Bob Kucera

Bob Kucera

Former Minister for Disability Services; Sport and Recreation; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests; Seniors

    Harmony Week begins

    14/03/2005 12:00 AM
     
    14/3/05

    Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Bob Kucera said that cultural diversity was one of the things that made Western Australia such a special place to live.

    Launching Harmony Week today, Mr Kucera said “Harmony Week is not just a celebration of our State’s diversity, it is also a time to remind ourselves we must take a stand against racism and discrimination where it still exists.”

    “This year’s theme, ‘Shared Rights, Diverse Cultures’, reflects the fact that while Western Australians come from many different backgrounds, we still all have the same rights and responsibilities, to participate in our communities and make WA a better place to live.

    “The Gallop Government is committed to making sure all Western Australians are treated fairly and without discrimination.”

    Mr Kucera, sworn in as the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests last week, said he was keen to continue working with local communities to identify and remove any barriers that might prevent people from fulfilling their potential or engaging with others.

    Western Australia holds Harmony Week in the lead up to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, on March 21. The anniversary remembers the Sharpeville Massacre of 69 people demonstrating against apartheid in South Africa in 1960.

    Mr Kucera encouraged all Western Australians to get involved in the events of Harmony Week.

    What’s On During Harmony Week
    • Harmony Week Hypothetical - Sticks and Stones may break my bones…(but words will never hurt me): Tuesday, March 15, 7pm, Maritime Museum, Fremantle.
      Speakers include Margaret Quirk MLA, Rob Johnson MLA, Patti Chong (General Council), Suresh Rajan (President, Ethnic Communities Council), Gavin Simpson (Sub-Editor and Religion Writer, The West Australian), Colleen Hayward (Manager, Kulunga Aboriginal Health Unit) and Monica Main (actor), look set to provide lively debate led by Tom Percy QC;

    • The Multicultural Ambassador and Community Service Awards: Friday, March 18, 7pm, Acacia Hotel, Northbridge.

      The awards, which recognise the work of Western Australians in promoting multiculturalism in our community, will be presented by Bob Kucera, the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests;

    • Vice Chancellors’ Oration: Monday, March 21, 7pm, Winthrop Hall, University of Western Australia, Crawley.

      The Hon Sir William Deane will deliver the 2005 Oration, which is held each year to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. Sir William will talk on the theme, ‘Australia’s Multiculturalism: Time for Assessment and Renewal’; and

    • Primary and Secondary Schools Conventions: Monday, March 21, 3pm, Constitutional Centre of WA, West Perth.

      School students to present the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Bob Kucera, with a Communique on Human Rights for young Western Australians.

    Full event details are available at the Harmony Week website -http://www.omi.wa.gov.au or from the Office of Multicultural Interests (9222 8800).

    Minister's office: 9213 7000