Harmony Day on March 21 was celebrated in style, highlighting the spirited character of Sydney’s South West and bringing together community and school groups from across the southern and western corridors to showcase the flair of culture, dance, and tradition.
Councillor Khodr (Khal) Saleh, Deputy Mayor of the Canterbury-Bankstown Council and President of the Harmony Group, emphasised the spirit of the event, which has been hosted by Riverwood Community Centre, and part of the community’s annual celebrations, for nearly two decades.
“It’s hard work bringing different people and community groups together for one special event – there are so many people here to celebrate today; we are all one, and all VIPs,” shared Saleh.
The Harmony Day celebrations are known to bring a sense of unity to the neighbourhood. Pauline Gallagher OAM, one of the founding members of the Riverwood Community Centre, first brought her vision to life, uniting the bustling and diverse streets of Riverwood in one place – a home for many – to kick off one of the neighbourhood’s cherished celebrations, bringing all ages, talents, and traditions together.
Jihad Dib, State Member for Bankstown, Minister for Customer Service, Digital, and Emergency Services, and former principal at Punchbowl Boys High School, where the two performing groups, ‘Haka’ and ‘Zaffit,’ are from, praised the efforts of Riverwood Community Centre. He explained its importance in uniting the community, especially amid the rise of racial hatred across Sydney.
“Riverwood Community Centre is one of the best examples in the country of what happens when we care about each other, acknowledge, and love one another,” shared Dib. ‘I’m looking at this room, and we have people from different faiths, colours, and continents. This is our community (Canterbury-Bankstown) – this is who we are.”
Mark Coure, Member for Oatley in Sydney’s South and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs, Industry, and Innovation, echoed this sentiment while reflecting on the work of his predecessors, particularly Phillip Ruddock, who pioneered the celebration of Harmony Day.
This exclusive event has become a cornerstone for Australians to unite and celebrate their traditions proudly and without discrimination. In 1999, as Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Ruddock introduced the Living in Harmony initiative, which laid the foundation for what would grow into an annual celebration of unity. Every year on March 21, Australia celebrates Harmony Day – a day dedicated to embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the vibrant multicultural fabric of the nation.
The St George Police Command, proud supporters of the event, including delegates from the Multicultural and Crime Prevention Units, shared their ongoing support and commitment to the annual celebration, and work of the Riverwood Community Centre.
Superintendent Paul Dunstan remarked on the significance of the event for the community, which his command takes pride in participating in and showcasing to other areas. “Coming together is something we need right now, more than ever. It’s a challenging time. The different opinions, ideas, and cultures – this diversity – is what makes for a stronger, better country.”
Managers at the Riverwood Community Centre, Salma and Maha Taleb, ensured that traditions from different cultures within the Canterbury-Bankstown community were highlighted, with performances including a traditional Haka and Zaffit by Punchbowl Boys High School, an Indonesian folk dance by the Little Apple Group, Greek dancing featuring Australian-born Iliana, and a performance by the Riverwood Choir for the cultural lineup.
