Day is a picnic in the park

IDON’T recall the introduction of “Harmony Day” but in 1998 Prime Minister John Howard commissioned research which he hoped would recommend the promotion of a singular and unifying notion of “Australian-ness” within a multicultural policy.

Although there was a sprinkling of non-Indigenous and non-British people from the outset of modern Australia, it wasn’t until after World War II that tasteless descriptives like “wog” and “dago” popped up as immigration numbers soared.

Prior to that, Australian communities had small numbers of good people from places like Lebanon, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy and China, to name a few.

Those tasteless descriptives morphed into a generic term, “ethnics,” then disappeared altogether as Australia became the most multicultural nation in the world.

Harmony Day, always celebrated on March 21, grew and became a cherished celebration in our calendar.

Toowoomba is referred to as the “Garden City” but more and more it’s recognised as a “Refugee Welcoming Zone” because it has a heart as big as Texas when it comes to resettling people from less advantaged places across the globe where hunger, conflict, oppression and even genocide are rife.

I seem to attract these people about me, must be my well-worn face, and I get on fabulously with many gorgeous new citizens like Eakraj Adhikari, Prince Lo (who even became a paid-up member of the mighty Western Clydesdales!), Gitie House, KC Yubee, Nora Villegas Kennedy and Francis Xavier.

Most of these friends will gather at Picnic Point on Saturday, March 25 from 11am to 2pm to celebrate with a Harmony Day Picnic organised by the Toowoomba International Multicultural Society, or “TIMS.”

The program includes a traditional Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, inspirational guest speakers, celebrity MCs and contrasting performers.

The event will feature activities and entertainment, from various groups, showcasing our rich tapestry of cultures, recognising the contribution from First Nations people and newly arrived refugees and migrants who have, thankfully, made Toowoomba home.

This will also be an opportunity to welcome new arrivals and visitors from the countless countries who contribute to the story of our regional city.

There will be food demonstrations, featuring culinary delights from around the world, showcasing simple and healthy recipes as featured in the Toowoomba Recipe Book.

Visitors will be treated to more than 15 performances from local community groups from diverse backgrounds, including people living with a disability.

The event is free and includes food and beverage outlets, art workshops, face painting, Henna designs (tattoos you can wash off!) and information from a range of organisations.

There’ll be colour and movement as not seen before.

Saturday, March 25th it is, 11am to 2pm – see you there!