Today marks the start of Harmony Week 2023, celebrating the ACT’s diversity and bringing together Australians from different backgrounds, and Canberra has been named an ‘Advanced’ Welcoming City.

Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said: “The rich diversity of our city is part of what makes Canberra a great place to call home. Harmony Week provides an opportunity to not only celebrate Canberra’s cultural diversity, but to reflect on the efforts being made across government and community to ensure Canberra is a welcoming and inclusive city for everyone.”

Since 2021, Canberra has held an ‘Established’ level of accreditation with the Welcoming Cities Network. The Welcoming Cities Network is a national network of cities, shires, towns, and municipalities that are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate.

• Canberra is fourth ‘Established’ Welcoming City (5 November 2021)

Welcoming Australia has provisionally approved Canberra’s elevation to the ‘Advanced’ level of accreditation.

“Canberra is one of only 38 locations across the globe with this level of accreditation,” Ms Cheyne said. “This is a testament to those in our community who work hard to make this a welcoming and inclusive city for all.”

Under the 10^th Parliamentary and Governing Agreement, the ACT government committed to “working towards attaining the ‘advanced’ level in the Welcoming Cities standard”.

Multicultural grants

Through this year’s Participation Multicultural Grants Program, the ACT government has funded more than 50 community organisations for projects, programs, and events throughout the year that build social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging, Ms Cheyne announced.

SiTara’s Story, a women’s charity, received a grant for their ‘Break The Barrier’ program, which raises awareness about mental health issues among young people from multicultural communities to minimise the intergenerational gap.

Dr Shumaruh Mizra, co-founder of SiTara’s Story and ACT Local Hero, said: “This funding will help to start the much-needed conversation across generations within multicultural communities in the ACT. The conversation is vital because such families often face ‘intergenerational’ conflicts that emerge through the process of migration, and which largely result from differing cultural norms in the country of origin and country of resettlement. We believe our intergenerational future should be based on cooperation, not conflict.”

Multiculturalism Act

The new Multiculturalism Act 2023 reflects the ACT government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ms Cheyne said. The Act will enshrine in law a new Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism.

• ACT passes Multiculturalism Bill (9 February)

The government seeks the community’s views on the Terms of Reference for the Council. To get involved or apply to be a member of the Council when nominations open in May, visit the YourSay website.

Harmony Week is being celebrated from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 March. This includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination tomorrow, Tuesday 21 March. To find out more about Harmony Week, visit www.harmony.gov.au.