RCSWA Young Fellows Group exhibiting Bridge of Flags at Government House in Perth on Youth Harmony Day.
The modern Commonwealth was established in 1949 as an association of free and equal sovereign states which had been part of the British Empire but were now independent. It is an association of governments and peoples, built around shared language, institutions, challenges, aspirations and values. The Commonwealth works on a consensus model and membership is voluntary, predicated primarily on a country’s commitment to upholding shared values and principles, including the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Living in Harmony is a Commonwealth Government program that aims to build on Australia’s successful record of community harmony by emphasising our traditional values of justice, equality, fairness and friendship – and by making it clear that there is no place in Australia for racism and intolerance.
The annual Harmony Day is part of Living in Harmony and provides the opportunity for all Australians to reflect on and celebrate our cultural diversity. Harmony Day occurs on 21 March and coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Each State and Territory Government is invited to hold multicultural events that coincide with or culminate around Harmony Day. Community organisations across Australia are also invited to participate and Harmony Day messages are broadcast on radio stations across the country in the lead up to Harmony Day.
