CDU celebrates multiculturalism at Harmony Day

Staff and students at Charles Darwin University have embraced cultural diversity at various celebrations held across the Northern Territory for Harmony Day.

More than 100 refugee and migrant students in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) shared their cultures through food and fashion at the Casuarina campus event.

Students from countries including China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo dressed in traditional garments and prepared traditional dishes for guests at the event.

AMEP Contract Manager Barbara Laurie said the annual event provided opportunities for students to come together and learn about various cultures while also sharing their own.

“It’s quite a spectacular event,” Ms Laurie said. “I doubt you would see anything like it anywhere else.”

AMEP students from Palmerston campus also attended the Casuarina campus event, while AMEP students in Alice Springs held their own celebration at the Alice Springs campus.

 “The students are proud to present their own culture and excited to learn about other cultures at this event,” she said.

“It is important to promote harmony, and that we are all living in the same country but are also a multicultural society.”

CDU international students also celebrated Harmony Day at Casuarina campus, as did staff and students based at CDU’s Palmerston campus, who prepared a cross-cultural feast for the day. Staff at Katherine Town Centre held a lunch to mark the occasion.

Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity with a focus on inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.