Senator Bilyk encourages Tasmanians to celebrate Harmony Day

Senator for Tasmania, Catryna Bilyk, encouraged Tasmanians to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity on Harmony Day, 21 March.

“Almost one in three Tasmanians were either born overseas or have a parent who was,” Senator Bilyk said.

“Many others have migrant ancestry. For example my great grandfather came from India and my husband is of Ukrainian descent.”

“I often attend celebrations of the Filipino, Italian, Ukrainian and Chinese communities, to name a few. It is great to see Australia’s multiculturalism on display not just as these special events, but in our day-to-day lives.”

Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“Australia should be proud of our cultural diversity,” Senator Bilyk said. “Racism and racial discrimination have no place in Australia, and it’s important that we speak up and call out racism wherever we see it.”

Senator Bilyk said that Tasmanians could celebrate Harmony Day by wearing something orange, or wearing an orange Harmony Day ribbon.

“You can also participate in one of the Harmony Day events happening across Tasmania, which are listed on the Harmony Day website.”

Further information is available at www.harmonyday.gov.au
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK SENATOR FOR TASMANIA