Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. According to official statistics, almost one in four Australian residents were born outside of Australia and many more are first or second generation Australians, the children and grandchildren of recently arrived migrants and refugees.
Adapting to the arrival of citizens from all over the world, Australia advocates strongly for multicultural policies, encouraging citizens to support the mutual harmony and understanding amongst different cultures and ethnicities. As a result, the country marks March 21 as Harmony Day.
In Tasmania, the week of March 21 is known as Harmony Week; in different locations around Tasmania, various activities and celebrations are held to promote harmony and understanding.
Music is a collective language of human kind irrespective of nationality; within the city of Hobart, a free event is held at Elizabeth Mall to celebrate Harmony Day, showcasing music and dance entertainment by Australian citizens and students of various cultures.
Performances included those from regions of Bhutan, Nauru, Vietnam, Myanmar and Africa, to name a few. Tasmanian Chinese Buddhist Academy of Australia was honoured to once again be invited to perform the Vajra Lion Dance. The performance was thoroughly enjoyed and well-received by the audience, especially the younger generation.
Regardless of nationality, human and human are a non-connected entity; this is echoed in this year’s Harmony Day motto “Everybody Belongs”. As the Academy’s Elder Guru Vajra Long Sheng said in response to Southern Cross Television’s interview: “We promote harmony and celebrate Harmony Day”.
Later in the afternoon, Master Wang and a few members of the Academy also attended a reception hosted by the Premier of Tasmania Hon. Will Hodgman MP, celebrating cultural respect for everyone who calls Tasmania home.