Our People
31 March, 2025
Ararat comes together to celebrate Harmony Day
Ararat’s Harmony Day celebration exceeded all expectations last Saturday with over 200 people attending the event.
Ararat’s Harmony Day celebration exceeded all expectations last Saturday with over 200 people attending the event.
Organised by Ararat Rural City Council, Harmony Day is an opportunity to develop the vast and rich cultures within the municipality.
Harmony Day is an Australian Government program that centres on the message that “everyone belongs”, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness to all Australians.
People from dozens of different country gathered at the Gordon Street Reserve to celebrate Harmony Day, many dressed in traditional costume.
Cr Teli Kaur welcomed everyone to the event, saying people in Ararat are lucky to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community.
“We have all come together to celebrate Harmony Day - a day that filled with inclusiveness, respect, and a deep sense of belonging. Belonging brings us together, as a family, as a community, and as a nation. When people feel they belong, they flourish, they contribute, and they thrive,” Cr Kaur said.
“I count myself incredibly fortunate to have arrived here as a migrant 17 years ago. I love Australia, I love Ararat, and I cherish our incredible community,” she said.
Cr Kaur said Harmony Day was also a reminder of our shared responsibility to stand against racism, promote inclusion, and prevent discrimination.
“While discrimination still exists, we must take action to stop it. We must speak up and support one another, regardless of our backgrounds or linguistic differences,” she said.
A program of entertainment followed the opening address, including performances from the Indian, Fijian, Māori and Karan communities.
Afterwards, guests were treated to lunch featuring dishes from around the world.