- Harmony Week 2023 runs from 15-23 March
- McGowan Government supports 23 Harmony Week events across the State
- WA Multicultural Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations who have contributed to multiculturalism in Western Australia
Harmony Week kicks off today with a reminder for everyone to experience, explore and appreciate Western Australia's wealth of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti encouraged Western Australians to get involved and take advantage of this special week - which runs from 15-23 March - by supporting 23 community events happening across the State.
There are family-friendly activities occurring from Albany to Broome including an Italian bocce and pizza-making day, a multicultural volleyball festival, community street festivals and much more. Events are also being held by local governments and schools across the State.
Harmony Week also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary work and contributions made in our local communities by Western Australians - both individuals and associations - from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds.
To launch Harmony Week, the Western Australian Multicultural Awards 2023 were presented at a gala ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton on Tuesday 14 March.
The awards acknowledged 14 individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism and CaLD communities throughout the State.
The Western Australian Multicultural Awards 2023 winners are:?
- Outstanding Individual Achievement Award: Mr Surya Ambati?
- Youth Award: Mr Lueth Dengdit
- Arts Award: Mr Mararo Wangai
- Sportsperson of the Year Award: Ms Sunday Aryang?
- Community Organisation Awards:
- CaLD: Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD)
- General: Auspire?- Australia Day Council WA
- Local Government Award: City of Canning
- Public Sector Award: Department of Health - Cancer Network
- Premier's Community Response and Recovery Award: Organisation of African Communities in WA
- Sir Ronald Wilson Leadership Award
- Mrs Asha Bhat OAM
- Mr Danny McEvoy
- Laksiri Jayasuriya Lifetime Community Service Award: Mr Enzo Sirna?AM
- Minister's Awards for Distinguished Service
- Mrs Constance and Mr Keith Allmark
- Mr Salim Youssef.
For more information about Harmony Week, and to find events happening near you, visit http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Western Australia's cultural diversity drives innovation, inspires creativity, and reinforces our connections with the rest of the world.
"Harmony Week is a special time to acknowledge the extraordinary work by the many culturally diverse communities that call WA home and to enjoy the incredible contributions they make that enrich our lives.
"The McGowan Government values cultural and linguistic diversity and is committed to enhancing and celebrating it.
"Harmony Week provides the opportunity to reflect on and experience the significant benefits that multiculturalism brings to our society.
"It is also an opportunity to consider the impact of racism and discrimination and what we can do, individually and collectively, to rectify this.
"I commend all the individuals and organisations who have been recognised in the Western Australian Multicultural Awards for their outstanding work to support multiculturalism in this State."
Minister's office - 6552 6400
